Top 10 tips on how to choose a wedding venue

It’s time to start wedding planning… but I’m often asked by my wedding couples: ‘How do we choose a wedding venue and what should we be asking during a venue showround or a wedding showcase?’

I’m Alison Garlick and I’ve been the wedding co-ordinator at Goldsborough Hall for over seven years. Here’s my top 10 tips on what to ask BEFORE you book your wedding venue.

1. Take your time

Have a good look round and don’t be rushed. Check out the rooms for layout and décor. How many can the venue accommodate during the day and in the evening? Is it in the style that you’re looking for? Do they have a civil ceremony licence or is there a church nearby that you could use. Are the staff helpful and polite? Does it have beautiful locations for photo ops inside and out?

All these are important questions, so take your time to find out the answers!

2. Sample everything

Use the chance to try out the canapés for quality and presentation – do they have in-house catering or external caterers. What about a complimentary menu tasting and can they cater for dietary requirements? Try out the house wine if it’s on offer and check out any drinks displays to see the types of drinks that this venue can offer. I’m thinking for summer Pimms, prosecco, bellinis, or for winter Pimms and mulled wine. See what their bar prices are.

3. Snoop the bedrooms

It’s essential to see what accommodation the venue has, especially the bridal suite! For example here, our bridal suite comes with a sunken bath with glorious views over the parkland as well as an 8ft four-poster bed… If the venue has a limited amount of bedrooms, find out if there is any further accommodation nearby.

4. Write it down/take a pic

It’s a good idea to take a notebook and pen to jot down any contact information, ideas for layout, decorations and floral arrangements or make notes on your phone. Take pics if you are allowed to. And ask questions - the wedding co-ordinators are there to help you.

5. Talk to other couples

Others couples are going through the same process as you. Many will be local so that you can swap notes. Perhaps they’ve stumbled across a great florist or musician and you may have found a fabulous cake maker.

6. Suppliers know their stuff

If you are at a wedding fair, make sure you talk to the all suppliers. Are they people you’d like to work with - especially important with photographers and florists. Chat to the musicians – as they will have been at the venue many times for weddings. They will be able to give you an idea of what sort of things they play at the venue and where. Some venues restrict you to use only suppliers who are paying them commission, while others can recommend suppliers who they know have worked well at the venue, make sure you find out which it is.

7. Wedding transport

Wedding couples might be having civil ceremonies, church, registry office or arriving from elsewhere. Some wedding open afternoons/showcases have wedding cars out front. Don’t forget to take a look. Things to remember – your wedding car should be a dark colour you and your partner stand out in the photographs. We work with our partner Yorkshire Wedding Cars which has a lovely two-tone Rolls Royce Phantom as well as a gorgeous old Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. Don’t forget that your partner may have got ready at another location so they might need something fancy to arrive in. Guests who have stayed elsewhere the night before are often literally ‘bussed’ in on fabulous red London buses. The choice is yours!

8. Diary it

Bring your diary (or handy smartphone) with you to sort out meetings with suppliers and to check those all important dates off.

9. Friends and parents can help

Bring your friends along or your parents to help them feel involved and also give you a chance to bounce ideas back and forth – though don’t forget it is YOUR day…

and finally

10. Is the venue free on the date I want?

If you have fallen in love with the venue, ensure that they are free on the date you’re thinking off. Bear in mind that summer months are usually very busy for wedding venues so you will need to establish availability. However, if you are flexible there are plenty of opportunities in so-called off season months that might be cheaper too. Worth having that chat!

 Good luck!

Down to the nitty-gritty

Before you end your day at the venue, here are a few further questions you might like to ask:-

• how much is the initial deposit and when is the final amount due?

• what is the cancellation policy?

• are there any restrictions for example on confetti or fireworks?

• are there any extras not included in the package?

A couple of words about our venue:-

Our 17th-century wedding venue is situated in the picturesque village of Goldsborough, near Harrogate. Its 400-year history is impressive and during the 1920s it hosted Kings and Queens when HRH Princess Mary, the Queen’s aunt lived here and used it as her home to raise her family. The Hall has the most elegant state rooms, glorious Orangery and stunning dining room offering 3 AA rosette fine dining along with 16 beautifully appointed bedrooms for guests offering the highest rated accommodation in Yorkshire with 5 AA gold stars.

For your wedding you have exclusive private use of the Hall and grounds and we hold a civil ceremony licence or there is a beautiful 13th century Church of England church next door. Fabulous 12-acre grounds with a woodland walk to the gazebo and Princess Mary’s stone bench as well as a huge glasshouse in the kitchen garden.

If you’re ready to take the next step, call me, Alison, for a private show round on 01423 867321 or email me at weddings@goldsboroughhall.com.