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Wedding Settings

First things first, you must decide whether you want to marry in a church, registry office or have a civil ceremony. Where you choose to say your vows is a very personal decision between you and your partner. Many couples still choose a traditional church service, with Saturdays throughout the summer months being the most popular days. Bear this in mind when thinking of your wedding date. A church booking should usually be made at least 12 months in advance to avoid disappointment!

Registry weddings do not need to be booked so early. However, the sooner you book your venue the sooner you can start organising your flowers, cake and cars. Civil ceremonies held at venues such as hotels or stately homes have become increasingly popular, because not only can you legally marry at many of these locations, but the reception and evening party can be held there too.

Your choice of venue could be determined by many factors including; any theme your wedding may have, the time of year, your budget, the number of guests, or even special sentimental reasons. However, the reception is often the most expensive item in your wedding budget, so you will need to work out your finances early on.

Popular venues include hotels, stately homes and castles, restaurants and more recently, marquees, which are perfect for receptions at home or, if your chosen venue has limited indoor space. Most hotels will offer a ‘wedding package’, which includes food, drinks, decorations, master of ceremonies, an evening disco and also a room for the bride and groom to freshen up in. In addition, many will offer discount prices on their rooms for you and your guests.

If you’re looking for a venue that’s really got the wow factor for your wedding day, we’re extremely lucky to have a wide selection of breathtaking stately homes dotted around the Worcestershire and Warwickshire countryside. With each offering magnificent architecture, lavish interiors and spectacular gardens, it’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting for your wedding.

Searching for the right venue will probably be the most time consuming factor in your wedding planning, so it may be a good idea to search via the Internet first, just to find out what is around and see which ones you like the look of most. Once you’ve drawn up a short list, take the time to drive out and visit the venues for a closer inspection.

One of the main advantages of holding your wedding at a stately home nowadays is that since 1994, many are now authorised to legally marry you there. Plus, acres of spectacular gardens and grounds will provide stunning backdrops to your wedding photos. And, if the weather lets you down, luxuriously decorated halls and rooms will still capture the essence of the day perfectly in indoor shots.

Many couples believe the costs of hiring such grand venues are too expensive for their budget, but this isn’t necessarily so. Prices can fluctuate greatly between venues and the changing seasons. Your quote may also vary depending on how much of the venue you are looking to hire during the day.

Many couples find that it is not hiring the venue itself, but catering that tends to be why some weddings become so expensive. The majority of venues will provide clear menus with a set price per head, which is useful in comparing comparative options. However, while some venues can seem rather pricey, it does help to consider that the price quoted not only includes the food but also staffing, use of crockery / cutlery, table linen and some decorations. However, if you find that costs are spiraling out of control you may consider a more cost-effective option such as a buffet, a hog roast or even a BBQ. Your wedding day is one of the most important and memorable days of your life. It should be enjoyed and leave you and your guests with some really happy memories. Your venue is where the majority of your wedding day will be spent once the ceremony is over, so finding a place which has meaning and suits you and your partners’ personalities can be difficult. Unlike many other venues, marquees offer individuality to every couple. Size and shape is flexible and there can be a great range of styles, depending on which company you go with. In fact, marquees are really just a shell in which you as a couple can fill with your own style and personality. A marquee also gives you complete control over your big day as you won’t be restricted to a certain choice of menu or DJ.

One of the best things about a marquee is that they can be erected just about anywhere, in any season. Be it a garden, hotel ground or even inside another building, such as a sports hall. The temperature outside should never be a problem as heaters can be brought into the marquee and powered by an outdoor generator.Once you have decided a marquee venue is the way forward for you, you need to think about size and layout. Choosing the right design and layout is very important when considering a marquee. Too much space in the marquee will create a lack of intimacy and atmosphere. Your marquee company should base size and layout around what you as a couple want, the number of guests and whether a disco and bar is to be included.

Now here come all those difficult details: décor, furniture, lighting, heating, toilets and catering. Yes, there is a lot to think about when organising a marquee reception, and no one could blame you if you’re starting to think ‘It’s all too much’! But, most companies either supply all these or at least have hire companies they use to arrange all the technical details. All you have to do is pick ‘n’ choose which you would like from their range.

A marquee venue really can offer you the most personal wedding you could ask for, with everything still taken care of by the professionals. However, if you’re holding your wedding reception in a marquee or hiring out an independent venue such as a hall, then you may have to find your own caterer.

The trick is to plan early as many caterers get booked up to a year in advance (especially during summer months). So phone around and get some quotes coming in. You will probably have a budget to stick to, so let the catering company know this from the outset, as you don’t want to be tempted by fillet mignon or beluga caviar if you really can’t afford it!

You should also remember that not everyone has the same palate. Some of your guests could have allergies or intolerances to certain foods, some may be diabetic or vegetarian. The easiest way to solve this problem is to perhaps enclose a form in each of your guests’ invitations, asking them to inform you of any food requirements somewhere on / in with your invitations!

Once you have found a catering company with a menu you like at a price your budget can stretch to, make sure you’re clear with your caterer as to whether:

1 They supply glasses, plates and silverware, if so, are there any additional charges? 2 Can they handle rental equipment such as tables and chairs? 3 How much time will they need to set up? 4 Do they handle all the cleaning up after the event? 5 Can they provide drinks and will their waiting staff serve these?

It is always wise to draw up a written contract with your caterer so everything is clear to both parties about what you are paying for, including refund or cancellation policies. If anything goes wrong you will be relieved you have that signed piece of paper to fall back on!

Finally, check that any venue you choose is suitable for small children or wheelchair users who will be attending.

Once the venue has been arranged and booked then you can really start to plan the wedding of your dreams!