How exciting! You and your partner have made it official and declared you want to spend the rest of your life with each other. Now it’s time to get into the spirit of planning your big day and choose the perfect wedding venue.

Of course, there are many small details that don’t require your immediate attention. However, your wedding venue is too important to be left until the last minute. After all, you will need somewhere to celebrate your special day with those you love most (or at least tolerate).

If you’ve found yourself in a wedding planning rut, don’t worry. To help you out, we’re sharing our top tips on how to choose the perfect wedding venue.

How to find the perfect wedding venue

The venue is one of the most important parts of your big day and will drive many of your wedding planning decisions later down the line. Here’s how to choose the perfect wedding venue.

Think about your non-negotiables

Let’s face it, getting married is a pretty big deal for most people. So understandably, there will be a few things you’re not willing to compromise on – be it the catering, the date, or even the location of the venue.

No one wants a wedding venue that doesn’t live up to their expectations. Although it may be difficult to find a wedding venue that ticks all the boxes, it should at least meet your top priorities.

Before you start looking at venues, it’s wise to sit down and make a list of your non-negotiables. Perhaps you need somewhere that has rooms on site for your nearest and dearest to stay in. Perhaps you have always dreamt of a rural location in the heart of the countryside. Separate your requirements into ‘must-have’ and ‘nice-to-have’ before you begin viewing any potential venues.

Crunch the numbers

Arguably, the most important part of choosing a wedding venue is setting a budget. The last thing you want is to fall in love with a venue only to discover that it’s out of your price range.

Once your heart is set on a particular venue, every other venue you view afterwards will likely pale in comparison. You shouldn’t have to squeeze your pocket to get your fairytale wedding. To avoid unnecessary heartache, it’s sensible to filter your search according to your budget.

Equally, it’s important to establish additional details, such as whether you want canapés served for the time in between the ceremony and wedding breakfast. Depending on the timings, canapés may be the first thing your guests get to eat before the reception. So, all the more reason to pamper your guests and treat them to something delicious.

Similarly, discuss the option of you and your guests staying the night. If your guests are travelling from out of town (or even just a short distance), you’ll need to make sure they have a comfortable and convenient place to rest their heads once the celebrations are over.

At Colwick Hall, we have a variety of luxury suites available for you to reserve for you and your guests. We’ll do all the hard work for you so you don’t have to worry about playing travel agent. That way, you can focus on the other important details of your big day.

Stay true to your style

What matters most is that your wedding is infused with both your personalities. The venue you choose should be a reflection of who you are as a couple. If you are a laidback couple planning a relaxed wedding day, perhaps a large stately home isn’t the right choice for you. Maybe you want a day of grandeur and luxury, in which case a stately home could be perfect. Remember, the venue will set the tone of your wedding and the celebrations that follow.

After nearly two years of no weddings, rescheduled weddings and downsized weddings, pretty much anything goes regarding the size and spirit of your celebration. We’re sure many of you are fizzing with excitement and can’t wait to see your plans come to fruition. However, the next big question you may want to ask yourself is do I want a traditional or a modern wedding?

If you’re planning a modern wedding, think minimalism and pared-down decor. Does that sound like a bit of you? In such cases, you may want to consider looking at a clean, open space, such as an art gallery or sleek hotel. If you really want to push the boundaries, an industrial warehouse or loft could provide the perfect space to throw one seriously spectacular wedding bash that your friends and family will talk about for years to come.

On the flip side, going traditional can help you continue a rich history within your family and make your big day feel like something out of a storybook. With this in mind, consider hosting your nuptials at a stately manor or historic building like Colwick Hall. Take the Grand Ballroom for example – the hand-painted ceiling will wow your guests and provide the perfect opportunity to play into your vintage-loving side.

Know your capacity

In a perfect world, every person that’s shaped who you are as a couple – in one way or another – would be able to watch you tie the knot. However, every venue has a capacity. So, it’s a good idea to make a list of the people you can’t imagine not being there on your big day.

Also, you need to think about plus ones, children or any distant relatives that may require an invite. The sound of wedding bells can really bring people together – even those you’ve perhaps lost touch with. Think long and hard about what your guest list will look like. Once you’ve got a (rough) headcount, then you can start looking at venues seriously.

Choose the right-sized venue

Marques are perfect for couples looking to throw a huge party. Though, if you’re planning a more intimate wedding, it’s best to choose a smaller space.

A venue that’s too big for you and your wedding party will leak the atmosphere – unless you can find a way to fill the space, that is. Mixing it up with seating or opting for tall centrepieces can totally transform a large space and make it feel more intimate.

Colwick Hall – the perfect wedding venue

We hope you find these tips on how to choose the perfect wedding venue useful. Whilst you’re in the process of planning, why not take a look at our wedding brochure. Colwick Hall is one of Nottingham’s leading wedding venues and we work closely with our brides and grooms to make sure they get the wedding they have always dreamed of!

Head here to take a 3D virtual tour of our venue or get in touch with us today and see why we’re specialists when it comes to helping you prepare for your big day.