Grand designs
Grand designs
Got big ideas about where you want to hold you wedding reception? You’ll be spoilt for choice...
The number of people you want at your reception may well dictate your choice of venue – or vice versa! It is usual for everyone who has been invited to the wedding ceremony to be asked to the reception.
If only a small number of guests can attend the ceremony due to lack of space, or you want a very private ceremony, then additional guests can be invited to the reception afterwards.
For 100 guests or more, consider rooms designed specifically for holding receptions, as they will have all the facilities you need. Most reception venues will quote you a cost per head for food and drink, plus a hire charge for the venue (or hire of a marquee) plus the cost of any entertainment, a toastmaster, cake stand etc.
In your initial consultation with a venue, get a full list of all the possible costs and charges. Decide roughly what your budget is and your ideal head count and then the venue price range will become clear.
Once you've got a particular venue in mind, there are some important questions to ask to make sure that it really is suitable for the sort of reception you want:
- Are there adequate cloakroom and lavatory facilities?
- Are there facilities for less mobile guests or anyone with a disability?
- Is there special seating for elderly or frail guests, particularly if the reception does not include a sit-down meal?
- If children are to be invited, are there special facilities for them, for example areas where they can let off steam or highchairs for the meal?
- Are there sufficient car parking arrangements
- Is the reception venue within a reasonable distance of the ceremony? Is it easy to find, or well sign-posted?
- Will the reception venue accommodate the right number of guests and allow you to have the kind of reception you’ve got planned? Check carefully things such as licensing laws and late night curfews.
- Is there accommodation at the venue, or nearby, for out-of-town guests?
- Are decorations included or will you have to provide your own balloons, flowers or table decorations?
A good hotel can be the simplest solution to your venue nightmares, with the added benefit that most can offer a complete package, saving a lot of time and hassle. But if you are hoping for something a little more unusual it might be worth looking around.
Britain is chock full of grand buildings, stately homes and castles which are often available for hire for special parties. If these are beyond your budget, don’t worry. Check out local listed buildings or any properties that accept paying visitors – chances are, the owners will be willing to supplement their incomes by renting out some space for a special occasion.
The art of a good venue Museums and art galleries can make the perfect venue, with the added attraction of the exhibits themselves as fantastic décor! Almost all museums or galleries worth their salt, however small, have something about them that would make a good party venue backdrop.
If you fancy something more lively than a museum or gallery, what about holding your party at a zoo? Few things can top sipping Champagne while gazing at lions or giraffes, and the animal noises at night make wonderful background. Most zoos in Britain have rooms for hire – and if there isn’t one nearby, perhaps you could ask a local farmer about renting his cow shed!
Along the same lines, a party in an aquarium has the same animal fascination, but with the added attraction of the unique through-water lighting. If you want to make the party more active, you could consider a sporty themed party, like a skating party held at an ice rink, a water party at a swimming pool or even a ten-pin bowling party. Many sports centres have a party area where you can eat and drink, connected to the sports hall where you can go and play between refreshments!
Since parties are about having fun and playing, children’s activity centres and adventure playgrounds make a perfect place to celebrate, jump, bounce and swing in an environment that is guaranteed to be soft, safe and unbreakable – even for the adults who've enjoyed a drink or two!
Sometimes the most unlikely places, suitably decorated, make the most stunning party venues. If you’re having a large party, look at warehouses, industrial units, old telephone exchange buildings and former cinemas, theatres and churches. These are often used for antiques fairs or garage sales, but can be transformed, with a little creativity, into something quite special.
If you’re after something really unusual, try to rent a venue that has never been used for parties before. The best tack is to consider the sort of organisations which have a large space and could probably do with a little extra money. Remember, parties are about having fun. So get carried away and let your imagination run riot.
The more unusual the venue, the more memorable your party will be! For more wedding ideas visit www.confetti.co.uk.
Venue Ideas
Larmer Tree Gardens neighbouring Wiltshire
Venue Ideas
Athelhampton House
Venue Ideas
Bennetts Water Gardens in Weymouth
Venue Ideas
Lulworth Castle
