Dorset wedding venues

MARRIAGE WOWS

Celebrity party planner Peregrine Armstrong-Jones gives some vital wedding reception venue search hints

FINDING the perfect venue is rather like hunting for a new house! Here are some tips which I have found useful many times over....

You will know when you have found the venue for you.

Lulworth Castle

As soon as you arrive, it will feel automatically right.

Your venue is the place where you are going to entertain all of your friends and relations -- so take time to get it right.

Start your search a long time before the party as this gives you the space to make the right decision without rushing into anything. Start looking one year before your party date.

Think laterally

If you’re searching for something unique, you need to think laterally.

You may have seen a building or even a private house that you feel would be perfect.

Although some places look like they may seem unavailable, don’t believe it until you have asked.

I am always amazed by the number of times I have asked private owners to rent out their houses and the answer has been ‘yes’.

So have the courage to approach a venue that looks exciting – if you want to do something different, your venue needs to be dramatic.

If you are looking for a traditional, well-tested venue, then you will probably be considering either a hotel or historic building.

Highcliffe Castle

How much space do you need?

Once you know roughly how many guests you will be inviting, you’ll have a good idea for the amount of space that you will need in order to set up chairs, tables and dance floor area.

Be careful – a venue which is too spacious loses its intimacy and a venue which is too small will be uncomfortable cramped.

Work at the space – it’s simple just to draw a plan!

Then you can tailor your party to the right venue.

This sounds like an offbeat tip...but it’s probably the most significant of all.

You need to establish early on whether or not the management of your venue are on your side or not.

Most are friendly and flexible, however there are certain museums and historic buildings which are run by caretakers/managers who are, deep down, ‘anti-party’ people.

They would prefer to see their venues full of art or exhibits instead of wine and music – so get the feel of the management wherever you go!

Athelhampton near Puddletown

When I visit a new venue I always ask the following questions:

Are there noise restrictions? (In other words, will they permit a disco or band)

What is the finish time?

Is it OK to bring your own choice of caterer, florist, decorator and other services? (Most venues take commission from their so-called preferred contractors – hence their preferred list).

Is smoking permitted?

Are there decoration restrictions? (Normally this will involve restrictions or fixings into the building).

Is there a power supply for lighting and ovens, etc?

Are there any special conditions?

What are the set-up and clearing times?

The venue’s answers to these questions will give you a guide as to whether you will be dealing with an organization which is either efficient and flexible or inexperienced.

If you like what you hear then pay a deposit and sign a binding contract.

Once you have decided on your venue, you need to look ahead to your event.

Sherborne Castle

Draw a room plan

The layout of the reception area - as well as the dining/dancing area needs to be planned. I recommend that you draw a plan.

Sketch in the tables and dance floor. Draw in the bar and the serveries. Leave room for the stage, band PA and mixing desk.

When these items are in place, sketch in the decorations and play around with the plan - all of the guests are equally important, so the positioning of the tables is everything.

Consider your guests

Remember to make everyone, wherever they are sitting, feel special.

Often I hear concerns about guests’ car parking at a venue. Of course, this need not be a worry because your guests will probably be drinking – so they won’t need to drive!

If they are staying the night, then that is different and you need a car park.

Find out the details of local taxi companies which your guests may need at the end of the evening.