Episode 31 - What to Know Before Booking a Wedding Venue
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Episode Summary
Most couples start looking at wedding venues within weeks of getting engaged, often before they know what they actually want. In this episode of our UK wedding podcast, Georgie is joined by co-host Shakira Obaid, Commercial Director of the Oldwalls Collection, the group behind Fairyhill and Sant Ffraed House in South Wales, for an eye-opening look at how wedding venues work from the inside.
Shakira explains why a venue that hosts lots of weddings isn't a "wedding factory" but a team with serious experience, and how the group surveyed its couples, staff and suppliers and realised modern couples want flexibility and choice rather than one set format. They talk about testing new layouts, menus and timings through a full "fake wedding", why winter and midweek weddings can save you thousands, and how to tell during a show round whether a venue will deliver on its promises.
There's practical advice on preparing before your first viewing, from agreeing your guest numbers to knowing what you don't want, plus the questions couples always forget to ask, such as how long the coordinator has been in post and how many bar staff there will be. A Society question tackles what to do when your venue coordinator leaves and nobody replies to your emails. Plus Georgie's case for named reserved signs on your ceremony seats.
Key Takeaways
Do your research before viewing venues. Agree your guest numbers, budget and the kind of day you want first.
If you don't know what you want, start with what you don't want and narrow it down.
Watch how a venue treats you during the enquiry and show round. If communication is slow now, it's unlikely to improve once you've paid.
Don't be afraid to ask for something different. A good venue will tell you if it's possible and what it costs, rather than just saying no.
Winter and midweek dates can save you thousands compared with a summer Saturday.
Ask how long the wedding coordinator has been at the venue, who will run your day, and how many bar staff there will be.
If your venue goes quiet, request a meeting and ask for reassurance. A smaller venue team makes an independent coordinator even more valuable.
Name your reserved ceremony seats for everyone walking down the aisle, close family, and anyone doing a reading.
Episode FAQs
What questions should you ask when viewing a wedding venue?
Ask who will run your wedding day and how long they've worked at the venue, how many staff and bar staff there will be for your guest numbers, what is included in the price, what the deposit and payment schedule look like, and how flexible the venue is on layouts, menus, timings and suppliers. Ask about air conditioning and heating, wet-weather plans for outdoor ceremonies, supplier meals and drinks, and whether another wedding takes place the day before or after yours.
Are winter weddings cheaper?
Yes. Most UK wedding venues price by season and day of the week, so a midweek or winter wedding can cost thousands of pounds less than a Saturday in summer. Many suppliers also offer lower off-peak rates. Winter weddings have other advantages too: guests are less likely to have several other weddings that year, the evening party starts sooner because it gets dark early, and candlelit venues look especially atmospheric.
What should you do if your wedding venue stops replying?
Follow up in writing, then call and ask to book a meeting with a manager, setting out your concerns and what you need from them before the wedding. Staff turnover is common in hospitality, so ask who your new point of contact will be and when a replacement coordinator will be in place. If you aren't reassured, consider hiring an independent wedding coordinator to manage communication on your behalf, and check what your contract and wedding insurance cover.
Should you have reserved seats at a wedding ceremony?
Yes. Reserved seats stop your bridal party having to walk back down the aisle looking for empty chairs, and make sure the people closest to you sit nearest the front. Reserve seats for everyone walking down the aisle, parents, grandparents and anyone giving a reading or acting as a witness, ideally on an aisle seat. Write each person's name on the sign so there's no confusion about who each seat is for.