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When
choosing your venue there are some important points you need to
take into consideration. We have compiled the following points
from the experience of other couples specifically aimed at helping
you choose your wedding venue.
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of all, you have to decide on your budget. It is, unfortunately,
a waste of time dreaming about getting married in a three hundred
year old castle when your budget is Lm100! Your budget will
determine the venue you book. In Malta you can find a venue
for as little as Lm300. There are also those that will charge you
Lm1000!
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Is
the venue suitable for the style of your wedding? Do you want
an indoor or an outdoor reception? Is there a back-up plan
for an outdoor event in case of bad weather? Can the indoor
area accommodate all guests should this be the case?
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Now,
think about the reception style. Would you prefer a sit-down dinner
or a buffet reception? We suggest that the ideal number of
guests for a sit-down meal should not exeed a maximum of 150
guests.
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If you prefer a sit-down dinner it might be more suitable
for you to opt for a restaurant or hotel. On the other hand,
villas are ideal for a stand-up reception.
Is
the date reserved only for your wedding or is there a chance there
will be two weddings on the same day?
Decide
on the number of guests you can invite and check that the venue
is a suitable size. You will need a venue with space to accommodate
everyone comfortably. Do not find yourself inviting five hundred
guests to a venue that accommodates only a hundred.
Are
there enough chairs for those who might, at times, want to sit.
Some venue providers refuse to provide chairs as they think it devalues
the esteem of their venue. Is there an extra fee for
the provision of extra chairs?
Try
to find a venue close to the church. It may seem a small factor,
but to reduce the time spent traveling may be appreciated by your
guests especially in the summer months.
Take
a look at the available parking and make sure that it is a suitable
distance from the venue. Remember that guests are not dressed
for walking! Most importantly, is the area safe?
Does
the venue have contracted caterers or can you make your own arrangements?
If it has contracted caterers, be sure to
obtain a number of other quotations to decide if they are good value.
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the location have a sound system or should your musicians/dj/band
make provisions of their own?
What are the relevant fees?
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Is
the location entrance accessible to you, your guests and other vendors
like the florist, photographer, caterer etc…?
Does
the venue impose any time restrictions? What is the latest
time the venue providers will allow guests to remain on the premises?
What are the payment arrangements and are there any overtime
fees? Is the deposit refundable should you have to cancel?
You
may not think this will happen, but believe me, it DOES! What
if there is a power failure during your wedding? Check that
there are emergency lights and generators available and working
properly. We know one couple in particular who suffered from
such a mishap; the generators were out of order, as they had not
been checked! Imagine what a disaster it would be if this
happened!
Agree
on the terms for any damages. What happens if any damage is done
to the property or furniture? Is the venue insured and what
are the expenses involved to open a claim? These are extremely
important points to consider.
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As
with any other vendor, make sure you have everything in writing.
This way you will be sure there are no misunderstandings between
you and your vendor. Always ask when in doubt.
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Take
NOTHING for granted, as you might be sorry!
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