WedJet takes care of all of the following considerations when putting forward venue listings, but if you want to go it alone, here is some advice to consider when choosing your reception venue.

Choosing an appropriate venue for the reception is vitally important to the success of the event. Some of the many things that should be taken into consideration include what is the venue offering? i.e. Cake Table, Gift table, Table centre pieces, accommodation for the Bride and Groom, Chair covers etc.

The following list is designed to help you cover some of the key considerations when hiring a venue

Ask about the size and particulars of the facility

• Can the facility comfortably accommodate the size wedding and number of guests you are planning?
  Does it have handicap access?
• Does it have air conditioning?
• Is there a room available for the bride to use during the reception to change clothes or just freshen up?
• Can you have your ceremony in the venue?
• How and where would it be?
• What is the cost for setting up the ceremony seating?

Ask about the decor of the facility

• If you haven’t seen it already, ask to see pictures of the facility as it would be set up for a wedding.
• Can you make any changes?
• Make sure that if there are certain decorations that you see now and like, that they will still be available on your wedding date.
• Ask if they are doing any remodelling or redecorating from now until your wedding day. You don't want construction going on during your reception.

Ask about the number of hours

• Most receptions last between 4-7 hours.
• Ask how many hours you will have for your reception. Some facilities will give you four hours and charge you additionally (sometimes another $500) for every additional hour.

Ask about Money

• How much is the total rental fee?
• And specifically, what does the price include?
• Ask about the deposit, how much and when is the balance due?
• Ask if they have any "wedding packages". Sometimes facilities will offer a wedding package including food, flowers, wedding cake and even a limo. Although you limit some of your choices, it can save you time and money!

Ask about parking

• Is it readily available?
• Do you need to hire a parking attendant or valet? Are there any events (i.e. festivals, parades, sporting events) that will make parking difficult for your guests?

Ask about entertainment

• Make sure the dance floor is big enough to accommodate your guests.
• Ask the facility manager to show you where the band or DJ would set up their equipment.
• Make sure the facility can accommodate them adequately.

Ask about the food

• If the facility is a hotel or restaurant and will provide the food for the wedding, make sure that you’ve had an opportunity to sample the food and talk about menu choices.
• If you choose a location that requires an outside caterer, ask if you’re required to choose from their approved list or can you choose any caterer?

Ask about alcohol and bar service

• Does the facility provide the alcohol and bar service or do you bring your own alcohol?
• Do they supply the bartenders or do you hire them?
• Are there any restrictions about the type or quantity of alcohol to be served?
• Do they require a cash bar or is an open bar an option?
• Ask about their liability insurance and if it is sufficient for your size wedding.

Ask about any extra charges

• If it’s a community centre or historic venue, do you have to rent chairs and tables, and if so, is this an extra charge?
• What about linens and glassware are they included?
• Is there a cake cutting fee?
• What about a corking fee? (When you purchase your own alcohol for the reception, a corking fee is sometimes charged for each bottle of liquor opened.)