Hotels

There are so many different types of hotels, situated in every possible location and at every price range, you are bound to find one that suits your needs. Do you want boutique chic, large and luxurious, intimate, glamorous or grand? Many hotels are used to hosting weddings and are good at it. Most offer packages so that all you need to do is choose which bits of the package you want and leave the details to them. What a hotel offers is infrastructure: kitchens, waiting staff, banqueting rooms, accommodation and often dedicated event managers who'll take care of everything before and during your wedding day. They can also usually recommend florists, entertainers, photographers, specialist wedding cake suppliers and hairdressers to assist you on the day. The best hotels will also be able to offer a bespoke service, managing everything for you right down to the stationery.

The initial meeting at a venue is crucial in establishing whether they can meet your requirements and expectations. You should expect the same level of service and attention to detail from a small local hotel as you'd expect from a large luxurious one. Trust and confidence in a venue is the top priority. The initial meeting should inspire you with confidence. They should establish a rapport with you and illustrate that they are flexible and adaptable. A couple need to be assured that the service they will receive on their wedding will be five star, whatever the official hotel rating or whoever you are and how much money you have to spend.

When you visit a hotel, start asking if they have a dedicated events manager or wedding coordinator. If it is not the person you are dealing with, ask him or her when you can meet them? Does the hotel have a wedding package, if so what does it include? It should include room hire, food, wine and champagne, prices quoted per head and the possibly the use of a Honeymoon Suite on your wedding night. If you will be holding your wedding ceremony there too, does it include the use of a room for the bride to get ready in? Are there any additional costs you've overlooked? Can the hotel offer reduced room rates for guests? If you are not being offered a specific package or a choice of packages, you should expect simply to be quoted for each individual component. Always ask if your wedding will be the only event taking place on your chosen day. If not, are the function rooms independent and with their own facilities?

The person you meet must illustrate to you that they are organized. They need to have answers and information at hand. You should not be doing all the talking, they should be asking you questions. They should ascertain your likes and dislikes, who is coming, how you want the day run and why you have chosen their hotel. If you are left with any doubt as to the competence of the person in charge, or the ability of the hotel to deliver what you want, search elsewhere.

If you like a hotel, than get down to specifics. What is the maximum number of guests they can seat? Is there a minimum charge if you have only a few guests? Is there a seperate area for a drinks reception and/or dancing? If not, will they have to clear tables before dancing can begin, and is that acceptable to you? What time must music stop and guests depart? Are there any specific areas for photographs? How flexible is the menu and can you have a tasting? Do not hand over a deposit until you have all the details specified in writing and know exactly how much the event will cost.