Tips for choosing your wedding day venues

• The reception venue should ideally be within a thirty minutes' drive of the ceremony.
• Assess approximate guest numbers, budget and the form you'd like your reception to take (formal or informal, buffet style meal or sit down dinner) before visiting venues.
• Before visiting venues get as much information as you can. Confirm they can accommodate you on one of your chosen dates.
• Be flexible and adaptable - especially if you like a venue but it doesn't conform exactly to your ideas.
• If you love a venue, but have too many guests, scal-down your guest list or hold a cocktail reception.
• Ensure you meet the person who will be in charge of your wedding before securing the booking. Do they appear to be competent and inspire you with confidence?
• Will yours will be the only wedding taking place? If not are function rooms independent?
• If hiring a venue that is also open to the public, ascertain what areas will be exclusively yours.
• If seeking a venue for exclusive use, establish if there are cost advantages to hiring mid-week.
• If choosing a rural location, ensure there is sufficient accomodation for guests close-by and access by public transport.
• If a venue has photographic'wow factor' ensure you will have access to those areas on the day.
• If using venue-recommended suppliers, establish their suitability before hiring them.
• Put safety considerations before costs when hiring a marquee and go to a reputable company.
• If planning an at-home wedding understand you will have to hire-in everything (caterers, waiting staff, furniture, linens and crockery, a florist, mobile washrooms and an extra power supply).
• If tying the knot abroad seek expert advice and use a specialist tour operator or 'destination' wedding planner. Establish how many other weddings are likely to be taking place to avoid the conveyor belt effect. Check health and visa requirements as early as possible.