Finding the perfect wedding venue.

Let’s face it, although it seems overwhelming at first, your wedding will represent you as a couple so if you work as a team and don’t forget the little details, planning your ideal day together will be an exciting step towards your new chapter. Our top tips during the planning stages are to stay organised (spreadsheets help), accept support from friends and family and try to stick to your budget. Speaking of budgets, perhaps the most significant and costly aspect of your wedding will be the venue, so we’ve gathered our thoughts on how to find the perfect place.

^{The grand entrance hallway at St Tewdrics House.}

Where to look for inspiration.

When you’ve decided where to marry – close to home, abroad or somewhere in between – many couples benefit from doing thorough research on venues which often starts online. Look out for awards, reviews, and photographs of past weddings – the latter enables you to envisage your own wedding. Online reviews on platforms like Facebook and Google will give you a great indication of whether your customer service standards will be met. Look at the attention to detail in the pictures as well as the aesthetics depending on the seasons. If you really wanted a Spring wedding, for instance, you’ll know what will be in flower.

As well as providing personal tours, most venues hold open days and showcase events in the traditionally quieter months of the year around January and February. Showcase events provide the perfect opportunity for you to view prospective venues dressed and ready for a wedding, giving you a real feel for what your day could look like. The venue’s preferred suppliers may also be on hand to answer questions and offer advice and inspiration.

^{The Courtyard at St Tewdrics House. The perfect space for ceremonies, wedding breakfasts and evening parties.}

What do you need to consider?

Your guest list might dictate the style of wedding you can have so do visit a couple of places to see which one can meet your expectations and accommodate everyone you want to be there. Do you want an ‘off-site’ or an ‘on-site’ wedding? A formal, ‘on-site’ venue at a stunning hotel or a stately home could easily facilitate the classic wedding theme. Not only this, ‘on-sites’ usually offer an array of catering suggestions, furniture, and of course plenty of space. But remember that you may not be the only event on that day if, for example, you choose a large, chain hotel for your celebrations. By contrast, if you’re foreseeing a smaller, informal venue, perhaps ‘off-sites’ nestled in the countryside like a rustic barn or a tepee would work. Subsequently, you can be as creative as you like with your themed wedding.

^{Cariad, our honeymoon suite at St Tewdrics House.}

Some further thoughts…

If you are not getting married in a church or other religious setting first, can your ceremony and reception be held in the same place?
Is there an in-house Wedding Coordinator? This can really help alleviate some of the planning pressures!
Dreaming of a lavish wedding? If so, is the venue licensed until the early hours of the morning and are there any noise restrictions to consider?
If you have a lengthy guest list, the first thing to check with your chosen venue is the maximum capacity they can accommodate. Is there sufficient on-site parking?
Is there on-site accommodation for you and your guests? If not, ask for B&B and hotel recommendations in the area, and don’t forget to query a reliable taxi list!

There is a strong chance that your wedding ideas and bank balance will not coincide and sticking to your budget is arguably the hardest part. Discuss the guest list as a couple and preferably before you start your venue search as the longer the list, the bigger the venue and potentially the more expense required. If you’ve longed for an extravagant wedding to remember, setting up a spreadsheet for both of you to access is wise. Include the small things you might forget to budget for like the marriage licence and favours! With that being said, if you are realistic and savvy with your expenses, it will be a great experience.

^{One of the stylish drawing rooms at St Tewdrics House.}

At St Tewdrics House, we offer regular private tours with an experienced Wedding Coordinator who can answer all your questions and help you plan the perfect day. All our weddings are exclusive meaning you will be the only event at the venue for the duration of your celebrations. Our unique offering at St Tewdrics House means your dedicated Wedding Coordinator will be with you throughout your wedding day, making sure everything flows beautifully and runs according to plan. Our carefully crafted preferred supplier list features trusted, local traders providing expert wedding services including floral arrangements, cakes, bridal make-up and photography. Feel free to get in touch with us to find out more. Good luck with your wedding planning!