Hooray! He proposed, you said yes, and you’ve set the date for the big day. If the occasion is a year or less away, you should waste no time in booking the venue for your ceremony and reception. But where do you start? Our step-by-step guide will point you in the right direction. Here’s what to consider before you hand over your deposit cheque …

• Who’s coming?

  Do a basic head count to work out how many guests you’re likely to have at your wedding. You don’t have to decide on final numbers yet, of course, but if you envisage only about 40 guests, for example, a reception in the private dining room of a fancy restaurant will be far more suitable than booking out a cavernous ballroom! On the other hand, if your numbers are going to run into the hundreds, with every long-lost cousin attending, then a purpose-designed reception centre is probably more likely to fit the bill.

• Does the venue suit your wedding style?

  Deciding on a loose theme for your day will help you narrow down your venue options. This is a good thing as there are literally hundreds of choices for wedding ceremonies and/or receptions!
• Are you a couple who loves glitz and glamour? Then a grand city hotel could be the perfect reception venue for you. Or perhaps you’re a romantic, traditional couple who’d love to have your photos taken in a vineyard? Then check out country estates or historic houses. Couples who like to be a little different might want to check out venues such as halls you can decorate yourself (a great budget option), getting married at the snow, or celebrating on board a boat such as a floating restaurant, yacht or even a tall ship!

• What’s your budget?

  There’s no point making appointments to view potential venues until you have done your sums. Once you have a basic idea of what you have to spend on the post-ceremony party, head out to some venues with your spreadsheet in hand!
• Many reception venues offer wedding packages – besides food and drink, they might include items such as chair covers, decorations, DJ and the cake. These inclusions can save you a lot! Most venues will provide a range of menu options to suit varying budgets, and these costs are usually charged per head (with a minimum overall spend for the night).

• Does the venue have a wedding coordinator?

  It’s a good sign if a venue has a dedicated event or wedding coordinator to guide you in hosting your big day. Because they organise events for a living, and know their location inside out, they can advise you on all sorts of questions such as “Is confetti allowed?”; “What time can the florist access the venue on the day?” and “How many people can fit on the dance floor?”.
• Make sure from the very start that you’re happy with the coordinator’s manner, and that they have a high level of interest in making your wedding everything you want it to be! A prompt, professional response to your initial enquiry (whether you made contact via email or phone) is a good indication of how efficient and dedicated they will be – from your first meeting at the venue to your wedding day itself.

• Will the location suit the season?

  Consider the month you are getting married (and the usual rainfall during that time of year!) when you choose the location for your nuptials. You may have always dreamed of a garden wedding, but if you’re getting hitched mid-winter, you and your guests could be freezing in your strapless frocks – not fun. And what about the chance of rain? If the ceremony is going to be outside, find out whether there is any form of cover such as a marquee to cope with unpredictable weather, or if the ceremony can be moved to an indoor location at the last minute.

• Have your read the contract?

  Make sure you read the fine print of the contract in full before you sign it and hand over the deposit to secure your date. There may be information included that you haven’t thought about – such as extra charges if the reception goes overtime, forfeiting your deposit if you change your mind about using the venue, and a minimum spend requirement.
• Phew! There’s a lot decide! At least sending out your invites is easy, with our gorgeous selection of wedding e-invites. Here’s a list of venues to get you started too.
• Check out Wedding Central for more wedding tips, advice and invites!