We have a variety of packages to assist couples from sourcing venues, suppliers, handing over package (6 weeks prior to the wedding), on the day co-ordination and full bespoke planning.
Any of the planning packages are flexible to suit what you require, you might need full planning or just need a little support with sourcing or 'on the day coordination. Some couples also request planning 1 week prior to the wedding as well as the on the day
co-ordination especially if the wedding is an outdoor wedding which needs much more support and attention.
When choosing a venue it is all about:
- What kind of wedding/theme you want
- What kind of budget you have to spend on your wedding
- How big is the venue will it accommodate all your guests
- Does there have to be accommodation on site for your guests
- Are their restrictions that would conflict with your wedding ideas
Location and size of venues for weddings are key questions you need to ask as this will dictate your small or big your guest list can be. Remember that venues do come in all different varieties form stately country houses, private mansion houses, hotels, country village halls, farms, outdoor weddings, historic locations to give you an idea. You may have an area and venue already in mind however, what you have to bear in mind is that many venues do not allow external caterers or have their own in house or prefered approved caterers. With that in mind if you have a particular caterer that you want or you want a more relaxed feel than the two meal traditional like in many hotels and venues for your reception; then you might have to go back to the drawing board (or get your wedding planner to source a venue that fits your exact requirements) Having the correct size venue is imperative as a half empty room because you have oversized means there will not be a good atmosphere.
The cost of the venue and caterers is probably one of your largest wedding costs so this may influence your decision on where, when and how many guests you invite. You can reduce the costs at some venues by marrying in the 'Off Peak' season or mid week when some venues reduce their costs to attract more weddings.
I would always advise couples to look at a few different venues to get a feel for what you want and also in some cases what you dont want! This is one of the biggest days in your life make sure you are happy with the venue where your celebrations will take place. You need to feel comfortable that it fits your requirements and that staff will go that extra mile to ensure your needs are met and your special day will be in safe hands....
I have sourced a number of venues and it always amazes me why some co-ordinators in venues are not always that welcoming to an independent Wedding Planner .... which I think if they sat back and thought logically they would see it in their best interest. as the Wedding Planner wants a venue for their clients with friendly staff who go that extra mile to help and provide impeccible service for their special day. A 'Can do' approach always gets my vote..
Outdoor weddings take much more planning and this is were a Wedding Planner would definately come in to their own especially with all the jobs to do the week prior to the wedding and on the day when as a Bride and Groom you will want to relax and enjoy your day not get involved in dealing with suppliers who are all on site. These kind of weddings have lots of tasks to take care of in relation to getting all the suppliers on site at the right time so that when the happy couple arrive everything looks perfect., food is prepared and there are things on site like water, power, toilets etc.....
One of our favourite weddings was a festival style wedding we did last summer, using Peak Tipis for Leanne & Tom who we did full Bespoke Planning for. This wedding took a lot of planning but the outcome and overall feedback was immense it started on friday and finished on Sunday after all the overnight guests and campers tucked into a hearty breakfast cooked by the brides family......
Your wedding day should be exactly what you want and what you can realistacally afford to achieve your perfect day......
We have all ways of reducing costs by working with a number of suppliers but also some quircky DIY skills to still look great but be half the original cost.....
Give us a call if you want a free consultation for your special day....
Julie
Derbyshire Event & Wedding Planners
