Hey there, beautiful souls! Are you planning your dream wedding and considering tying the knot in South West France? Well, look no further because I've got some top tips to help you make your wedding day unforgettable!
Choosing the right venue for your wedding can be quite a task, especially with so many options out there. Southwest France alone offers a plethora of venues, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. You've got chateaus, barns, marquees, wineries, libraries, boats, beaches—the list goes on!
But here's the thing, my friend. Ultimately, it boils down to your personal preferences. Every couple has their own must-haves when it comes to their dream venue. It could be as specific as the color of the dance floor (yes, I've had a couple who was dead set on a wooden dance floor and despised those black and white ones). So, keep your own unique style and desires in mind as you explore the options.
Now, beyond the list of amazing venues you already have, there are a few more factors you should consider. And trust me, these considerations can have a real impact on your budget, so pay attention.
First up is the set-up. You need to find out not only how the venue recommends setting up the space, but also when you can do the set-up and who will be around to help. Some venues have multi-use spaces that you can only access after breakfast, and that can be a real tight squeeze if you're planning an early wedding breakfast. Speaking of set-up, in Southwest France, most venues do what's called "dry hiring," which means nothing is included. So, confirm whether your caterer will be setting the tables or if you'll need additional staffing for that. And who's going to take care of all those finishing touches on the tables, like wedding favors, kids' packs, and special gifts? It's these little details that can make a big difference.
Next up is accessibility. Now, I'm not just talking about getting access to the venue while you're getting ready. You also need to consider how easy it is to access the event rooms. Are there stairs? How far away is the parking? These may seem like decoration concerns, but from an event planning perspective, they're crucial. You need to know how far the kitchen is from the event room to time the service properly and ensure the food arrives fresh and delicious. And hey, if you're planning to have a bunch of suppliers and set-ups, don't forget to check the electrical outlets. This is especially important for outdoor venues, as it might require you to rent a generator. Oh, and one more thing—consider the needs of your guests. If you have guests who require any sort of assistance to access the event space, make sure the venue can accommodate their needs. Now, I'll be honest, South West France isn't exactly at the cutting edge when it comes to modernizing old venues, so keep that in mind.
Okay, let's talk size. In addition to understanding how the room is set up, you need to make sure it's the right size for your wedding. You don't want your guests floating around in a huge venue or feeling squashed in a space that's too small. When considering a venue, you need to communicate your wedding style and set-up expectations so they can confidently advise you on whether the size will work. Some event rooms can be partitioned if the size decreases, so ask the venue about their flexibility.
Now, parking. This is a consideration not only for the set-up but also for your guests. Some venues may have lots of parking, while others may have limited options, especially if they're located in a town or countryside. It's not necessarily a deciding factor, but it's something you should think about, as it may require some transportation costs.
An essential, staffing. Throughout the booking process, pay attention to how the venue's staff treats you. This can be a key indicator of how things will go on your big day. You'll want to consider the number of staff and whether the venue can meet your expectations. They might not give you an exact number at the booking stage, but they should be able to give you a ratio they typically work with. In many South West France weddings, it's the caterer who can provide this information. And don't forget to find out who will take care of you during the planning stages and who will be in charge on the day itself. Oh, and don't be afraid to ask about their staff's dress code—it could impact your color scheme or stand out in a fun way.
Let's talk about those extra costs. You don't want any surprises popping up on your wedding day, like unexpected charges that could blow your budget out of the water. So, make sure you have a clear understanding of what's included in the venue package and what might cost you extra. Ask about things like corkage fees for bringing in your own alcohol, charges for setup and teardown, any additional staffing fees, or even fees for using specific areas of the venue. It's better to know all the details upfront and factor them into your planning.
Now, music. Your wedding day wouldn't be complete without some tunes to get everyone on the dance floor. But before you start blasting your favorite bops, check with the venue on any restrictions or guidelines they have regarding music. Some venues might have noise restrictions, curfews, or limitations on the type of equipment you can use. You don't want the party to come screeching to a halt because you broke some rules, right? So, double-check with the venue and work out all the nitty-gritty details to ensure your music plans go off without a hitch.
Speaking of guests, it's essential to know what the venue's policy is on external guests. Some venues may have restrictions on the number of guests you can invite, while others might charge extra for additional attendees. You don't want to be caught off guard if you're planning on inviting Uncle Joe and Aunt Susan, along with their whole crew. So, ask the venue about their policies and any potential costs involved. That way, you can properly plan your guest list without any surprises.
Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to choosing your wedding venue. Asking about these things now will save you from headaches down the line. So, go ahead and have those conversations with your venue. It's your big day, and you deserve to have all the information to plan it exactly the way you want. You've got this!
If you're feeling overwhelmed with all of this, don't worry! I'm here to help. I love exploring new venues and finding the perfect one to suit your needs. Take a look at my website to see the different packages I offer. Whether you just need help sourcing a venue or want assistance with planning from beginning to end, I've got your back. So, reach out if you need a hand,. Let's make your wedding truly your own!