HOW TO MAKE THE FINAL DECISION

Seating capacity

Much the same as for parking, look to ensure that the venue you choose has sufficient capacity for all of your guests.

Normally the number of guests that a venue can hold will vary depending upon the activity that is taking place. A large function suite may be able to seat 100, but for an evening reception maximum capacity could be twice that number so make sure you confirm exact capacities with the venue relative to what you want it for.

State of Repair

The exterior of the building is the first glimpse that the guests will have into what they can expect from the day.

A shabby, uncared for building on the outside often reflects the attitudes of the owner, management and possibly even the staff. With this in mind, keep a close lookout for rubbish, clocks showing the wrong time, missing roof tiles, broken windows, flaky paintwork and alike because if you can spot them, you can be sure that your guests will spot them too. What's worse, such tings will even make your photos look bad!

Music system

First of all ask if the venue has a music system. Secondly, ask if you can take a listen.

Many venues claim to have quality music systems and surround sound speakers, but sometimes what you end up with is a ten year old portable CD player that they wheel out for such occasions. We think you'll agree, it's well worthwhile asking!

Special Needs

Older venues and listed buildings in particular can have access problems, so if you are inviting wheelchair users or guests who have limited mobility you need to look for ramps or venues with limited stairs that need to be climbed – alternative entrances may be available but not necessarily noticeable, so be sure to ask the venue about access.