Questions to ask before booking your Wedding Venue

So you are trying to find that all-so-perfect wedding venue which will be the hallmark of your most memorable union to date. There is quite the expectation to get this right, so here is a helping hand to get you on the right track. Shaadi-Esque has put together some thoughtful pointers to help you make the right decision for yourselves and for your guests.



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Before jumping into such a huge decision such as signing your name on a venue for your big day there are a few things you should consider before even looking at venues:

♥ The Date, the most important piece of information. Work out some dates that work well for you and your primary guests, then you can see which venues are available of those selected dates. But it is always key to have this piece of information.
♥ Number of guests, this will most certainly narrow down the number of venues who can hold your capacity.
♥ Whether you want the ceremony and reception at the same venue or separate, some venues will not be able to cater to this, whereas others will.
♥ How much of your budget are you willing to spend on the wedding venue, this is usually a large chunk of your overall budget, however when you discover how much this is per person, you will evaluate and further narrow down your search of venues.

With these key points in mind, you can start looking around for venues in your preferable location i.e. through magazines, blogs, websites etc.

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Here are 12 key questions to ask yourself and the event planner/organiser at the venue whilst visiting:

♥ With your theme in mind, would this venue best represent or reflect your theme or will it require a lot of hard work and money to transform?

♥ Some larger venues offer their in house catering and many only allow particular outside caterers – so be careful about booking a venue when they do not permit your caterer.

♥ If you have disabled, elderly or small children attending the venue, it is important that the venue hall is easily accessible and that there are not too many flights of stairs to climb.

♥ Will there be a cloak room attendant, or will someone have to be allocated there and will this cost extra?

♥ Always ensure you are aware of the small print on the contract – this may mean being aware of the cancellation policy, timings for deposits and final payments, even any hidden charges or overtime charges.

♥ Does the venue have a liquor license, how much will corkage be if you are allowed to bring you own alcohol?

♥ What time will guests have to be out of the venue at the end of the night?

♥ Are their back rooms for the bridal party to change clothes or to relax?

♥ Does the venue have a PA system for the band or entertainment?

♥ Is there a guest car park or flexible parking in the area?

♥ Are there limitations on décor or candle usage?

Remember, that you don't want to choose a venue that you are ultimately pleased with. Some of you will be marrying for the first time and it should be as perfect as you have dreamt it to be. But do not sacrifice your bank balance for it. Be sensible and remember, any venue can be transformed into perfection ... any venue!

Keeping you inspired!!

Rachyeta xxx

{Venue} Brighton Dome Wedding Venue

A remarkable building, with its dome structure, and art-deco interior used to showcase some of the Top Dogs in Entertainment in the 1930’s – and even still since their re-launch in 2002 the big names have returned.



The venue’s gardens that surround it are superb with fresh seasonal flowers, on a sunny day they would make an excellent area to frolic and of course to take the most spectacular wedding photos. The interior keeps a grade 1 listed 1930's decor and the building itself is classified as a grade 1 listed regency styled building. So this is a building which has a substantial amount of heritage and tradition, this is something that you can rarely create from a new contemporary venue – A definite Pro to the list of Pros and Cons.

"The venue memorably hosted Abba's victory in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with 'Waterloo' and other acts who have performed range from Richard Tauber, Paul Robeson and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra to Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones."

Brighton Dome’s pretty out of this world architecture was designed in 1805 for the Prince Regent who took a liking to Asian design. Its location is something to brag about; "in the heart of the city’s cultural quarter, nestled in the beautiful gardens of the Royal Pavilion estate and just a pebble’s throw from the sea", this really is a superb venue with views unlike no venue you could choose in London - that's for sure!

The capacity of this venue can go up to 600 so if you are Asian and you are intending to invite 600 people of which you only know 14 - this might possibly be worth a consideration.

Some great images below of the venue and the many ways you can customise it - Courtesy of Brighton Dome Wedding Venue.

Do get yourself over to Brighton Dome, and visit the venue for your self - Church Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1UE. You can contact their events team on events@brightondome.org or by calling them on 01273 261 524.

Hope you are loving this amazing Grade 1 Listed Building - If you require assistance planning your wedding or any other wedding related issues then feel free to contact our Wedding Planners or email them on r.singh@rsweddingconsultants.co.uk.

Keeping you inspired!!

Rachyeta xxx

{Venue} Altitude 360

Something that I cannot compare with any other venues in London is this view ...



Altitude 360 is most definitely a modern venue, very contemporary and agile. But you really do not need to do anything when your guests will be mesmerised by the rich picturesque views over London.


To make enquiries, please do get in touch with the lovely people at Altitude 360 on 0207 592 7900, alternatively you can drop them an email on events@altitudelondon.com. You can view their website at www.altitudelondon.com.

Exquisite Flower Design Ideas

A little treat for you, this inspiration board truly is inspiring, heavenly almost. Being able to design great floral arrangements is a talent that must not be ignored when it comes to weddings!

The floral décor adds subtle touches of elegance, which makes any other decoration deemed unnecessary.

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Health Spa Retreat - DV

Every bride will or has spent months planning their wedding. If you ask anyone who has been married, the week prior to their wedding was the most stressful time of their lives. And most of them wish they had a few days to themselves to sit back, unwind and de-stress just so they can feel rejuvenated for their big day. But many Bride's to Be don't even think about taking some time out. It's easy to just wait until after the wedding and after its all over - then to relax. But planning a wedding, having a full time job and to maintain your other responsibilities is tough work. So whether you switch your phones off for a few days or stop wedding talk - why not treat yourself to a luxurious spa treat at Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa.

Donnington Valley, one of my most favourite spa’s outside of London and only until recently did I find out that they offer wedding packages. They brag a 4-star luxury service and facilities. The Hotel is licensed for Civil Ceremonies and Civil Partnerships. Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa is a little haven located in Berkshire an hour from central London. It consists of 111 contemporary luxury bedrooms. The hotel is surrounded by some pretty lush golf course grounds and really is the most individual spa retreat I have been to.

“The Health Club and Spa is one of the top rated spas in the country with luxurious facilities including an 18m swimming pool, sauna, steam and aromatherapy rooms plus a state of the art gym and dance studio. The 7 treatment rooms pamper to every spa lover's needs with relaxation areas and a menu of therapies with something for all.”

Visit Donnington Valley's website for more information on Spa treatments and hotel bookings here.

And if your considering getting married at Donnington Valley, then check out their wedding packages and what they can offer you!