You taste the cake and try on the dress as part of making wedding plans. Brides-to-be need to test their intended wedding venue, too! Attending a wedding venue open day or show-round is the perfect setting for seeing how your venue could look on W-Day.
Anyone who has ever been house hunting knows property has an uncanny ability to appear one way in a photograph and completely differently in person! A wedding venue open day is your opportunity to road-test the castle, stately home, yurt or manor of your dreams before signing on the dotted line and forking over the deposit.
Why to attend a wedding venue open day
Whether you’ve already fallen in love with your dream venue or are still trying to find one, attending an open day is an ideal time to see your would-be venue decked out in wedding decor and filled with people. The same way a dress can be transformed merely by slipping into it and viewing it off the rack, so can a wedding venue. Even the most stunning venue will look loads better draped with pearls and lace and it will be easier to imagine how everything will look on your wedding day.
Even if you have already found your venue, attending an open day is also a great (free!) way to take a peek at wedding decor ideas. We suggest carrying a notepad with you and a digital camera to make notes on what you’ve seen. Just check with the venue beforehand to ensure they allow photographs; even if they don’t, you could still make notes.
What to expect at a wedding venue open day
The wedding venue open day is your chance to get the look and feel of the venue. You’ll have opportunities for asking questions and meeting the wedding planners. You can expect an informal show-round of the grounds and facilities without being pressured into having to book or make a commitment on the spot.
Use your time at the show-round to your advantage. Make notes of how you’d like to plan out your day and come up with ideas for photograph locations. Make notes on parking facilities for your guests and pay close attention to how the venue is presented. Ask about options for changing things if you don’t like what you see.
Many wedding venues also invite their suppliers to attend their open days. If this is the case, you’ll be able to see a range of products the suppliers provide and get advice on tailoring their merchandise to suit your wedding theme.
Questions to ask at a wedding venue open day
- Will we have exclusive use?
- Where are the ideal locations for photos?
- Are you licenced for civil ceremonies?
- Do you have your own registrar?
- What are the seated and standing capacities for each room?
- Are there any restrictions on decorating the venue?
- Is there guest accommodation?
- What’s the cancellation policy?
- Are there mandatory suppliers?
Upcoming open days we recommend
Pennard House
Somerset
Private view, by appointment only
27 September 2014
11 am to 5 pm
[email protected]
01749 860 700
Ardencote Manor Hotel
Warwick
Autumn Wedding Open Day
12 October 2014
12 pm to 3pm
[email protected]
01926 843 111
