Top Tips from each Department of a Wedding Venue!
Not only do I work as a Wedding Consultant in my own business… but I also work full-time at a Country House Hotel as a Wedding Venue Coordinator… so I thought… who better to ask for Wedding Venue Tips… than the people who WORK in them!
So I asked each Hotel Department to give me a Top Tip from their perspective, that they recommend you do for YOUR Wedding!
Starting with:
Reception:
Don’t allow your guests to Check-In during your Drinks Reception – even if the rooms are ready! – It just means they’ll disappear during all of your group photos – instead get them to check-in during the Room Turnaround – this is a quiet time any way and will give them something to do!)
Kitchen:
Why not ask us for something totally different! – We make the same things from the menu every week – and whilst it’s a delicious menu, we love a challenge… if there’s something that you’re thinking of, just ask! – We’ve recreated special meals for couples, e.g. one that they had in Italy on the night of their engagement… or we’ve created full menu’s from scratch… we recently had a full Mexican themed one! Even if it’s just something as simple as making your Canapé selection more Christmassy for your December Wedding i.e. deep fried brie with cranberry, mini pigs in blankets and mulled wine macarons!
Housekeeping
your guests stay-over at your Venue more enjoyable! How about a personalised welcome note or gift bag in the rooms with some snacks (especially if they’ve had a long trip!) Or even better…a ‘Hangover Kit’ for those sore heads the morning after! Always make sure to include Check-In and Check-Out times on your Wedding Website so they can plan their trip accordingly. Something else that not many think of… Why not request for any carpets in the Main/Reception areas to be professionally cleaned before your Wedding (as they usually have the most foot-traffic!) especially in the winter months as people’s shoes are always muddy!
Groundskeeper
Nobody ever thinks to come and ask me what flowers will be in bloom at the time of year of their Wedding! If your Wedding is a while away, make sure to visit at that time of year, the year before… you’ll get a better vision of the grounds and scenery which will be the backdrop for all you Photos!
Food & Beverage
Always remember to put in your ‘Bar Requests’ … what is it that YOU usually drink – just because it may be pretty standard choice so you expect it to be there doesn’t necessarily mean it will be… ALWAYS ask.
(NOTE: When me and Dale booked our Wedding in Portugal, we assumed there would be fruit ciders available… but we ended up having to get these shipped in! I’ve been to many weddings where a venue has ran out of something because they didn’t put in a request… e.g. Rhubarb Flavoured Gin for the Bride… but then everyone else drank it too and there was none for her! Always make a note with your Venue so you can fully enjoy your day!)
Also ‘Corkage’ doesn’t always work out cheaper – instead, why not just make a request and see if we can get something in for you.
General Manager
Discounts usually happen on Open Days or at Wedding Fairs / Big Shows – so if you’re looking at a Venue, see if they have an Open Day coming up or if they’re exhibiting at a Show soon and book then!
and lastly from me…
Wedding Coordinator:
Every single detail can be made better in some way – even down to the garnish you have in your water jugs! – Usually Ice & Lemon, but if you’re doing a Mexican themed wedding, why not opt for Ice & Lime instead, or even Strawberries for a Summery Vibe! – Speaking of Strawberries… does your Glass of Fizz for your Reception Drink come with a Strawberry or Raspberry on the side? Have you asked?… can this be added?… Your venue might even throw it in for free! Having Tea & Coffee after the meal… why not add some After Dinner Mints to accompany them? Everything can be made extra… down to the tiniest details! Walk through your Wedding Day in your mind and picture all the items… what can you do to make them more perfect!
I hope you found these tips helpful!
Let me know which one helped you the most!
Lots of Love,
Mrs T x
