Getting married can be an exciting adventure. But it’s not just about you and your future spouse. It’s also about the people who will be there to witness the big day: the friends, family, and officials who will be there.
Many couples go into their weddings thinking solely about themselves and their needs. But the best big days also take into consideration the enjoyment of the guests. After all, there are many more of them than there are of you.
So how can you find a venue your guests will love? Let’s take a look.
Start Researching
The first step is to start researching venues that align with your vision for your big day. You want to consider the weather, the setting, and whether there are any spectacular views that would serve as the perfect photo backdrops.
Most city weddings are inside grand ballrooms in swanky hotels. Here, the décor really matters because that’s going to provide the backdrop for the big day.
Country weddings are a little different. With these, the surrounding landscape and gardens are more important, since these are likely what’s going to provide the context for the photographs and ceremony.
Venue Type
Of course, there are many venue types out there, each offering couples something a little different.
For example, a destination like Hilltop Country House offers a more rural feel while maintaining much of the elegance and charm of a city-center hotel. But you could also choose a vineyard, beach, boat, castle, or even a resort.
Ultimately, you’ll want to think about the type of place your guests will enjoy the most. Are they okay with traveling to somewhere more relaxing? Or would they prefer to be somewhere more central?
Local Cuisine And Culture
You’ll also want to consider your guests’ preferences for food and culture, something that people can be fussy about. If you have very open-minded friends and family, then they might enjoy spicy Moroccan foods in Casablanca. But if they are more conservative or traditional, you might be better off taking them to a local place that serves the kind of food they enjoy.
Be particularly wary of overseas weddings. You might love the idea of tying the knot on a tropical island, but it might not agree with your guests.
Provide Plenty Of Activities And Entertaining
You’ll also want to ensure the venue has plenty of activities and entertainment available for your guest. Weddings can become quite dry affairs if there’s nothing to do except stand around. Guests may start to feel restless, even if you provide plenty of food and drink.
For instance, you might arrange for people to go on a local tour while you and your spouse have photos taken together. You might also opt for a recreational location where guests can enjoy hobbies after the ceremony but before the wedding breakfast. It’s little details like these that can make a big difference to guests’ enjoyment of the day as a whole. Remember to always provide everyone with clear instructions and maps so they know where they are going and what they are doing.
MORE GREAT WEDDING PLANNING TIPS!
Deciding on the perfect colour scheme for one of the most important days of your life can be quite overwhelming! These are pictures and memories you will treasure forever. To help, Vikki from Vikki Rose Wedding & Events Styling has put together some colour schemes and mood boards to give you inspiration for your big day.
Wedding Suppliers We Think You’ll Love!
Cheshire Booth Company is passionate about creating unforgettable entertainment experiences that wedding-goers, party people, and launch party attendees alike will cherish.
I'm Sara, a Wedding, Elopement and family photographer based in Cheshire - but photographing all over the UK!
1-1 or Group Colour Analysis and Person Style. Look and feel your best in the colours that love you and make you glow. Boost your self-confidence. Discover The Real You. A Life Changing Experience.
I'm Frankie, a Cheshire based videographer dedicated to producing authentic and joyful films. Hate being on camera but want your wedding captured? Then I'm your girl! With a documentary approach, my style is best suited to laid back couples looking to enjoy their day with minimal posing.
I'm passionate about travel and committed to going the extra mile to find the perfect honeymoon to suit your requirements and budget. I truly believe that the customer service and trust I provide are key for my customers.
Each cake is a masterpiece tailored to your style, preferences, and wedding theme. From classic elegance to whimsical charm, or something bold and creative, your wedding cake reflects your personalities and tells your story.
Andrew specialises in creating exciting, modern and emotional films that you'll treasure forever. Your day will be beautifully captured and reflected, whether your style is romantic or party animals. Andrew creates bespoke, cinematic and timeless wedding films.
Our LITTLE ONES’ COSY CORNER experiences add real excitement for mini guests, providing them with their very own space for the day!
Discover Adamthwaites Wines By Fuchsia, an award-winning local gem dedicated to making the world of wine more accessible and inviting. Offering over 100 unique wines from 15 countries, we cater to home enjoyment, bar supply, weddings, events, and educational experiences, all delivered in sustainable, plastic-free packaging.
From your Save The Date cards all the way through to the place cards on your reception tables, my job is to help bring your vision to life with beautifully bespoke designs.
Arrive in style for your wedding day, in our vintage wedding cars Beauford Tourer 3 Seater or Imperial Viscount 7 Seater. We have over 20 years of experience.
Julianne, also known as Julz, is a Wedding Photographer based in Cheshire, who enjoys skiing and family holidays with her husband and two children. Preferring to stay behind the camera, understanding the discomfort some couples feel during portrait sessions. Her photography style aims to put couples at ease, blending in to capture all the emotions and moments of their special day.
Offering DJ services for your wedding reception, plus additional entertainment options such as interactive quizzes, karaoke, singalong bingo and 'Mr and Mrs' style games (or 'Mr/Mr', 'Mrs/Mrs' etc, of course!).
Je t’aime is a Premium Jewellery Retailer, bringing the Jewellery Quarter straight to your doorstep, offering over 1000 Rings to choose from, all in the comfort of your own home through our Free Home Visit Service.
Offering poetic, art-inspired, colourful and romantic photography, for the wild spirits and the adventurers. I am honoured to capture all kinds of love celebrations but I have a big passion for small weddings and elopements!
Hi, I’m Jamie! ‘‘Capture The Moments That Matter’’, is my mantra and company moto, and with your wedding day being one of the single most important days of your life, that's my mission! I love capturing the natural and raw moments & emotions throughout the day, I truly believe these are the best photographs.
Flowers by Bethany is one of Manchester’s most sought after wedding florists, creating stunning florals and styling beautiful wedding venues UK wide.
Your wedding is going to be one of the most important events in your lives. I will help create an exclusively personal ceremony just for you as a couple and make sure the ceremony is filled with unforgettable moments and priceless memories.
Meringue Bridal Boutique has over 17 years’ of experience in the wedding industry, and this stunning boutique will surround you in pure elegance when picking your dream wedding dress.
If you want a wedding ceremony that is totally unique to you, choosing a Celebrant to create and deliver your ceremony gives you the opportunity to have 'your day, your way'.
I’m a passionate wanderer and the ultimate travel consultant associated with the award-winning Not Just Travel from Christchurch, UK. With a wealth of experiences from enchanting places like Oman, India, Singapore, and Australia, I offer expert advice and personalised, seamless travel arrangements to fulfill your dream honeymoon or vacation. My services come free of charge, and with top trade partners, I can create bespoke itineraries and offer flexible payment options, ensuring you embark on an unforgettable journey with peace of mind.
While we love the moments that occur spontaneously, there are some moments for images that need to be planned, giving both beautiful natural and staged photos. We aim to tell the story of your wedding. It’s about the people, the place, the family, the decorations and the dancing – these all tell the story of your day.
I offer a bespoke fine jewellery service - affordable pieces are designed and made by myself, with the option to use customer's gold, diamonds and gemstones.
My style of photography and videography is relaxed, natural and is designed to capture your day as it happens. No awkward posing, and no taking you away from your guests for hours upon hours for a photo shoot. I find this creates the best memories and captures you and your guests having fun, laughing and celebrating your big day in the very best way!
Welcome to Christopher Diggle Jewellers, where love and craftsmanship come together to create timeless treasures
Experienced in the art of wedding piano performances, I provide expert piano accompaniment throughout your exceptional day. Offering a selection between elegant Black or White baby grand pianos and an extensive musical repertoire, clients can personalise their experience by selecting their cherished melodies for me to perform.
Situated just a mile from the stylish country town of Knutsford, Cottons offer two reception rooms, a restaurant, two large function rooms (the Tabley Suite or the Verandah Suite), superb hospitality and accommodate Civil Ceremonies, Wedding Breakfasts and Evening Receptions.