With This Ring: August 05, 2016

With This Ring 55
Once you have decided the
date, size and style of the
wedding, it’s time to appraise
reception venues, which can
be booked up to a year or
more in advance. Time of
day, type of meal, number of
guests and your budget will
all come into the equation
and if possible you should
visit several different venues
to be able to compare costs
and services fairly.
Check that the venue is easy to
find and within a convenient distance
of the ceremony, or consider having
both ceremony and reception at the
same venue. Look at the room(s)
available for your reception and
find out what flexibility there is to
decorate it for your theme. Some
venues, particularly heritage ones
have restrictions on use of tape,
staples and candles.
Enquire about catering
arrangements, whether there’s an
in-house caterer or options for self
catering. Check if they have a full
liquor licence or BYO and whether
they charge a bond and corkage
fees. Will the venue be exclusive for
your wedding or are other members
of the public likely to be using its
facilities at the same time?
Is there an in-house wedding
planner who can coordinate the
reception and your suppliers? Will
the sound system be adequate for
your live music or DJ? Is there a
room for the wedding party to
freshen up or change and is there
adequate access and parking for
guests, with or without valet fees?
Ask about deposits, cancellation
policies, noise or time restrictions
and any additional charges for
public holidays, cleaning, breakages
or insurance. Get all quotes and
bookings and payment plans
confirmed in writing. Liaise
regularly with the venue’s manager
or wedding coordinator prior to the
reception and confirm final guest
numbers by the agreed date.
Weddings
at Trent’s Estate
www.trentsvineyard.co.nz