Insider Secrets: Choosing The Perfect Wedding Venue

Wedding Planner Eimear Young has years of experience in helping couples to create their dream wedding day, with Brian Dowling, Shane Lowry and Joey O’Brien among her more famous clients at the lush Powerscourt Hotel Resort and Spa. We asked the wedding guru to share her best planning tips: Venue "The number one tip in choosing a wedding venue is to really think about the type of wedding day you want to have and what ambiance you want to create. Then choose the type of venue that’s going to contribute to the day you’ve always imagined. Number of guests The number of guests you want to invite to your wedding will help you to decide on the venue. Some venues may be too small to cater for your numbers; others may be too big. You want to make sure that the venue is the right fit for the day you have in mind. Photographs It’s important when choosing a venue to think about the type of wedding photos you want to capture on the Big Day. Are there any stand-out locations within the venue/grounds that would create a stunning backdrop for your wedding photographs? A 'One Wedding' policy A vital question to ask venues is whether or not they operate a 'one-wedding-per-day' policy. If they accommodate more than one wedding, it’s important to find out how they keep the wedding parties separate and ensure that you get the attention you deserve on your special day. A dedicated wedding planner  A dedicated wedding planner plays a huge part in organising your wedding and makes sure the day is planned and executed as smoothly as possible so you don’t have to worry about the details. Ask the venues you are considering if they have a dedicated wedding planner onsite. In cases where they do, this person will be at your side throughout the planning process, ensuring all the details for your wedding are how you want them. Make sure that you feel comfortable with this person and can trust them to deliver the day you’ve dreamed of. Budget A key deciding factor when choosing your venue is of course budget. Take the time to really think about how much you’re willing to spend on your wedding day. It’s important to also note that your budget will impact the number of guests you have on the day, which may also be a factor in deciding on your venue. Location More and more couples are choosing a venue outside their home town in their search for a unique experience. It’s always important to consider the location, keeping in mind how far guests will be willing to travel, how convenient it is to access, accommodation options onsite or nearby, etc. Date Your preferred wedding date can also be a deciding factor on your venue choice. If you have a fixed date in mind, you may find that this could limit your choice of venues depending on their availability. For instance, New Year’s Eve and Christmas weddings are becoming increasingly popular and tend to book up a couple of years in advance. If you have a preferred date in mind, make sure to speak to the venues you are considering as soon as possible. It’s also worth noting that midweek dates are often cheaper than weekends, so check this out with your venue if a midweek wedding is suitable for you and your guests. Civil Ceremony options If you are having a civil ceremony rather than a church wedding, do ask your venue if they have any function spaces/outdoor spaces available on the day of your wedding where the ceremony could take place. It will make life easier for you and your guests. Packages Ask your venue to go through the details of their wedding packages with you. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what’s included and what’s going to be an additional spend, as this will have an impact on your budget. It’s also good to ask what additional items are included, such as menu tastings, a complimentary Bridal Suite, bar extensions… these questions will all help you to determine if the venue ticks as many boxes as possible and determine if it’s a good fit for you. Day 2 options These days, the day after the wedding can be as much fun as the day itself! Ask your preferred venue if they offer any “Day Two” packages and what spaces could be used for such a function. It’s a great way to keep the party going and let your hair down after the Big Day itself." Are you getting hitched soon? Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa’s Exclusive Wedding Showcase runs THIS weekend, October 2^nd from 12-3pm, by appointment only. Couples who attend and book their wedding before 31^st October 2016 will be entered into a draw for an exclusive prize - a three-month membership to the Leisure Club, with a bespoke personal trainer plan and a healthy meal plan, ensuring mind, body and soul are in harmony as the countdown to the big day continues.