For the past week we have had so much fun racing around the Andalucian Countryside on our boutique, wedding venue search. We’ve been up mountains, down to the sea and across valleys on dirt tracks, what an adventure!!
Its been so wonderful to see Andalucia in all its ‘spring glory’. The wildflowers and birds have been utterly amazing! The views from our venues are simply breathtaking and all so wonderfully unique! We’ll be adding our new boutique wedding venues to the site over the next few weeks…so keep following!
Wedding Venue Search
Its a complicated business finding the ideal venue for your Boutique Wedding, to make the process easier for you we have put together some tips, advice and recommended questions you need to be asking. You don’t want to arrive on your wedding day to find the Bridal Suite resembles a cupboard, rather than a luxurious suite and there is no room for you and your bridesmaids to get ready together or find that actually, Fireworks are not allowed at the venue so you have wasted £1,000 for nothing !
Careful forward planning is what will make your special day into your absolutely perfect day, so if you don’t have a wedding planner to ask the questions for you, take along our tip sheet!
Have fun searching!!
Boutique Venue Questions
Is the venue licensed for Civil Ceremonies?
Are you able to hold both the Ceremony and Reception at the venue?
Is there a chance to hold your ceremony outside?
What local authority is the venue listed under ?
What is the venue capacity for both the ceremony and dinner?
Does the venue have preferred wedding suppliers? or can you bring in your own suppliers?
What is included in the hire price? (Catering, Coordinator, Accommodation etc)
If the Venue has its own caterers, will the price include a tasting?
Are the catering services flexible to my individual needs? (Hog roasts, BBQs, mediterranean mezze, formal dining, Moroccan feast, street food?)
How many weddings do they host in one day?
Is it possible to hire the venue exclusively? What would the price differential be?
**Must do**
Ensure you are happy with the whole venue, inside and out. See all rooms and garden space, that you will be using and ensure each one suits your wedding style perfectly!
Boutique Wedding Logistics
Will there be a turnover time for rooms and where will your guests go during this time?
What is the policy for children attending?
Could you have a run through the day before your wedding day?
Do they have an approved taxi or minibus contacts?
What is the closest city/town/village? (If you find yourself out in the campo!)
Is there local transport available?
Are there any local events happening on the date of your wedding?
Is there ample parking for your guests?
Can the venue supply you with a wedding day timeline?
What information does the venue need from your suppliers who will be working on site? (Public Liability/PAT testing etc)
**Must do**
Get to know the local area. If you have guests travelling from a far, you will need to supply them with a range of affordable accommodation options and instructions for getting around, collate a list of suitable eateries and perhaps some fun activities too!
Accommodation
Does the venue have accommodation available- if so what is the capacity?
Will they be able to offer discounts for rooms to the wedding party?
If they do not have accommodation to offer, are they able to recommend accommodation close by?
**Must do**
Always see the rooms that you and your guests will be taking. Most likely, you and your bridesmaids will use your room to get ready and your photographer will be taking photos. So, ensure it has light, space an essential full length mirror and of course that it is utterly gorgeous! Especially if it is to be your Bridal Suite!
Planning the Details
Are you able to bring in your own Wedding Planner or Stylist?
If getting married in the gardens, will they allow flowers petals to be scattered around?
What type of confetti is acceptable?
Are lit candles allowed in the venue or in the gardens?
Is it possible to decorate the gardens trees with lights?
Does the venue have a noise limiter fitted or can you turn the music all the way up?
Are fireworks allowed at the venue?
Are you allowed sparklers at your wedding?
**Must Do**
Ask to see previous weddings held at the venue, if you are going ‘sans’ wedding planner, be very wary of the styling of the previous weddings! My personal fear is chair covers! Ensure you make note of any styling that doesn’t fit your wedding style and ensure you specifically discuss not using this at your wedding!
Indoor or outside
Does the venue have a wedding weather contingency in place?
Is there an option to get married outside?
Marquees – do they have a recommended supplier or can you hire your own?
If your venue has gardens what will be in flower at the time of year for your wedding? Ask to see photos so you can visualise, especially if you are visiting out of season.
**Must do**
Enjoy your boutique wedding venue search, its a great opportunity to get to know the area you’re getting married in and a good excuse for some lovely lunches out and about!
Check with your venue that you are able to specify the type of Marquee you choose. Perhaps you have your heart set on an Arabian Tent, a Yurt or a Tipi! Ask the Marquee company if there is a possibility to see the Marquee up before the big day. Perhaps at your venue if they have a booking there or even another venue!
T&Cʼs
Don’t get stuck with an unexpected bill or being told a month before your big day that one of your key elements is not part of the policy for the venue. Take the T&C’s away with you and read carefully! No skipping pages!
Also, Go through the Venue Costs thoroughly before you sign anything or handover any money!! Ensure you understand everything that is being proposed and if anything doesn’t make sense then query it with the venue!
Prepare for your Venue Search
Create a spreadsheet of the venues you like the most-I marked my absolute favourites with ‘LOVE’ just so we were both clear!
Map the venues on google maps and work out your routes for each day, 4 in one day should be your maximum.
You will need around 1 hour to 1 hour and a half at each venue and of course travelling time to the next venue.
Call ahead and let them know you are coming, perhaps you just turn up and the key person to speak to is not there, you do not want a wasted journey!For an informal chat about your wedding or if you would like to know more about our wedding venues in Spain, please do not hesitate in contacting me, please EMAIL me here. To find out more about our Wedding Planning Services Click here now.
If you need any extra tips and advice then please feel free to get in touch.
