Your wedding day is one of the most unforgettable days of your life. Just imagine it. You get to finally say “I do” to the love of your life in a perfect setting, surrounded by the people you love. And throughout the ceremony, all the way to your reception, all the way to your celebration, the focus will ultimately be on you as the main character for the day. But to make the perfect wedding and reception possible, you must first choose the right location.
So, how do you do that? Read on as we highlight tips to help you find your perfect venue and reception space.
Before you move on to the wedding location, you must first pick a theme that resonates with you and your partner. From rustic to modern, traditional to beachy, decide what kind of atmosphere you want for your wedding day. Doing this will help guide your search and narrow down the choices. Moreover, your theme extends beyond the wedding venue as it will set the tone for all your other wedding and reception elements, from invitations to decorations and the dress code.
Consider your wedding day’s estimated number of guests when deciding on a venue. It’s crucial to find a wedding venue big enough to accommodate everyone without feeling overcrowded. But it’s about more than just ensuring the venue has ample room for your guests. It’s also about guaranteeing that your guests feel comfortable throughout the day. So, don’t ask about the maximum capacity of the area; enquire about how many people the venue and reception area can fit comfortably.
The venue you choose should be beautiful, but it must also be practical and easy to manage. Consider factors such as parking, catering and audiovisual capabilities, which are important not only for the ceremony but also for the reception. Are there separate spaces for different activities? Does the venue provide any amenities to make your wedding day a success? Do they offer other types of wedding services? If so, select wedding services that align with your needs.
Unless you’re planning an indoor wedding and reception, opt for a location that has fantastic views or even allows for outdoor ceremonies and celebrations. This will enable you to take advantage of beautiful sunsets, rolling hills or majestic mountains in the backdrop. While it’s not always easy to find wedding venues with scenic views, you won’t have that trouble at South Pacific Bridal, as we offer the best indoor and outdoor ceremonies. From location to planning and actual execution, you can trust us to give you the wedding of your dreams.
It’s essential to be realistic when setting a wedding budget and factor in all the costs associated with the venue and reception area. Be sure to ask about any additional fees that may come up, such as venue rental and taxes, as well as any special requests you may have. It’s also essential to set aside a budget for contingencies in case you have unforeseen problems with suppliers and the like.
Booking a wedding planner is your best bet when it comes to finding the perfect location. They can provide helpful advice and recommendations based on your requirements and also help save time and energy in the process. At South Pacific Bridal, you get to work with your own wedding planner. But you can decide how much of the planning you will hand over to them so you can be comfortable with the final decisions.
Once you have an idea of what type of venue and reception space you’re looking for, begin researching specific locations. Check reviews online, speak with people who have held events at the venue, and even visit it in person if possible. And if you’re looking for venues in Palm Cove or Cairns, choose from our locations at South Pacific Bridal. After all, we have the perfect venues for beach-themed and garden-themed weddings.
Our venue at Palm Cove includes exclusive use of the only purpose-built beachfront chapel in Australia: the Alamanda Great Barrier Reef Chapel. With the chapel situated within the private grounds of the award-winning Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore resort, you get not only privacy but also stunning panoramic views of the azure Coral Sea. But we can also make it happen should you prefer a beachfront outdoor wedding. And for the perfect wedding reception, imagine the sun setting over the water, casting a warm glow over your guests as they celebrate your love.
If you prefer a garden wedding, our venue in Cairns is by far the best location. Say your vows at the Hilton Blue Horizon Chapel, situated amongst the hotel’s beautifully landscaped gardens, and use the gorgeous views of the Trinity Inlet as the backdrop for your reception. If you prefer an outdoor garden wedding, you instantly get an enchanting setting for a fairytale wedding.
When scouting for your wedding venue, it’s also essential to consider where your reception will be held. Some locations offer dedicated reception spaces, often with amenities like a dance floor, professional sound systems, and even in-house catering. This can simplify your planning process and ensure a seamless transition from the ceremony to the celebration. Furthermore, hosting your reception in the same venue or at least in the same area can make the logistics easier for your guests. So, when visiting a potential venue, ask to see their reception areas and assess if they suit your needs and expectations.
When considering the reception part of your day, it’s also essential to ask about any additional restrictions the venue may have. Some venues may have rules about alcohol, music, and even the use of confetti. They may also have specific end times for parties, especially if they’re in residential areas. Ensure you understand all the rules and restrictions so you’re not caught off guard as you plan your reception.
Just as it’s crucial to visit your potential wedding venue, it’s equally important to see the potential reception sites in person. This visit can give you a realistic understanding of the spaces and help you visualise how you can use them. Consider the flow of the space, where you might place the dance floor, the band or DJ, and the dining tables. Notice the lighting in the reception area and if it contributes to the atmosphere you want to create.
The wedding date is another crucial factor, especially regarding the reception. Some venues may be booked for other events on your desired date or have different availabilities for the ceremony and reception areas. This is especially crucial if you plan to have your ceremony and reception in another location. It’s essential to coordinate the availability of both sites to ensure a smooth transition for your guests.
Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to decide. Consider factors like the size of the venue, what amenities it offers and how easily accessible it is for your guests. When it comes to your wedding day, the perfect location is in the eye of the beholder – so find one that you and your partner are confident will make for an unforgettable experience.
However, it’s also crucial to stay true to yourselves. While you may take inspiration from Pinterest weddings, don’t let your passing fascination dictate how your wedding should be. Ask yourselves what feels most authentic to you, and choose a space that represents who you are. Finally, be sure to book ahead of time so you can get what you’re looking for on your special day!
Finding your dream wedding venue doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you keep these tips in mind! With a little bit of research and the right planning, you’ll be sure to find a space that brings your wedding vision to life.
Are you going for a beach-themed or garden-themed wedding? Choose our wedding venues at South Pacific Bridal and work with our renowned wedding planners to iron out the details for your wedding. Apart from venues, we also offer great wedding packages to make your ceremony and reception even more memorable. All of our wedding packages are customisable to fit your preference, whether you’re looking for micro wedding destinations or venues that cater to large weddings and elopements. Get in touch with us today, and let’s talk about venues and everything else we can do for you.
Wedding planners play an invaluable role in turning dreams into tangible realities. They manage intricate details, liaise with vendors, and ensure that every aspect of the big day aligns seamlessly with the couple’s vision. South Pacific Bridal isn’t just about offering breathtaking venues; we’re also celebrated as one of Australia’s esteemed wedding planners. Our expertise transcends venue provision, ensuring that every chapter of your love story is meticulously crafted and executed. With us, you’re not just securing a venue; you’re embracing a holistic wedding experience.
© South Pacific Bridal 2023