System for choosing venues???

We created a spreadsheet of all the venues we had requested details from, we then had columns for rough cost, location, capacity, when we visited and a rating out of 10.

When we decided a place wasn't for us we gave it 0 out of 10 so we knew we had looked at it and discounted it.

i requested brouchures (via hitched!) from all the local venues and did the same, working out costs what extras you got etc, and of course for you, you need to know which are licenced for ceremonies.

After reading through, i decided which i wanted to visit, phoned them up...........and they were all booked for our date, except 2!! That certainly made it easier, but luckily my first choice was one of the available ones, so we are now booked in there.

Ooh those are both excellent ideas. My mind had just hit a brick wall and I couldn't get past the worrying lol. Thanks.

Don't worry kitty kat, I've hit exactly the same point as you! I've got a spreadsheet and I'm still confused!! I'm looking in Essex and Suffolk too so sort of the same area! Spent all day searching and still waiting to find "the one" (venue that is-not the groom!!) ?

Let us know how you get on. When you planning for?

Sarah x

I called our 'local' (8 miles away!) hotel, asked how much it was and we booked it! Not really much of a system but its where we wanted, they have the capacity, the food is fab and it was REALLY cheap!!

Well girls avoid Priory Barn, Little Wymondley, Hitchin HERTS!! Was a guest at a wedding a while back and the way the staff spoke to the guests was disgusting!! Also The Bride and Groom had booked a band and half-way thru the first dance, the staff turned the switch off and plunged us into darkness as they said it was too loud. Luckily it was a professional band and they dealt with it (no thaanks to the venue) but the music was only as loud as a stereo in your nan's kitchen - no atmosphere. Good Luck x

We did similar to others in that we requested brochures from literally everywhere, then crossed off any we didn't like or that were too expensive. Then we visited five or six, of which there were three that we really liked. Next, we created a list of 'qualities' - ie, cost, location, photographic opportunities, exclusivity, ceremony room, etc - and rated each venue 1 to 3 with 3 being the highest for each category. The idea was that when we added the scores up the one with the highest score would be 'the' venue.

However, looking back, I think we actually picked the venue before doing any of this, so I would suggest paying attention to your gut instincts too, just because somewhere looks the best choice on paper doesn't mean its the one! (And you can waste a lot of time messing about with scoring systems! Although if you're anything like me its actually quite good fun!) Anyways, good luck with making your decision! x

We did quite similar to everyone else. Me or my OH didnt already have a place in mind, but I knew from going to weddings which ones I'd like. I'm in the Midlands area by the way.

We complied a list of our top 10, ok 11. Lol. Then requested for brochures, some went straight out for cost. Then on Valentine's day this year on a spur of the mo thing we drove to about 5 to view all of which went down apart from one which we still like but it was guests numbers. Then after visting my bro another day we visted the remaining three, one of which we immediantly fell in love with and booked on our second visit.

Tips I'd give to you.

1 Make a top 10, obviously number one being favourite and request brochures for all.

2 Make a rough day and evening guest list so you know what numbers your looking at

3 When all the brochures have arrived work out with the guests lists you have how much it'd cost. Remember kids are normally 1/2 or 2/3 adult price but they count as a seat

4 After getting rid of some, dedicate a day to vist them all, your'll know your venue when you see it.