The advice on this page is primarily aimed at the wedding reception client, however much of the information would be just as important no matter what the event. .

Basic Guidelines
Choose a venue that is easy for all to find. If its not, make sure all guests know how to get there.

Make sure the venue is large enough to cater for the amount of expected guests.

Ensure there is good access for caterers and entertainment. They will want to come in and out without interupting the guests

If you have disabled guests don�t choose an upstairs location if access would be difficult.

Check the bar licensing hours. An extention of time may need to be applied for.

Parking should be close, safe and large enough for all likely vehicles.

Booking the right venue depends a lot on the budget allowed of course. If the event being celebrated is a special day it makes sense to carefully think of the choices in your area for the event.

I personally attended a wedding reception recently which was held in the snooker room upstairs in our working mens club. The event was a total disaster. The stairs were very narrow and steep and twisting. this meant the amount of equipment I used was absolutely minimal. The space I was given to set up in was about 5ft by 3ft and it was next to the buffet table.

There was no bar upstairs, so the guests were having to go up and down stairs for their drinks. There was a elderly lady in a wheel chair which had to be man-handled up the stairs which, remember, were very narrow. Whenever she wished to use the toilet it was a major headache.

The caterers struggled to lay out the buffet in the space provided. There was no dance floor area. Basically, if it could have gone wrong for them that day - it did. Consequently, most guests left early with a variety of different excuses.

The newly weds had no idea why their reception finished two hours short of its official finish time. They were a lovely couple but unfortunately had not the experience to think the possible challenges the choice of venue would bring. I personally , as an entertainer, attend more weddings and celebrations than the average person would. It is from watching all the mistakes happen that I am able to give this, hopefully, helpful advice.

TOUR