Part 2 of 3: 6 tips on sourcing the perfect wedding venue
Our very own bride-to-be and wedding planning expert, Hayley Econemou, shares her top tips for sourcing your dream wedding venue.

Your venue is the foundation to your perfect wedding day so we understand making a final decision can be difficult. To ensure you find the dream location, follow our six tips for optimum guidance:
1. Give the guests some space
It’s wise to allow around 25 square feet per guest when you’re looking to hire a space. It might sound like a bit much, but that covers tables, dance floor and room for waiting staff to deliver the food. Having space to move around helps people to relax and will make the space look even more glamorous.
2. Check the season
Be sure to choose a wedding venue that’s suitable for the time of year: cosy in the winter and refreshing in the summer. If guests are uncomfortably hot or cold they’ll likely leave early so heating and air con are prevalent. If you are planning a photo-shoot outdoors choose the perfect time of the day for your images, research sunset times and have a strict schedule for when the photographer can work their magic. Choosing a wedding venue in central London means fantastic photograph opportunities with iconic buildings and landmarks.
3. Is there competition for dates?
Take a look at local calendars for marches, festivals or other events that could influence parking, restrict access to your venue or mean that your venue could be booked up. If you choose a wedding venue in central London you’re likely to have fantastic transport options, but it pays to confirm.
4. Get it all in writing
Ask either your wedding planner or your venue’s event manager, for a step-by-step time sheet for the big day so you are well informed of the processes to ease your nerves. Planning everything from the first guest arriving and the last supplier leaving will help make your day run as smooth as possible. This is vital for you to enjoy your magical day to it’s fullest.
5. When can you set up?
Confirm with the venue when you can set up for the wedding. The day before is the least stressful, but the morning of the wedding can be organised well if planned efficiently. If you have friends and family helping, don’t forget to give them enough time to get ready.
6. Eyes up front
If you’re having a larger ceremony and guests are seated more than 15 rows deep, hire a small stage (a rise) and microphones to help everyone be a part of it.
A larger wedding venue in central London may already have these supports in place, making the organisation and running of the ceremony far more streamlined and ensuring all guests can see you looking beautiful!
For more information on choosing the right wedding venue for you or to talk to a member of our team about hiring 8 Northumberland Avenue, contact us today.