You’ve said ‘yes’, now it’s time to find the destination to say, ‘I do’
You’ve had the magic moment of the proposal and saying ‘yes’ and now the planning starts, but where to begin…
One of the biggest decisions that you’ll make is where to host your most memorable day. Choosing a wedding setting is a significant decision in the planning process, as it sets the tone and atmosphere for your special day. There’s lots of practical things to think about such as size, location etc., but the main consideration is how you think it will make you feel on the day. Trust your instincts! Choose a destination that feels right for you and aligns with your unique vision.
With so much to consider, here are 10 steps to help you choose the perfect wedding venue:
Determine your budget: Before you start looking for venues, establish a clear budget for your wedding. When considering how budgeting might impact the rest of your plans and life overall, you do not want to feel like the wedding is taking over, but similarly that you will need to establish what is and is not achievable when saving to have the day of your dreams. Setting your budget will help you narrow down your options and prevent you from falling in love with a venue that's out of your price range. There are multiple ways to calculate and manage your spending, Hitched offers a handy online budget planner to get the ball rolling. Here at Silchester Farm, our pricing and costs are transparent from the start, and whilst everything is visible on our website, we will talk you through your costing and payment schedules in detail, ensuring you have a full understanding throughout your planning journey. Contact us to find out more about our pricing and all-inclusive options, every wedding is bespoke and we are here to help bring your ideas to life, with no hidden costs.
Define your wedding style: Consider the overall style and theme of your wedding. Do you want a rustic, elegant, modern, garden or a destination wedding? Your venue should complement your desired style. Every couple is different, and therefore every wedding is different. Explore spaces you may not have thought would suit you, as you might be surprised at what you find.
Create a guest list: Have a rough estimate of the number of guests you plan to invite. This will help you choose a setting that can comfortably accommodate your guest numbers. Start with your closest family and friends, work out the size of your wedding party inclusive of adult bridesmaids, groomsmen and any flower girls or page boys. Review if you want to have everyone attend all day, or if you want to split your list and create a more intimate day with bigger celebration in the evening, as this will support your search even more.
Visit venues in person: Once you have a shortlist of potential places, schedule a visit to each one. Seeing the setting in person will help you assess its ambiance, layout, and overall suitability. Photos are a great start, and will help you to narrow down the list, but there is nothing like experiencing the space for yourself. The entrance, the greeting and the feeling you get when you find the perfect location for your wedding begins here. Warm and friendly staff, a calm and organised space, you need to feel relaxed, and trust your venue from the minute you arrive to the minute you depart as newlyweds. Step into your planning journey with an experienced and trusted team at Silchester Farm. Contact us at any time, we’d love to show you around our picturesque retreat.
Consider the season and date: Think about the time of year you want to get married and establish whether the venue has availability. If you are flexible, you will have more opportunity to find a date to suit. Gone are the days where weddings were only hosted at weekends. Now, you can host your wedding on any day of the week, and by making sure your guests have plenty of notice, you don’t have to worry about the guest list. Opening the diary to weekdays may ensure you make a saving and can use those savings on really spoiling your guests. We also believe that the setting should be able to suit any season. At Silchester Farm, one of the most enchanting aspects of farm life is witnessing the ever-changing seasons. Each has a special feel, whether the vibrant colours of spring blossoms, glistening in the summer sunshine, warm autumnal colours or frosty winter days, the farm’s beauty is a constant source of inspiration all year round. Outdoor spaces designed to host your special photos, and cosy fireplaces to warm you - every part of the farm has been created to ensure whatever the weather, you are well looked after.
Sustainability: Weddings generally create a mountain of waste, and you should want to consider how you can hold the most magical day and still be environmentally friendly. At Silchester Farm, it is our mission to be sustainable. From foraging food grown on our own land to use in the kitchens, sourcing produce from local suppliers, offsetting our footprint with tree planting and building relationships with recycling partnerships, it is always at the front of what we do to limit the impact we leave on the environment.
Evaluate the amenities and services: Consider what the location offers in terms of amenities and services. This might include in-house catering, bar services, decor, accommodation and more. At Silchester Farm, our onsite kitchen produces the best of British countryside dining. Our charming, handcrafted bars (the Cow Shed and Threshing Barn) both serve an extensive collection of locally brewed and distilled drinks, alongside all the popular classics. In addition, we have carefully selected trusted suppliers to add those final finishing touches to your perfect day, ensuring everything you need is available and you can select everything you need.
Consider the logistics: Think about practical matters such as parking, accessibility for guests with special requirements, and the proximity of the venue to accommodation and transportation. If you have a lot of guests who will require lodging, then having this facility on site has great advantages. Somewhere your older guests can retire too if they need to take a break, somewhere to host breakfast the following day, it’s the little things that can become the big things, and your guests will appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a mini break too. Or, perhaps an extended celebration incorporating a gathering the night before, somewhere you can make your own and enjoy for more than one day.
Read your contract: There is so much to remember, and when viewing venues, each location will work slightly differently to each other. Remember that when booking and signing your contract you are confirming you understand the terms and conditions to your planning and the day itself. Read the contract carefully and if you have any questions, use the time prior to signing to ensure that your expectations are met from the beginning, and that you don’t face any surprises along the way.
Secure the date: Once you're satisfied with the destination (hopefully Silchester Farm 😊), and the contract, book it as soon as possible to ensure your date is reserved and planning can begin. Getting your date booked ensures the rest of the fun can start. You cannot book anything else until your venue and date are secured, and once you have found the perfect space - everything else will fall into place.
Enjoy the planning process and don’t get overwhelmed by what can feel like a lot to do! You do not have to do everything at once, and you want to ensure that you take time to make the right decisions. If you feel like it is getting too much, take a break.
From the beginning, our team are on hand to support and guide you through your planning. Once you have your date confirmed, all the next steps will lead you to a relaxing and stress-free wedding day. The romantic ambience of Silchester Farm is apparent from the moment you arrive along the tree-lined driveway, with endless views across stunning countryside. We invite you to experience the natural beauty and serenity firsthand. Come and explore the wonders of our farm, where style meets rustic luxury, and you can see everything we have to offer.
Amie x