Part two of our “just engaged” segment is all about choosing a wedding venue…which we feel we have superb knowledge in!  So, the big proposal happened, you and your fiance (eek!…it’s still weird to say I know) have already had your engagement party and now it is time to get down to business!  Choosing a wedding venue can be an overwhelming and exhausting process.  But don’t fret!  We are here to guide you through the process so that you stay on track and pick a venue that you are completely happy with.

Over the past ten years of our operation here at Glendalough Manor, we have seen a lot of couples come and go and obviously a bunch that have chosen Glendalough as their wedding venue and become part of our family forever!  This has helped up to learn exactly what brides, grooms and their families are looking for and find most important while searching for the venue that fits them perfectly!

Before you begin visiting or calling potential venues, be sure to prepare a rough guest list for your wedding as a good portion of your budget will be driven by your head count!

Do your homework!  Before calling any venues, be sure to research the top wedding sites for reputable venues… i.e. www.weddingwire.com and www.theknot.com!  Study their websites and pricing and narrow down your choices between three to five potential venues.  Then, you are ready to call and schedule tours with each venue!

Once you arrive to the venue tour, be sure to have a list of questions ready to go!  Some questions may include:  Does the venue offer a bridal suite for you to get ready in?  Are there any head count requirements or food minimums?  Are there any hidden costs or fees (at Glendalough there are not)?

If the primary ceremony or reception location is outside, be sure to ask if there is a rain plan and determine if that is suitable for you and your fiance.  You should be 100% comfortable if the unforeseen were to happen.

Ask the venue if they have a preferred vendors list!  This is a great option for you as a bride or groom because the venue has already established reliable relationships with the top vendors in the area.  At Glendalough, we actually take full responsibility for our vendors so that you don’t have to bother going back and fourth with them.  You will have access to all of your vendor orders under a private portal page that we set up for you!  This makes it easy and accessible to you, your fiance and your families to see!

Be sure to ask to see samples of room designs and possibilities for the space!  Some venues will offer complimentary decor.  You want to make sure you know exactly what you are paying for in a room fee; are tables, chairs, linens, china, glassware, ect.. included in the fee!  Some venues will have a ballroom fee and then extra charges for every rental item…at Glendalough, we do NOT!

Does the venue offer any type of event staff that will help you through the planning and on wedding day?  For example, at Glendalough, you get a complimentary site planner that will help you in the months leading up to the wedding and a ceremony director that will execute your ceremony.  We have an excellent reception staff that will make sure that your reception is flawless!  This can really take the burden off you as a couple and allow you to enjoy your wedding day.  If you opt to hire a wedding planner, be sure you discuss that with your potential facility to see how they work with outside wedding planners.

Before signing a contract with a venue, be sure to ask for a copy to review and that you understand the contract as well as any cancellation policy.  A professional venue should be willing to go over the contract in detail with you and answer any questions that you may have regarding the contract.  Ask the venue to refer you to past brides and grooms that were married there and receive some live feedback regarding their experience!

Lastly, we will leave you with a link to our brand new virtual tour of Glendalough Manor!

http://www.spherovision.net/html5/US121LS/GManor/tour/

Happy searching and planning!!!