5 BIG QUESTIONS

1. Celebration style and type of place

Let's start with the big question - what will be the celebration, place of celebration – in what style , how free and democratic or, on the contrary, formal and elegant ? We turn to answering these questions for the next ones, gradually narrowing the range of possible options. Will the celebration take place in one of the traditional celebration locations – in the manor , in the hotel , in the guest house – will we look in the direction of less popular places – tent, shed, greenhouse? Or maybe the new couple wants to surprise their guests by following the latest wedding fashion trends, and to hold a celebration in a completely atypical place, for example museum , art gallery or in theater ?

2. Number of guests and planned budget

The planned number of guests is a very important factor not only in choosing a wedding venue, but also budget in formation .  There are not many traditional places in Latvia that are able to offer sufficiently spacious ones rooms, and even fewer that will also provide comfortable overnight accommodation for a large number of guests number (more than 60 guests).

Before thinking seriously about a potential celebration location, it would also be good to determine how much is the desired amount to spend on the celebration place. In addition, it is best if this amount will be determined depending on the total budget of the wedding already established, when it is already visible the big picture and at least an approximate estimate of how much money could be allocated.

3. On which side

When planning the geographical side of the celebration place , various factors should be taken into account - both how far from the place of celebration is the place of the wedding ceremony , both how much time the guests will spend on the road and whether it is convenient for the new couple - it is worth understanding whether the new couple will spend the night before the wedding at home or already in the morning will wake up on big days at the venue.

4. Accommodation options

This is the next tricky question that doesn't always come to mind at first. Comfortable to accommodate a large person overnight the number of guests is a rather complicated issue, some of the suitable celebration venues for a large number of guests offer overnight accommodation in one larger room, often on mattresses on the floor. If this option or staying in tents in the territory of the celebration place in the style of youth is not suitable, the issue may have to be approached creatively, for example, by organizing after for celebrations, shared transport for guests to a nearby hotel or accommodation in several guest houses , or by choosing a rest base where many small cabins will be available for overnight stays.

5. Surroundings of the celebration place

Depending on the activities planned for both the first and second day of the celebration, it is also worth paying attention to the place of the celebration neighborhood - is it important that it is near the water (which is not superfluous if the wedding is planned in July and the next day intended for chill atmosphere). Will there be a lot of small children at the celebration and the surrounding area is suitable for them, or there are recreation and entertainment opportunities – sports fields , swimming pool , sauna , available boats , catamarans etc.? Are there opportunities to have fun also for children – equipped playgrounds ?

Advice . Prioritize, let's say, 20 priorities before focusing on the selection of possible celebration locations a list in which you define the 5 main things without which you can't imagine your celebration place, then list the less important ones rules and those that can also be omitted if necessary.

WHEN SELECTING, SPECIFY

1. Dining options

Here you need to find out right away whether the potential venue offers catering services , or whether there are any several caterers to choose from and whether it is possible to bring your own kitchen . If instead of a celebration it is strictly decided to take their caterers, find out if they can provide the type of table you want, banquet  – Swedish type table, a la carte , food stations, table like at home , when all the food is already on the table and everyone takes what and as much as you want.

2nd place

Is there enough space for the number of guests expected for the various activities and dances? Will everything take place in one room or are there possibilities to share - a separate hall for tables, for dancing , for relaxation?

3. Rezerves variants

Is it possible to pitch a tent instead of the celebration and in case of bad weather to postpone the celebration indoors ? Does the tent have to be rented separately , or is it already available on site?

4. Amenities

Are the number of toilets adequate and guests will not have to spend most of the evening standing in queues? The optimal number would be 10 toilets per 100 guests.

5. Parking spaces

Is there enough space to leave cars (if the guests arrive each with their own transport ), and is there to be paid (if the celebration takes place, for example, in the city center)?

6. Other measures

Are there other events scheduled for that weekend instead of the party? Will there be any as a result restrictions – when you can start decorating the place of celebration, bring alcohol , food etc.

What time do you have to leave the venue the next day?

7. Method of rent calculation

Is the celebration venue rental fee taken for hours or days (an actual question for non-traditional places of celebration)? If the fee is calculated by the hour, do you have to pay additionally for the time when they are performed preparations and the place arranged after the celebration?

8. Details of the offer

What exactly is included in the venue offer? What do I pay extra for? Can you use your own alcohol and does cap money apply to it? Are there enough chairs and tables and is their rental included? price ? What about tablecloths , vases ? Is enough lighting ? Are there heating lamps (if necessary)?

9. Inventārs

What inventory is already available on site - what are chairs , tables , dishes – do you like them and do they match the wedding day theme and style or do you need to rent?

10. Outerwear

If the celebration does not take place on the hottest days of summer , where will the guests leave their outerwear? Will someone be there? employee to help guests get their coats?

USEFUL

• Learn from the mistakes of others
• Read the reviews available for your chosen celebration venue, but don't give up on it if you come across criticism! Take into account what, judging by the feedback, was not the order and emphasize it at the next meeting! The safest option is to discuss everything in the contract in as much detail as possible, the more detailed, the better. In the contract agreed with the service provider also about how payments will be made, when you will pay the advance and when - the remaining amount.

Pay attention to communication

Pay attention to the communication with the representative of the place of celebration - is it going well, is he listening to your notes and offer a coherent solution? Or trying to find a solution to any problem or running on a conveyor belt principle? Failed communication can be an important sign from the very beginning that it is better to choose another place for the celebration. Don't forget to also find out who will be the contact person during the planning of the celebration and the celebration itself per day!

Author of the article: LIENE PÄLĆA

Photo: DRUNK RAGELIS