Hooray! He popped the question. After the initial euphoria of saying ‘yes’ wears down, it’s time to start the exciting task of planning your dream wedding. Besides cake tasting and trying on gowns, one of the best parts of the process is visiting beautiful venues and making your pick. But how do you choose ‘the one’ once you’ve narrowed down the list? You’ve got to know the right questions to ask to make an informed choice. We’ve put together a few of the most popular wedding venue questions along with Collisheen’s answers to help you decide.

9 must-ask wedding venue questions and our answers

1. Is your date available?

It’s no secret; wedding venues get booked months, sometimes even a year in advance. Choosing and securing your dream venue should be at the top of your to-do list. After all, the real nitty-gritty of wedding planning only begins once you’ve locked down the date and location. Right? That’s when it all becomes real. Everyone has a preferred season they want to get married in – some prefer the warm oranges of autumn, while others want a dazzling summer ceremony. But, try to avoid becoming fixated on a specific day. If you love the venue be flexible, being happy with the setting means more than an actual date.

Planning tip: Autumn is South Africa’s most popular season for weddings. If you’re planning a March, April or May wedding, contact Collisheen as early as possible to secure your date.

2. Does the venue offer wedding packages?

Once you’ve established the availability of your date, it’s time to ask your venue about their wedding packages. Do they have set packages? Are they flexible? Do rates differ from weekdays to weekends? Luckily, we can help happy couples with all these questions. To start, we have two gorgeous venues available – The Boma and Orchid House, both of which are very accommodating if you have any special requests. Nothing makes us happier than bringing your dream wedding to life. We offer reduced rates for weddings hosted on Friday and Sunday, and even further discounts should you choose a weekday.

3. And, what’s included in your packages?

Once you’ve confirmed your venue offers wedding packages, take a closer look. Does the pricing include extras or must they be added to the base cost? At Collisheen, we’ve included a number of additionals to help keep your special day as affordable as possible. Not only is the venue hire and catering included in your price per head, but so is the set-up, clearing and cleaning. We also include all your crockery, glassware, tables, linen and chairs, as well as an experienced team of staff members to ensure your day runs smoothly. Take a peek at our packages for the full list.

4. Is there a payment schedule?

We all know there are expenses involved in the planning of a wedding. But, not everything requires an upfront payment. When you book one of our venues, you’ll only need to pay the deposit initially. The remainder is due two weeks before your wedding, and you’re welcome to pay this in instalments beforehand.

5. Can you host your ceremony and reception at the venue

This is one of the most frequently asked wedding venue questions. Many couples don’t want the hassle of travelling between different locations. A wedding venue with the capacity to accommodate your entire day is the perfect solution to all your logistic issues. At Collisheen, both The Boma and Orchid House are complete with facilities to cater for your wedding, from start to finish. These include a bridal salon for the ladies to don their finery, a charming private chapel for the ‘I dos’, and full reception facilities to party the night away. We also offer the option of hosting your ceremony and/or reception outside in the picturesque gardens. Are you considering a garden wedding? Read our previous blog for more information.

6. Is there space to accommodate your guest list

Are you planning on inviting everyone in your address book or is a cosy, intimate affair more your style? Whatever the numbers, you should confirm your potential venue’s capacity before making a final decision. Depending on the venue’s size, there will be a maximum limit as to how many people can fit comfortably within the reception area. With two venues available, Collisheen offers facilities for both large and more intimate wedding celebrations. The Boma is our larger venue, accommodating a minimum of 120 and a maximum of 400 people, while Orchid House caters for 40 to 120 guests. And don’t worry, there is extensive parking on site for all your nearest and dearest.

7. Are there catering options?

They come for the vows and stay for the food. Well, not really. But, you have to admit, a memorable menu leaves a lasting impression. Luckily for you and your guests, Collisheen has a state of the art kitchen run by a team of talented chefs. Our wedding packages outline a selection of our most popular meal options, but our chefs are happy to create a menu tailored to your tastes. From harvest tables to spit braais and everything in between, just let us know and we’ll do our best to cater to your needs.

We also offer a well-stocked bar that we can personalise for you. Gin and whiskey bars, craft beers, pitchers of Pimms and lemonade – we’ll make sure your favourites are ready, chilled and waiting.

8. Will there be a venue manager on site?

No one wants to be running around seeing to last minute details on the day of their wedding. Our wedding packages include a function manager, who will be on hand for the entire evening and an experienced wedding coordinator. Collisheen’s two passionate coordinators are talented and dedicated to making sure your day exceeds your every expectation.

9. Is a backup plan available?

As well planned as your special day might be, some things are out of your control – like a downpour during your garden ceremony. But don’t worry, we have you covered. Inclement weather, Eskom – we have a solution. Our facilities offer fantastic flexibility. Should thunderclouds threaten your outdoor celebrations, we’ll swiftly move the party undercover. And, with generators backing us up, there’s no need to fret over unplanned (or planned) power outages ruining the mood. With our own borehole on the property, Collisheen can also offer complete peace of mind in the event of water restrictions.

Have we answered all your wedding venue questions? If there is anything else you would like to know, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.