How To Choose Your Wedding Venue
Choosing the perfect wedding venue is one of the most exciting yet challenging decisions you'll make during your wedding planning journey. Your wedding venue is more than just a backdrop - it sets the stage for the entire day, reflecting your style, your story, and the overall vibe you want to create.
But with so many beautiful locations, it takes careful consideration to ensure you choose the wedding venue of your dreams. In this blog post, we'll explore some essential tips to help you navigate this process and ensure that you select a wedding venue that meets your practical needs and captures the essence of your love story.
1. Define your style
Before diving into the whirlwind of wedding planning, take a moment to envision your dream wedding – this will serve as your guiding light as you search for potential venues. It’s easy to get swept away by the excitement of planning and the allure of countless beautiful venues, but staying focused on spaces that truly resonate with your vision is key. Do you dream of an exclusive-use venue like Boclair House, where you and your guests can enjoy complete privacy? Or perhaps a seaside setting with breathtaking views, like Brisbane House? Maybe a rustic retreat, a majestic castle, or a grand stately home speaks to your heart. By choosing a venue that complements and enhances your love story, you’ll create a seamless connection between the space and your special day.
2. Location, location, location
The location of your wedding venue is more than just a pin on a map; it sets the tone for your entire celebration and deeply influences the experience for both you and your guests. Whether you envision staying close to home or venturing to a destination with special meaning, the location will shape the atmosphere and vibe of your big day. Consider what suits your style—do you prefer the vibrant energy of an urban setting, the tranquil charm of a countryside escape, the breathtaking beauty of a Victorian mansion, or something in between? Every setting will offer a different and unique backdrop for your wedding. Our eight venues span a range of locations across central Scotland, all within 1 hours drive of Glasgow, each with their own unique style and stunning setting for you to fall in love with.
3. Size matters
Before falling in love with a venue, it's important to consider how many guests you’re planning to invite. This way, you can focus on venues that can comfortably accommodate everyone on your list while providing the desired atmosphere. If you're planning a grand celebration, Cornhill Castle can host up to 180 daytime guests, offering a spacious yet elegant setting. On the other hand, if you are looking at a more intimate affair, Bowfield offers the perfect cosy ambience for up to 80 day guests. By aligning your guest list with the venue’s capacity, you can ensure that your wedding day is a joyous and comfortable celebration for everyone. This thoughtful approach will help you secure the right location and envision how the space can be tailored to bring your wedding vision to life.
4. Know your budget
Setting a clear budget for your wedding venue is crucial in planning your big day. It’s all about finding the balance between your vision and financial reality. Before you even start your search, decide how much you’re willing to spend on the wedding as a whole and how much of that budget can be allocated to the venue. Take the time to determine what matters most to you, and ensure your budget reflects those priorities. By understanding what you can afford and what truly matters to you, you can avoid future heartbreak and create a wedding day that perfectly aligns with your vision and budget. Our fantastic value wedding packages start at £2,024, ensuring there’s an option for every budget. Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive package which covers all of your wedding day essentials, or something more bespoke, we can help you create a memorable day that fits your financial plan.
5. Choosing the perfect time of year
Choosing the perfect date is one of the first decisions every couple must make when planning their wedding. The month you select will set the tone for your big day, influenced by your favourite seasons, vision, and budget. Each season offers unique possibilities, shaping the atmosphere of your special day. Our venues shine all year round; picture exchanging vows in the beautifully landscaped gardens at Lynnhurst or embracing the festive sparkle of Christmas in our grand ballroom at Boclair House.
The time of year you choose also impacts the availability and cost. Peak wedding seasons, typically the summer months, often come with higher prices due to increased demand. Conversely, choosing an off-peak season or midweek date can offer considerable savings and more venue options. We advise booking as far in advance as possible to secure your desired date and give you ample time to plan every detail.
6. What's included?
Before booking your wedding venue, don’t hesitate to ask plenty of questions. This will help you understand what’s included and ensure everything meets your needs and aligns with your vision. This will help you gain peace of mind and ensure everything aligns with your needs. You might prefer a blank canvas where you can design your vision from scratch. Alternatively, you might opt for one of our all-inclusive packages that covers everything including your wedding cake, floral package and DJ. Determining this will depend on your vision and budget and how much involvement you want in the planning process. Be sure to have a clear picture of what is included in each venue you are considering and what extras you may have to organise to achieve your dream day. Whether you love the idea of personalising every detail, would prefer to leave the logistics to the professionals or are somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, our venues offer a range of packages to suit all your needs.
7. Guest experience
Of course, your wedding day is all about you and your partner however, it is important to consider your guests. Whilst venues vary in size, style, and ambience, each offers your guests a unique experience. It's essential to consider how you want your guests to feel and what lasting memories they will take away from your big day. From the ease of arrival to the comfort of their stay, every detail matters. Think about accessibility, the flow of the day, parking, and onsite facilities. These considerations ensure that your guests can relax, enjoy the festivities, and revel in the joy of your wedding day without any unnecessary stress. All our venues offer a range of guest amenities, including beautiful on-site accommodation, ample parking, and lovely local areas to explore. Plus, Bowfield has our stunning AURA Spa and leisure facilities for guests to access during their stay, Ensuring your guests have a comfortable and enjoyable experience will make your wedding day even more special.
6. See it for yourself
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, always go and see your top venue choices before you decide. While photos can provide a glimpse of the venue, nothing compares to experiencing it in person. Visiting allows you to truly assess the space, meet the team, and envision your big day unfolding in that setting. These factors will all play a part in forming your first impression and will make the venue stand out from others you are considering. To help with this process, not only do our venues offer showrounds, but they also host Wedding Viewing Days throughout the year, where you can come and explore the spaces beautifully set up just as they would be on your special day. Don't rush to sign the dotted line, your venue choice impacts every other detail of your wedding, so take the time to ensure it’s the perfect fit.
9. Last, but not least...discover our venues
We invite you to explore our eight stunning wedding venues, each offering a unique setting for your special day. Explore our options, find the one that speaks to your heart, and book a showround to start planning your unforgettable wedding.
Remember, your wedding venue is more than just a backdrop for your big day—it's the place where memories will be made and your love story will unfold. Take your time, trust your instincts, and choose a venue that feels right for you.
Happy planning!
