7 steps to your dream location

Congratulations, you are engaged! After thoroughly enjoying your first weeks as an engaged couple, it is about time to start planning your wedding. Did you know that finding a suitable party venue is one of the first steps? Check here how to efficiently book the venue of your dreams for your wedding.

Photo (above): Photographer: Anais Chairs - Wedding PLanner: La Sensa Boutique Events- Location: Chateau de la Hulpe

1. Start on time

Do you have a possible favourite date for your wedding? Check! Then your concrete wedding search begins. Most weddings take place on a Friday or Saturday evening. Consequently, cool party venues are booked up quite quickly. So start planning on time! Start looking for your dream location at least 18 to 12 months in advance.

2. Make a realistic estimate

First things first: try to estimate how much budget you want or can spend on your big day. This amount will be your guideline for the coming months. A very important factor in spending your budget is your number of guests. Your number of guests will determine the size of your venue, and one of your main expenses later on: your catering budget. Your initial estimate of the number of guests you want doesn't have to be a detailed list yet, but a clear idea will help you get started.

3. Follow your theme

The next determining factor in choosing your party venue or marquee is your chosen style or theme. Create a mood board to help you find your way. An intimate wedding can be held in a more exclusive location. For a festival-style wedding or a marquee, you will need more space. Do you prefer an industrial atmosphere, rustic barn or elegant castle? Do you prefer to get married in summer, or in winter? Go for a location where you can see your theme come to fruition!

4. Define your region

Do you choose a party room in your own region or province, or do you prefer to go to the other side of the country? Would you like to have your wedding in a picturesque village in the countryside or rather near a specific city? Weigh what distances you would need to travel on your wedding day to realise your ideal programme! An hour's drive in your own car seems reasonable, but for a vintage car or bus it is best to allow a little more time.

5. Go for a visit

After some searching, you may soon have a shortlist of possible contenders. Visit the venues to get a clearer idea of the atmosphere already present and what you want to do there. A tip: take plenty of photos so you can compare afterwards! Love a venue after your first visit? Then ask if you can take an option, and how long it is valid. Or decide right away - the first big ‘to do’ on your checklist will be done!

6. Think about your plan B

In Belgium, there is always a real chance of rain. Have a plan B if you want to have your ceremony or reception outside. Look for a party room that offers a great solution for rainy days.

7. Book your accommodation

Once you have decided on your party room, check whether it has guest rooms. If not, your party room may know where there are good accommodation options nearby. Go there and book the rooms in advance so that you can offer your guests the chance to stay overnight in the area.

Read more on this topic via these links...

• 33 Practical questions before you book party rooms or wedding venues
• A brewery as a wedding venue? It's possible!
• 5 Industrial party rooms to get married in