If you’re planning a hotel reception, have a meal there before you make the booking, so you can check on the food and the service, as well as the atmosphere and the facilities.
Many hotels will offer a host of additional services, included in the cost of the reception – from a red carpet welcome to fresh flowers on the tables, from the services of a toastmaster to the hire of a cake stand and knife, from complementary wedding night accommodation for the bride and groom to special rates for wedding guests who want to stay overnight. Some will even invite you back for a complementary celebration dinner on your first wedding anniversary.

Check exactly what is offered and make sure you get a written list. Wherever you choose to hold your reception, find out during what times the rooms – and bar facilities – will be available. If you’re using a village hall and your own caterers, for instance, you will need access early in the day to set up decorations, flowers and your cake and you may need a drinks licence for your bar, which the committee will have to apply for on your behalf. Check also whether you have to hire crockery, cutlery, glasses, tables and chairs.
If you’re having small children at your wedding, find out whether there’s a separate room where they can be entertained and think of providing a mobile creche so both you and their parents can relax and enjoy the day without having to worry about them.