Selecting a wedding reception venue can seem daunting. That’s because it is. However, we are going to simplify the process and provide tips to help discover your wedding venue. That being said, it is paramount that you quickly select a venue as venues quickly become unavailable. Also, your venue information is required to invite guests and to start other wedding plans. Hopefully you have set a budget for your venue and know the number of guests.
Here are our guidelines for selecting a Nigerian wedding reception venue.
- Availability – Is the venue available for your wedding? How long can you book (a few hours or the entire day)? Are there other events taking place during your event or on the same day?
- Capacity – Is there capacity for your expected number of guests? You should add a buffer (say 10-20%) to your expected total guests.
- Costs and Payments – Reception venues can be very expensive. Arguably, venues are the most expensive budget line item and you may have to make a significant deposit to book. As a result, you have to consider the following:
- How much are you willing to spend?
- Does the venue provide a lot of amenities and services included in the cost?
- Are taxes (e.g. VAT) already included in the given price?
- What’s the required deposit? When do you have to make the payments?
- Are there any hidden costs e.g. service fees, cleanup fees etc. that can be incurred?
- Does the venue come with added advantages e.g. decoration is included, security is included, e.t.c.
- Logistics – There are various logistical factors to consider:
- Accessibility – Is the venue conveniently located for you and most wedding guests? This would not apply to a destination wedding.
- Handicap/Wheelchair access – Is the venue accessible to elderly guests or guests in wheelchair?
- Exits – Are there enough exits in case of a fire or other hazards? We hope and pray nothing goes wrong but exits are something to consider. Ensure a good number of exits.
- External Vendors – Some venues (particularly hotel venues) may not allow external vendors e.g. caterers. In this case, you can’t bring your own food.
- Security – Does the venue provide some level of security? Do you need to provide your own security? In many cases, you will want to bring your own security even if you’re getting security from the venue. Venues typically have very few security personnel who focus on protecting venue property and not controlling crowd or other purposes.
- Amenities and Services – You may want a venue that provides a significant number of amenities and services such as changing rooms and sound system. Hopefully, they come at little to no additional cost. Some venues provide various packages that include additional amenities and services. Here are important amenities to consider (for a Nigerian wedding):
- Air-conditioning / Industrial fans – Air circulation is very important. It gets quite hot when a lot of people are in a room.
- Lighting – This might not seem important but it is. For great photos, lighting is important for photographers to capture great shots. Photographers can also compensate or bring equipment for poor lighting. These might add to their cost or delay the time to receive your pictures. Lighting can also create a special mood.
- Sound System – Does the venue provide microphone, speakers etc.? Do you have to bring yours?
- Space – Ensure adequate space for various activities. E.g. a spacious dance floor makes a great difference. Another example is parking spaces. Guest should be able to find ample parking at little to no cost. Happy guests at your wedding will translate to a successful wedding.
- Reviews – You should ask people or find online reviews. You might be surprised what you learn. We have reviews on Iludio that you’ll find very useful.
- Visit – Make sure to pay a visit and get all your questions answered. You can send a representative. It is important to visit the venue given the large amount of deposit required, which you likely may not get back.
PHOTO CREDIT: Maigaskiya Photography