Dee McMeeking, Wedding Event Planner

We've been speaking to Dee McMeeking, Wedding Event Planner and Author of '100 Wedding Planning Tips for the Organised Bride' and '101 MORE Wedding Planning Tips for the Organised Bride'


* When “venue shopping” it is as important to consider the extras that are / are not included in
the price as well as the overall price that you have been quoted. When extras are being offered such
as floral centrepieces, chair covers, DJ etc. always ask if you can use your own suppliers too.

* Always visit your venue at the same time as your wedding to see the natural light available in
the ceremony / reception room. You will find out very quickly where not to put your wedding cake
or buffet table so that food is sitting in direct sunlight for hours! Also try to visit at the same time of
the year – this will show you how the gardens and outdoor areas may look through the seasons.

* Availability of your reception venue before the wedding day. If you are hiring a function room
in a venue which hosts a large volume of weddings be aware that there may be a wedding in your
room the day before your event. As such, if you are planning on being on site the night before to
dress your guest tables and be “hands on” with the styling of the venue you may not be able to. This
is where it pays to have a supplier on hand to do this work for you. You should not be spending the
morning of your wedding day running around trying to organise things. You should be being
pampered and enjoying the experience of your magical day.

* Check out the size of the ladies toilet cubicles at your reception venue. This sounds strange
but I am only thinking of your wedding dress! See where the largest cubicle is located (this may be a
disabled toilet) particularly if you have a large full skirted wedding dress. Think about any help you
may need and warn your helper in advance!

* The price of drinks at the bar at some venues will often be higher than if you were drinking
on a main street bar or restaurant. Some venues and caterers will stock a limited range of drinks so I
recommend that you do a “drinks test” in your chosen venue. Take your partner and go out for a
drink at your chosen venue. This way you can test whether your favourite tipple is available and also
you can get a feel for the general price of drinks there. Highly relevant if you are planning to pick up
the bar tab at any time during the reception.

You can find even more fab tips from Dee's Books on Amazon and you can also download our wedding venue questionnaire here.

Good luck in searching for your dream wedding venue!