When you visit the venue, analyse whether you pick up a friendly, accommodating vibe from the staff – this trait will be instrumental in making your planning smooth and stress-free. Location: Abbeville.

Ask how many weddings your venue will be hosting on your date – if it’s more than just you, there’s a chance the service could be less attentive than if the venue were solely dedicated to your celebration. Location: Abbeville.

Be sure your venue is transparent about any additional charges – think cake-cutting fees – before you sign the contract. Location: Abbeville.

Ask how long before the wedding you are able to get in and decorate, and when you need to have everything cleared away by – a good venue will be flexible around your requirements, and may even offer to help on both fronts. Location: Abbeville.

Will you have to wrap up the party by a certain time? Some venues have stringent noise restrictions in place, while others can accommodate you well into the early hours. Photo: I Do Photography.

Finding somewhere with a diverse range of settings and aesthetics will set you up for a great portrait ceremony. The more options you have onsite, the less travelling you’ll have to do, and the more time you can spend making images. Photo: Chris Dillon. Location: Abbeville.

Choosing a venue that can host both your ceremony and reception will streamline the big day’s proceedings, and makes it easier to transport (and therefore double-use) decorations such as flowers. Location: Abbeville.

When your venue has onsite caterers, they’ll know the kitchen equipment and venue well – they’re therefore less likely to run behind schedule or suffer any mishaps due to unfamiliarity. Catering: The Great Catering Company.

Love the idea of an outdoor ceremony? Who doesn’t! No matter how great the plan, though, it pays to have a backup option – seek out a venue that has a sheltered option you won’t be disappointed to use. Location: Abbeville.