8 Important Questions To Ask When Choosing Your Wedding venue

4 April 2022

How Many Guests Can the Venue Hold? 

Wedding venues come in different shapes and sizes, meaning guest capacities vary. Before starting to look around to make a rough guest list for during the day and evening, it is a good idea to ensure the venues you are looking at can accommodate your numbers. Here at Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel, we have several different suites that can accommodate guests from 40 up to 400. 

Can I Hold My Civil Ceremony at the Venue? 

Civil ceremonies are now the most popular option for couples wanting to get married, especially if they’re holding the whole day at one venue. If this is what you want to do, ensure the venue is fully licensed to offer this and look at the space to ensure it is what you are looking for. Here at Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel, all our Suites are licensed to hold a civil ceremony giving couples the flexibility to choose the space that suits their needs.  

Can my Bridal Party Stay the Night Before to Get Ready at the Venue the Morning of the Wedding? 

Homes aren’t ideal places for large bridal parties to get ready, with you often needing lots of space for you and your bridesmaids to prepare for the day. Suppose you don’t want the added stress of travelling to the venue on the morning of the Wedding and would prefer to have more time to relax and get ready check that your venue has suitable rooms for you and your party. Here at Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel, we have 100 bedrooms with various large family rooms and suites with separate living areas, ideal for large wedding parties getting ready before the Wedding takes place. 

What is the Deposit Amount, and When is the Final Balance Due? 

When you consider a possible wedding venue, it is essential to ask how much deposit is required to secure your date. You will also need to know when additional money or the balance will be due. Here At Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel, you can secure your dream Wedding date with just a £500 deposit with nothing further due until three months before the big day when we require 50% of the overall balance to be paid. You would then meet with your Wedding Coordinator to confirm all numbers and extras with the balance due two weeks before your Wedding Day. 

Can We Decorate the Venue Ourselves? 

Some couples prefer to put their stamp on the décor for their big day and even like to handmake some of the décors. It is always best to check with the venue their policy on dressing for the venue and times for access. Here at Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel, you are more than welcome to provide your décor should you wish. However, we would advise making up everything in advance and putting all the décor for each table into separate boxes, and having friends and family help you set up on the day. It can be pretty stressful trying to set your décor when you need to get ready for your big day. We allow access from 7 am the morning of, with early access available if possible. However, we cannot confirm this until nearer the day. 

What are the Choices for the Wedding Breakfast? Is it a Set Menu, or Can You Offer Your Guests a Choice? 

Every venue has different options and rules around catering. Many venues offer a set menu for the wedding breakfast, with a choice menu being an additional cost added to the package. Here at Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel, you can offer your guests either a set menu or opt for two meat, one veg for the starter and main courses and two options for dessert at no additional cost. We also cater for any special dietary requirements your guests may have.  

Can We Have Live Music? 

If you want to book a band for the evening or maybe a solo musician for during the ceremony or wedding breakfast, first check that the venue has the space and allows live music. Also, check what the venue would require paperwork. Here at Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel, we have lots of room for a live singer/band, and we love to see them at our venue. We will liaise with you regarding their requirements, and all we ask for are copies of their PAT and Public Liability Insurance certificates just before the Wedding. 

What Time Does the Day Finish? 

All venues’ closing times vary, so it’s a good idea to check each venue’s closing policy. 

Here at Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel, our private function bars close at 12:30 am with music from our in house DJ ending at 1 am. However, for any guests staying overnight, if you want to end the evening with a cheeky nightcap before being,d you can head to our main hotel lounge bar, which is open 24 hours later.