The High Price
Wedding venues are one of the most expensive costs of a wedding day so getting the best value for money is important. Obviously you won’t want to skimp on the necessities, but a bit of careful planning can go a long way in being able to reduce the cost.

Popular Wedding Venues
Having the reception at a hotel that is very popular for wedding receptions is a good idea because if weddings are held there are a regular basis, it is probably very good. Having said that, with high demand usually comes higher prices so it’s good to get as many quotes as possible.

The Wedding Day
Saturday has traditionally been the day to get married, but it is becoming more popular to get married on other days too. This of course has the advantage of being off-peak and likely to be less expensive. People who provide wedding services such as wedding music and musicians are also more likely to be available on less popular days of the week.

High Standards
Take a look at their bar/restaurant food first and also the friendliness of the staff. You may also wish to check the bar prices and the cost per bottle of wine etc. Sometimes a venue that sounds good value for money may put higher prices on other items such as the drink.

The Least Expensive Options
The way people who had very little money used to do the reception, was to get members of the family to supply the food and hire a local hall. Another less expensive option is to book a pub or restaurant to provide the wedding meal. If other customers are able to eat too, this may not cost anything apart from the cost of the food!

All Inclusive packages may be cheaper

In hotels where wedding receptions are frequently held, wedding packages may be available.
If you consider all the services that are available for a wedding day, a package deal may give a significant saving. This may also include discounts for overnight accomodation for family and close friends to stay.

It is great to be able to spend lots of money and have the best of everything, but remember that this is just day one!


Highbury Hall, Birmingham, England. Built 1879...

Highbury Hall
Highbury Hall is famous as being the home of the Rt. Hon. Joseph Chamberlain MP for Birmingham and is situated 3 miles from the City Centre. Set in a lovely secluded tranquil area Highbury can cater for as little as 12 guests, a first class large banquet of 96 guests or up to 150 guests for a standing buffet. Highbury can assure you a warm and friendly atmosphere on your wedding day.
4 Yew Tree Road, Moseley, Birmingham. B13 8QG
www.birmingham.gov.uk/highbury

Rowheath Pavilion
Rowheath Pavilion is set in the heart of Bournville within a picture parkland. It can cater for 130 seated guests or 200 standing. This venue is suitable for wheelchair access and has parking for 120 cars.
www.rowheath.org

Selly Manor
Selly Manor is a 12 century listed medieval building which can cater up to 40 guests. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Bournville the Tudor gardens look ideal for your wedding photographs.
Oaktree Lane, Bournville, Birmingham. B30 1UB

The University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham for many years has provided five unique venues to host their weddings. These different venues can cater parties between 20 – 575 guests which makes each wedding unique. The five different venues has their own exclusive wedding packages with attractive peaceful beautiful grounds which are ideal for your wedding photography and drinks receptions making your wedding a truly memorable occasion.
The Wedding Team, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston. B15 2RA
www.wedding@bham.ac.uk

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens has three suites from which to choose to hold your wedding celebrations which overlook a wonderful array of scent and colour from their Victorian gardens which would delight any bride and groom’s dream backdrop for their wedding photography.
Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. B15 3TR
Tel: 0121 456 2244

Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC
The Crowne Plaza is situated in the grounds of the NEC with a lovely lakeside view. With professional wedding coordinators and facilities that are first class this wedding venue combines simple elegance with a unique contemporary style. This is a perfect venue for elegant or lavish weddings.
Pendigo Way, NEC, Birmingham. B40 1PS
www.birminghamnec.crowneplaza.com

The Clarendon Suites
The Clarendon Suites have three separate suites within a spacious building which is ideal for parties from 12 – 1200 guests and a large car park which can hold up to 300 cars. With friendly staff to take care of your needs on your wedding day so you can go ahead and just relax and enjoy your day.
2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. B16 9SB
www.clarendon-suites.co.uk

Dormy Hotel and Restaurant
The Dormy Hotel is family run and has been established for thirty years. They pride themselves on giving a friendly efficient service. They can accommodate up to 80 guests and tailor the day for your needs such as a buffet or disco to make your day perfect.
304-306 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. B17 8DJ
Tel: 0121 429 4455/ 0121 429 1236

 



Things to Consider Before Booking the Reception Venue.

Firstly a lot will depend on what type of wedding you are having.

  1. Is it a Church wedding or a Civil Ceremony?
  2. Would you like to be married at the reception?
  3. How far away is it from the Church or Register Office? (If marrying outside of the Reception venue).
  4. If so, is it licenced for Civil Ceremonies?

  5. Are there picturesque grounds that would be an ideal backdrop for your photographs? (This is important especially if there wasn’t an ideal photographic location at the Church or Register Office if marrying earlier).
  6. Will it suit your wedding theme?
  7. Will the Wedding Co-ordinator of the Reception venue be able to offer a ‘package’ and if so, will they be flexible if you want to bring in outside entertainment such as live musicians to play for your Drinks Reception and maybe your Wedding Breakfast too. Later in the evening maybe having a live band or DJ, or will you be restricted to the ‘package’ that the Reception may offer?
  8. If there is a ‘package deal, will it include the cost of the decorative flowers and entertainment or is that an extra cost?
  9. Are there any additional service charges or fees such as ‘corkage’ charge if you bring your own champagne, wines and spirits?
  10. Does the Reception have easy access for pushchairs and wheelchairs as well as facilities for small children such as high chairs when eating at the Wedding Breakfast table?
  11. Is there ample and secure car parking?
  12. What time is last orders at the bar and how late can the music be played?
  13. Is there a dance floor?
  14. Does the reception venue have public liability insurance?
  15. Finally whether you have a ‘package’ deal or not, will booking the Reception suit your budget?