When a couple starts to visit the various venues available for the forthcoming wedding reception, the last thing on their mind is blowing up balloons. When you arrange an appointment to see what a venue has to offer, it is usually dressed ready for a typical wedding. It looks beautiful, and all the chairs and tables are laid out. But if you want it to look like this on your wedding day, you need to make sure that it is included in your package price.

More and more couples find they are caught out by this. In an attempt to save money, picking the budget package could actually cost you more time. Many venues expect the happy couple to bring their own planner or decorating team to the venue. But you’ll only have a couple of hours to access it before your event begins. This means you and your groom are unlikely to have the time to do it yourself. So who does?

[Photo courtesy of Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach Hotel /flickr.com]

If you’re not paying the owner of the venue to include all the table decorations, then you need to find friends and family to help you out. You’ll also need to coordinate with the florist regarding the delivery of all the flowers. Do a search for a florist near me, but be sure you pick one that can make more than one delivery for your order. You’ll need the centerpieces and sprays delivered to the venue at the right time. But you’ll need your bouquet and the buttonholes delivered to you on the same morning.

When it comes time to set up the venue, you may decide you want attractive chair covers. Again, these are often delivered, but not installed. You will need to find someone willing to do this on the day. If you’ve ordered a sit-down meal for your wedding reception, table linen will be provided. Of course, all those tables may need moving for the First Dance. Make sure your venue is undertaking this on your behalf.

You may also expect the lighting to be dimmed and even some disco lights for your first dance. A DJ package is often an additional cost for your venue. If you are hiring someone in, make sure they have enough access to set up before you and your guests arrive. They may even bring a dance floor, so consider your preferred layout of the room ahead of time. Some venues can take on all of this planning and event management for you if you’re willing to pay extra.

Your beautiful day will be a whirlwind of excitement. You may not even have time to notice how wonderful everything looks. The toasts, the meal, the drinks and the dancing will keep everyone in good spirits no matter who had to put the decorations together! Of course, the space you hire will have to be returned to its original condition. Traditionally, the bride and groom leave the party first, so you’ll need someone to clean up on your behalf. Sometimes it’s worth paying that little bit extra for the venue to cover all the decorations!