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Wedding Venues

Wedding Venue Contract
Wedding Venues

What Should Be Included In A Wedding Venue Contract

Weddings are very fun to plan and it may seem like it’s all romance and joy but ultimately, it is a process that requires a lot of transactions, deals and agreements from multiple vendors. That is the serious and business aspect of wedding planning. Every vendor you intend to work with, from wedding venues and event planners, to catering services and photographers, should have a contract set up that you can both agree on. It is essential to have every agreement and service written down in case any legal or payment related issue comes up while the event planning is ongoing.

A wedding contract is an important part of your wedding plan because it creates a secure agreement between you and the vendors and also helps in setting up boundaries that you can both work within. Below is a list of necessary information that should be present in every wedding contract.

Your full name(s)

Having your name(s) on the contract is very important because this will help identify you as a client and prevent any possible misunderstandings that could sabotage your entire wedding planning. You can have only your name on the contract, or you can also include your partner’s name as well.

The wedding date

Having the exact date of your wedding on the contract will prevent any breaches from any vendor because the date that their services will be needed is clearly stated. It is important to write the date clearly without missing any information. The wedding date written on the contract should include the day, date, month, year and even time. You would not want any vendor to think your wedding date is scheduled for another year. It happens, you know.

The wedding venue

The venue should be clearly stated in the contract so the vendor can have an idea of where exactly their services will be needed. If there are different venues for the wedding and the wedding reception, that should be started as well. Trust us, a lot of things could go wrong if the wedding venue is unclear on the contract. Your wedding decor might just end up in another person’s wedding. Just saying.

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All the services provided

You should work with the vendors to write down all the services you expect to get from them. No detail is too little and no detail should be omitted in order to avoid dissatisfaction. It is absolutely necessary to go through every single detail about the service you need and have it written down clearly in the contract. This will minimise the risk of having to pay extra fees for a service that you forgot to note down in the contract.

Price of each service to be provided

A lot of vendors have the habit of changing the price of services provided, so it is a good idea to write down the exact cost of each service. This will keep you ahead of any surprise charges that may arise during the wedding planning process. Having the cost of all expenditure will also help you keep track of your budget and aid in the management of your funds.

Contingency plans and substitutions

There are some services whose availability can not always be ensured so it is important that all plan Bs and possible alternatives are also written down in the contract. The price adjustments that may be linked to the usage of any of the alternatives should also be noted down in order to avoid mismanagement of budget.

Deposits, balance, and refunds

Details of all business transactions, both paid and pending should be written down in the contract in order to avoid miscalculation of expenditures. Deposits should be recorded and outstanding balance as well. In the event where a refund is being discussed, the amount should also be stated in the contract along with the expected date of the refund.

Permits and Licenses

Some wedding venues and services require certain permits before being approved for usage. This permit should be included or attached in the contract in order to avoid any legal issues that may arise. Details like these could make or break your entire wedding plans, so make sure you keep them in check.

Legal and Binding Agreement

An undertaking should be included in the contract that states that both you and the vendor will adhere to the terms and conditions of the contract.

Signatures

This is the part where the signing goes down. A section where the name of the vendors and the client, together with the signatures of both should be boldly stated. Your signatures will solidify the agreement and make the whole contract valid.

Wedding contracts make sure that there is no room for legal issues, extra charges, or abrupt cancellations. Writing up or understanding contracts might seem difficult, which is why we have stated all the important things that you should look out for in your wedding contract.

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Wedding Venues

Some Top-Notch Tips On Choosing A Wedding Venue

If you are in the process of planning your wedding, then you’re probably in search of a wedding venue. Choosing a wedding venue is a big decision that requires a lot of thought and consideration. With so many options to choose from in Sydney, you need quite a lot of brainstorming to find the perfect venue for your big day.

Before you embark on a stressful and long journey of finding a venue, here are some tips that will make the process easy and short for you.

Create a tentative budget

Create an estimate of how much you’re willing to spend on your wedding venue. Being realistic about your budget plays a huge role in determining the kind of venue you are going to book and it will certainly make your venue search much easier and shorter. There is a stunning wedding venue for every budget, so keeping to your budget is not a bad thing. Be open to the venue coordinators about how much you are thinking of spending so that they can help you select the right package for you.

Set up your Guestlist early

Making your guest list early gives you a good idea about the number of guests that will be present at your wedding. This will help you understand the venue capacity that will accommodate your guests perfectly. The size of the venue should be the perfect fit for your guests. You wouldn’t want to book a venue that would end up being too small or too big for your guests. It would ruin the aesthetic of the wedding.

Make a decision on wedding vendors

Another important decision to make is whether you plan on hiring external vendors or you are going to use the vendors that are provided by the wedding venue. The benefit of using in-venue vendors is the fact that they are more accustomed to the venue and know the ins and outs of the venue. If you however decide to use external vendors, then you need to discuss the venue’s policy about that in order to understand the conditions.

Seek recommendation from other couples

It is good to seek advice from couples that have gone through the same experience you are going through. It’s even better if they’ve used the same venues you’re considering because you get to hear candid reviews about the venue before you jump into a contract. You can only get certain information like staff reception, food quality and overall experience from the people that have actually used the service.

Know the availability of the wedding venue

This is a very important tip, so listen well. Make sure the venue you have your eyes on is available on your wedding day. It would be a disaster if the venue you thought was secure is actually booked on your big day. That would be a huge setback in your wedding plans so it is imperative that you confirm the availability of the wedding venue early on to avoid disappointments.

Decide on a wedding theme

Your wedding day is supposed to be a memorable event that will stay with you for a lifetime which is why it is very important to know the style of wedding you have and make sure that you find a venue that will corroborate that style. Your wedding should reflect you and your partner’s vibe and personality in every detail. The day is yours after all, and that should be apparent to every individual present there.

Get expert advice

If you find yourself in a bind during your search, know that you can always count on wedding planners, event coordinators and blogs like ours to help guide you on your journey. Sometimes all you need is a little inspiration or a slight push towards the right direction and the perfect wedding reception venue you’ve been searching for will be within your grasp.

Wedding venues are the one thing you can forego while planning your big day. Everything else works around the wedding venue. Hopefully, our tips have been of great help to you and you are a thousand steps closer to finding your wedding venue.

At Clarence House, we work towards providing you with the wedding venue that will call out to you and bring up the warm fuzzy feeling you need to ensure that you have found the perfect place to say ‘I do’ to that special person in your life.

How To Find And Choose The Best Wedding Venue
Wedding Venues

How To Find And Choose The Best Wedding Venue

Your wedding venue is the one thing that houses almost every element of your big day. It is an absolute fact that finding the perfect wedding venue is among the biggest parts of your wedding planning. This part requires a lot of brainstorming because you would want an event space that goes along with all other elements of your wedding. This wedding venue sets the tone for your whole wedding event, no matter what type of wedding you have in mind. The second you have your wedding venue settled, everything else falls into place like pieces in a puzzle and your wedding plans will revolve all around the venue and your theme will resonate with the atmosphere of the venue.

 

To help you in your search for a wedding venue that suits your vision, we have set up tips that will help you along the way.

 

Talk to a wedding planner

Planners are ‘wedding experts’ and they have worked on enough weddings to understand your language and interpret your vision. They are familiar with the essential parts of a wedding venue like the capacity, furniture, ambiance, capacity and more. The wedding planner knows all the tips and quirks that are needed to turn your vision into reality.

Choose a wedding location

Weddings can be held anywhere, whether it’s your hometown, your current resident city, or a different vacation destination that you’ve always wanted to visit. It’s important to know exactly where in the world you’re planning on having your wedding because that is where you will search for your wedding venue.

Start your search early

A wedding heartbreak would be finding out that the perfect venue you had in mind for your wedding is completely booked on your wedding day. Starting your search early would give you a better chance at securing the venue that suits your vision. If not, you might just have to settle with whatever venue is available or you might have to move your wedding date if you’re so hung up on a particular unavailable venue.

Decide on a budget estimate

We all know it is impossible to know the exact budget for your wedding events but it is very important to know an estimate that you will work around. Having an estimate in mind will help in narrowing down the long list of venues to a shorter list of venues that you can afford. When selecting a wedding venue, find out what’s included in the venue package. Does the venue come with tables and chairs? Decorations included or not? You need to know an estimate of how much you’ll be required to spend on the venue alone?

Find inspiration online

If you are confused about the type of wedding you would want to have, the internet should be your go-to place for a wide selection of wedding inspiration. There is an answer for every question you have online. Someone out there probably had the same vision and dreams as you, and might have already executed their vision. This will help you further understand what your dream wedding would look like and the ways you can turn it into reality. Some websites that can help you in your search include Pinterest, Instagram and Google.

Visit some potential venues

Sometimes, seeing something online or through a catalogue might not be the most convincing method of searching for a venue. Like the saying goes…’Seeing is believing’. You need to see some things for yourself in order to decide if it lives up to your expectations. You will also be able to see the venue personnel and ask all the questions you may have. Some venue coordinators might also decide to give you a tour so you can get a feel of the space.

Consider your guest list

Size certainly matters when it comes to choosing a wedding venue. Every wedding venue has the maximum number of guests it can occupy, so knowing the capacity of the venue can help you decide whether it’s the right place for you. The capacity is not always flexible as a lot of venues set a limit on the number of people it can hold. Knowing the exact number of your guests is essential when choosing a venue because you don’t want a venue that is too small or too big for your guests. One thing you’d want to avoid is having to cut people out of your list due to lack of space.

Determine your wedding theme

You need to know your wedding style and vibe before you begin your search for a wedding venue. The venue you plan on choosing must align with the vision you have in mind for your wedding. If you plan on having a rustic wedding, a ranch barn or a warehouse might be the best choice of venue for you. Similarly, a glamorous black tie wedding should be held in a fancy hotel or event space. It’s important to note the indoor and outdoor atmosphere of a venue and analyze how it fits with the aesthetic of your wedding theme. This is also where you decide whether your venue needs extra decoration or the venue is naturally pleasing.

Trust your gut

Sometimes we need to trust our gut to see if any of the wedding venues you visited gave you a warm fuzzy feeling that indicates ‘This is the one’. Do you feel comfortable trusting the venue personnel to handle your wedding for you? Which venue do you think of first when you envision your big day? The answer to those important questions will tell you exactly where you need to go.

Sign the contract

Now that you have decided on the venue that speaks more to you, ask for a contract and take your time reviewing every aspect of the contract. Make sure you ask a lot of questions so as to avoid unpleasant surprises prior to your wedding. Watch out for additional costs that were not discussed beforehand and ensure that there is a mutual understanding between yourself and the venue coordinators.

Congratulations. You have successfully obtained your dream venue and that is a huge milestone in your wedding plan timeline. Hopefully, our tips have been of huge help to you. Here at Clarence House, ensuring that you have the perfect wedding of your dream is a huge priority to us. We offer you a lot of options to choose from when it comes to selecting the perfect wedding venue in Sydney.

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Wedding Venues

Things To Look For In A Wedding Venue

Every couple desires to have a flawless wedding, and one of the most important aspects of a perfect wedding is getting the perfect wedding venue. Your wedding venue serves as the backdrop for your wedding event and it sets the tone for the entire occasion, which is why it is important to get the venue sorted out before everything else. It doesn’t matter what type of wedding you’re planning, whether it’s a small backyard wedding or a grand fairytale ball, the wedding venue will still be the defining factor of your wedding.

Take a look at the list we’ve set up to guide you on your journey of finding the perfect wedding venue.

Find a good location

While searching for a wedding venue, make sure you give priority to getting a location that would be convenient for you and your guests. You will want to know the accessibility of the venue because a suitable location means that it is not too far or too difficult to navigate, especially if the wedding venue and the reception venue are separate.

It is also important that you pay attention to the interiors and exteriors of the location. A good and welcoming ambience sets a nice tone and atmosphere for your wedding. So keep a look out and make sure the location you choose is the perfect ground for your wedding.

Choose an appropriate size

Finding a location that would accommodate the size of your guest list without feeling crammed or oversized is essential. It is imperative to choose a venue that has a large enough capacity to fit your guests, and not too oversized as well. Besides, you cannot cram 400 guests in a venue that accommodates 200 people. Equally, an oversized venue would not be aesthetic as well.

The size of your wedding location and your guest list should be an almost perfect fit. Let’s face it, it’s always a nightmare having to cut out some people from your guest list due to lack of space.

Get the best value for money

Your wedding venue will probably be the item that takes the highest percentage out of your total wedding budget.  Identifying how much you’re willing to spend on a venue early on gives you a better chance at getting the best value for money. Make a little research about each venue and find out what you get from every package. Sometimes, settling for the cheapest option isn’t always the best decision because all you might be getting is the venue itself, while you might be able to get additional features like security, furniture, decoration and more when you bump up your budget a little.

So the best thing you can do is find the best connection between your budget, practicality and venue package.

Know your vibe and aesthetic

To find the wedding venue that best suits your fantasy, you need to understand the vibe and theme you would want for your wedding. The wedding venue sets the tone for your event which is why it needs to match the vision you have. If you, for example, are looking to have a rustic themed wedding, a luxury hotel or ballroom is probably not the best venue to choose. Similarly, a barn or a ranch might not be appropriate when you are hosting a glamorous black tie wedding.

All the elements of your wedding venue, from the exterior and interior space to the furniture and light setting, must fit your entire wedding plan vibe and aesthetic.

Privacy and Exclusivity

Another thing to consider when searching for a wedding venue is how private your wedding will be and how separate it will be from external events. You would not want your wedding events to be distracted by either another event at the same location or uninvited personnel snooping in. Make sure you ask the venue you have in mind how they manage multiple weddings at once and how each one is exclusively separate from the other.

Another thing to do is ensure that your guest list is strictly followed to avoid exceeding the guest limit. This can lead to overcrowding and insufficient supply of wedding resources. To avoid this, it might be advisable to consider having a security agent that will take care of your guest list.

Availability of the venue

If you already have a date in mind for your wedding, it is advisable to start searching for a venue months away from the date to secure booking at your desired location. This will help you in getting more available venue options to choose from that will fit your desired wedding date instead of having to settle with whatever location is open for rent on your wedding date.

Have an organised schedule

Wedding events pass by in a blur even with a lot of things on the schedule to go through so it’s important to get a wedding venue that is good at keeping wedding activities organized and sequential. An organised schedule ensures that there is a smooth transition between all wedding event activities starting from the arrival of the bride and groom, the main event, photography sessions, reception party, all the way to the departure of your guests.

 

Friendly in-venue staff 

Getting a warm reception by the venue staff when trying to discuss rental options gives you a good first impression and assures you that they will try their best to make your big day a priority for them. A staff that is ready to answer all the questions you have keenly and work with you to discuss how your demands can be met will make sure that your wedding event turns out perfect.

The first visit will let you see if you can connect with the staff to bring your vision of a perfect wedding to life or not.

If you’re in search of a wedding venue in Sydney that will consider all of your concerns and requirements, our company is here to help you out. At Clarence House, we have a wide selection of the country’s most beautiful and accessible venues, and would love to help you find the perfect venue for your grand event! After all, your wedding day marks the first day of your life together with that special someone.

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Wedding Planning, Wedding Venues

What are the Most Popular Wedding Trends of 2021

Planning a wedding is no easy task. From finding the right venue to choosing a color scheme and matching decor, there are quite a few jobs that need to be completed before everything is said and done. And that’s just for the visual experience; planning your itinerary, inviting all the guests, coordinating the RSVPs, hiring a caterer, and building a menu… these are only a few amongst the list of tasks that will contribute to the full wedding experience on your big day.

However, while all of these jobs will need to be prioritised, there is one that’s arguably more important than all the rest. And that is the role of the decision-maker. Choosing the right wedding styles as the decision-maker will play a big part in whether your wedding day becomes a stunning success, or whether everything crashes down and burns on the happiest day of your life.

In this blog, we are going to help you nail this role by outlining a few key wedding trends that have taken off in 2021. These updates in wedding decor styles and practices will be sure to help you make the right choices when planning your wedding, which is necessary if you’d like to create a magical and romantic atmosphere for both your ceremony and reception.

So let’s get started…

1. Tents and Outdoor Spaces for Wedding venues:

Outdoor weddings have been taking off in the years leading up to 2021. However, this year, they’ve ranked amongst our top list of popular wedding trends simply because of the airy ambiance and romantic atmosphere that they add to a wedding event.

Having your wedding out in nature will help you lean on the environment’s beauty for decorative appeal. As such, the lush green grass and sea blue sky (amongst countless multi-colored flower beds and trimmed bushes) will serve as a stunning backdrop as you stand below your wedding arch and say, “I do”, which is simply a dream. In addition to this, taking your reception into an open tent will allow you to incorporate this fresh and natural feel during mealtime, and bring it onto the dance floor. So why no consider an outdoor wedding plus tent combo. Because as of 2021, tents and gardens are the new ballrooms.

2. Informal Toasts 

Because most weddings have been reduced to smaller guest lists in 2021, this year has seen an upswing in tiny and informal toasts. With most wedding party’s fitting more intimately in smaller spaces, many planners have noticed a change in speech formality; instead of a best man giving a long and formal speech to 200+ people, these speeches have become increasingly less formal as the numbers have decreased. As such, most couples are turning toward requesting tiny toasts from their friends and family, which has made many weddings in 2021 more intimate.

Need a little more help with your wedding preparations? If so, you should reach out to our team today! Here at Clarence House, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to wedding planning and coordination. So give us a ring, and we’ll get started with helping you turn your dream wedding into a reality.

Contact Us Today!

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Wedding Venues

Important Things to Consider Before Choosing a Wedding Venue

For most couples who are looking to get married, setting a date and selecting their wedding venue are some of the most exciting tasks that await them. These two actions will properly solidify all your hopes and dreams, and make the idea of your wedding day a firm reality. In addition to this, you have no idea how much fun awaits you when it comes to all the days you’ll spend touring potential wedding venues. This will be like taking romantic days out with your fiance that you’ll spend visiting beautiful locations and dining on complimentary finger foods while wedding staff pine over you. However, before all of this fun and excitement can start, you will need to think through a few things.

In this blog, we are going to list some of the most important things that both you and your spouse will need to consider and talk about before selecting a venue. While these particular conversations may not be all that exciting, they will allow you to set a strong foundation for your big day and to deal with potential issues that may come up before they actually become problems. As such, it’s important to at least think about these things early on. Trust me… your future self will thank you!

So let’s get started…

1. Budget for Wedding:

From the menu to the décor to the very cake itself, every single aspect of your wedding day will need to be paid for. This is especially significant when it comes to your wedding venue because for most couples, booking their venue is usually their largest expense. As such, it’s very important to consider how much money both you and your spouse have available for your wedding and set a realistic budget. This will help you narrow down potential venue options a whole lot faster by factoring in cost; in addition, it will also prevent you from overspending on your wedding, which usually winds most couples who do it up in debt.

2. Why Wedding Date is important: 

Next, you’ll want to give a little thought to your wedding date. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need to book your wedding venue around 12 months in advance. Most of the popular and attractive venues you’ll be considering will be fully booked for any dates before that. As such, it’s important to give a little thought to your expected wedding date before securing a venue, just so that you’ll be able to make the booking at the right time.

3. General Location for Wedding Venues:

And last but not least, you’ll want to consider your wedding location. Think about whether you’d like your wedding to be a destination wedding, or whether you’d prefer a location that’s a bit closer to home. Making this decision early on will certainly help direct you to the right venue.

Looking for some stunning wedding venues in Sydney? If so, you should consider reaching out to our company. At Clarence House, we have some of the country’s most beautiful venues and would love to help you make your wedding dreams come true.

Finalising Details With Your Wedding Venue
Wedding Venues

Finalising Details With Your Wedding Venue

The wedding planning phase is usually brutal. From finding the right venue to choosing the menu, organising the seating chart, and coordinating with the caterer, it’s a non-stop circus until the day you finally get the chance to stand at the altar and say, “I do”. All of this work is essential if you’d like to make your wedding day as amazing as it can be.

However, this does not mean that once it’s done, you can relax and take a break. There are many more details that will need to be finalized, even after you’ve found your venue and concluded on all the other big things. In this blog, we are going to focus on the last part of the wedding preparation phase and talk about some of the key details that you’ll need to finalise with your venue before everything is said and done.

So let’s get started…

 

1. Complete a Detailed Itinerary

One of the most important details that you’ll need to finalize and submit to your venue is your itinerary. This will help your venue’s staff make sure that your wedding day goes seamlessly by timing things such as the serving of meals and the cutting of the cake to fit your itinerary.

2. Access Details

You’ll also want to make sure that you’ve spoken to your venue representatives and discussed the logistics associated with your suppliers. Find out where suppliers, such as your caterer and florist, will be able to enter on the morning of the wedding, and what time those access paths will be open. This will help you better coordinate with your suppliers, which is essential if you’d like to make sure your wedding goes off without a hitch.

3. Final Headcount

And finally, you’ll need to provide your venue with the final headcount. This detail is probably the most important one because it will impact everything, from the number of place settings that are set at your reception, to the number of seats that will be arranged for your ceremony. So once you’ve received the final RSVPs, it’s imperative that you make sure your venue gets access to these figures as well.

Finding the right venue is not very easy. However, if you work with us, we’ll help you find the perfect place to serve as the backdrop to the most amazing day in your life. At Clarence House, we have a host of amazing venues that will be sure to take your breath away.

So what are you waiting for? Reach out to our company today!

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Wedding Venues

Top 3 Tips for Wedding Venue Visits

Are you at the stage in your wedding preparations where your top list of wedding venues has been narrowed down? If so, you may now be wondering where to go from here. While thinning the herd may have been easy, comparing your top choices and making your final decision is bound to be a different story. As such, you’ll need to be well prepared before the wedding venue tours begin, and know exactly what you want if you’d like your venue visits to lead you to the right choice.

In this blog, we are going to provide you with our top 3 tips for wedding venue visits. They’ll be sure to help you balance the fun of having a good day out with your fiance, with the serious business of inspecting your prospective venues with a fine-tooth comb and narrowing down your choice.

So let’s get started…

1. Make Sure you’ve Booked an Appointment

While making a drop-in visit may initially feel like a good idea (because you’ll get to survey the venue without being blinded by the pomp and fanfare associated with scheduled visits), it rarely ever goes well. If you drop in, you may find that there won’t be anyone available to show you around. In addition, you also won’t get to learn all the important details that you would from a scheduled tour, which could result in you missing out on a potentially amazing wedding venue.

2. Don’t Overbook Visits

The worst thing you can do is to schedule a host of visits in one day and jump around from wedding venue to wedding venue. This will take all the fun out of your day out, and make your visits feel like more of a chore than a chance to view beautiful locations with the love of your life. In addition, you may also miss out on some of the most important details about a venue if you’re only spending an hour per visit. Instead, take the scenic route with your wedding venue visits; this will give you the time and experience you’ll need to truly absorb each location.

3. Visit at the Right time

And last, but not least, you should make sure that your visit has been scheduled for the right time. This will give you the chance to take in each venue in the right element. If you’re hoping to have your wedding on a leisurely weekend, don’t choose to visit a venue during the week. This is because you may find the place to be extremely crowded and busy on weekdays, which will influence your decision. However, the location would actually be a whole lot quieter on the weekends.

If you’re looking for superb venues to consider, you should reach out to our company. Here at Clarence House, we have some phenomenal wedding venues that will be sure to take your breath away.

What Size Wedding Venue Do I Need
Wedding Venues

What Size Wedding Venue Do I Need?

A lot of couples that have gone through the process of planning a wedding have come to realize that the venue you have your heart set on might not be the one that you finally end up using for your wedding. Do you ask why this is so? Well, when it comes to wedding venues, size matters! Before you start looking at venues, you need to have a rough idea of how many guests you will have. This will narrow down your choices and make it easier for you to choose a wedding venue.

At Clarence House, we have been in the wedding business for a long time and have hosted weddings of all sizes. So, if you are looking for a world-class wedding venue in Sydney, give us a ring. Below are some top tips to help you decide what size wedding venue to book for your wedding.

 

1. Draw up a provisional guest list

Before you start looking at spaces, you need to have a guest list written down. This does not have to be set in stone but it will help you gauge how many guests you will have on the day. After you have a tentative estimate of the number of guests that you will have at the wedding, you can then look for a wedding venue that will suit your wedding size.

2. Bigger is not always better

Yes, we previously stated that size matters when it comes to wedding venues, but to clarify that statement, bigger is not always better. You need to get a wedding venue that is the perfect match for your wedding size. Having few guests at a wedding venue that is too big will make it lose its intimacy and change the atmosphere of the wedding. So, it is important that you get a wedding venue that is just right for your wedding size.

3. Consider everything that will be involved

Are you planning to have children at your wedding? Will your entertainment include a live band or any act that will need space to set up? How formal is your wedding setup going to be? Having answers to all of these questions will help you decide on the amount of space that you will need to have. When you finally start viewing wedding spaces, you will have a better idea of how big space you need for your wedding needs to be.

There is a reason why we are one of Sydney’s best wedding reception venues. Our team has a wealth of experience hosting weddings for many couples. Contact us today and you can be one step closer to having the wedding of your dreams.

Planning to have a small wedding? Read HERE

Sydney wedding venue on budget
Wedding Venues

How To Save Money On Your Wedding Venue

Looking for ways to reduce your wedding venue budget? Keep reading to find out what our top tricks and tips are.

 

1. Consider wedding in the off-peak season

Everybody knows that the cost of any wedding venue varies during the year. Summer and spring months are more in demand as compared to winter and autumn dates and as a result, you pay a premium for getting married in summer. Also, a lot of couples choose to get married in summer because this is when most venues will be looking their best. This also comes at a premium. If you do not mind a winter wedding or are looking for a way to get a top-dollar venue at a fraction of the usual cost price, consider having your wedding in winter or other off-peak dates.

2. Choose a date that is not too far off

Many couples choose to book their weddings well in advance so that they can have ample time to do their wedding preps. Dates that are close to the current one are usually cheaper because not many couples can deal with the stress that comes with planning a whole wedding in 6 weeks. If, however, you are up to the challenge and are willing to go the extra mile to make your wedding perfect on a short timeline and with major savings to boot, consider looking around to see if your top wedding venue choices have any dates in the near future available.

3. Avoid a Saturday wedding

For many people, Saturday is synonymous with weddings and for that reason, wedding venues charge more for weddings that are held on Saturdays. If you are not too attached to the idea of having a Saturday wedding, consider having one during the week or on a Sunday and you may get a hefty discount. The best part of choosing a weekday to have your wedding is that you get the same venue, the same staff, the same quality service at a fraction of the price.

Here are a few more ideas for you:

  1. Have your ceremony and reception in the same location. This can cut your wedding venue costs by almost half.
  2. Choose a venue that has accommodation for your wedding guests.
  3. Get your negotiation hat on and ask for a discount

If you are looking for a world-class venue at a reasonable price, call Clarence House. Our team has a wealth of experience hosting weddings for many couples. Contact us today and you can be one step closer to having the wedding of your dreams.

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Wedding Venues

When Should I Book My Wedding Venue?

The to-do list of planning a wedding can seem unending. It is also hard to know what to get done first and what you need to leave for later. While a lot of things on the list can be done at just about any time during the wedding planning process, there are a few that need to get done first so that everything else can fall into place. Setting a wedding budget, drafting a rough guest list, and booking a wedding venue will fall into that category.

Finding a venue that ticks all your boxes is not easy and at Clarence House, we are here to make that step easier for you. To that end, we have compiled a list of some of our top answers to questions that couples ask when they are deciding on the perfect wedding venue and the perfect timing for getting that done.

 

1. Is it ever too soon to start looking at wedding venues?

The simple answer is no. It is never too soon. You need to start looking around for wedding venues as soon as you get engaged, if not before the engagement. This is because the wedding venue business can be cutthroat and good wedding venues are booked years in advance. So, to give yourself a better chance of getting the perfect wedding venue, start looking for one as early as possible.

2. When should the final booking be made?

In general, the final booking must be settled 9-12 months before your wedding date. This is helpful in two ways. Firstly, you will be more likely to get the venue if you book it a year in advance, and secondly, having a booking done early will give you ample time to get everything else done on time. For very popular wedding venues, you may need to give yourself a better chance so booking the venue 18 months in advance is advised.

3. Can you get a venue last minute?

Yes, you can. But relying on getting a venue booked last minute means that you will probably have to make do with whatever is offered to you. This may mean that your wedding date will be shifted last minute, and you may need to alter your guest list to suit the wedding venue. Realistically, most people will not be fortunate enough to get an opening at the wedding venue that they really want if they wait until the last minute to book it.

At Clarence House, we have been in the wedding business for a long time and have hosted weddings of all sizes. So, if you are looking for a world-class wedding venue in Sydney, give us a ring. Our team has a wealth of experience hosting weddings for many couples. Contact us today and you can be one step closer to having the wedding of your dreams.

How To Short List Wedding Venues
Wedding Venues

How To Short List Wedding Venues

Everything has to start somewhere. And for most weddings, the very first decision that a couple will have to make is to choose a venue. However, this decision is rarely as easy as choosing a random church within your local area, that is if you are hoping to make preparations for the wedding of your dreams. In addition, there are also quite a few factors that you’ll need to think about when determining which venue would be perfect for your big day.

In this blog, we are going to walk you through how to shortlist wedding venue options. The very first thing that you’ll need to do is to have a frank conversation with your spouse and use this opportunity to narrow down your options. Such a conversation is an effective option that will help both you and your partner come up with a shortlist fast. Below, we are going to walk you through these considerations and show you how they can help you narrow down you’re shortlisted potential venues.

 

1. Talk about Preferences

Some people are born loving the beach or the park. Whereas others will tell you that they’ve dreamt of big Grande halls and beautiful churches since they were two years old. As such, the very first thing that you’ll need to determine is what exactly both you and your partner’s preferences are. Talking about your preferences could help you narrow down on a particular type of venue (e.g. garden venue, or church) that you’d both love to get married in. In addition, cutting out all the wedding venue types that you wouldn’t be caught dead in could also help.

2. Talk about Your Budget

Another important factor that you’ll need to consider is your wedding budget. The money that you have available to rent out your wedding venue will directly affect your options. For this reason, it’s important to have this conversation at the very beginning, so that you don’t wind up considering venue options that are outside of your price range.

3. Consider Location and Size

Next, you’ll want to consider your venue’s desired location and the size of the guest list. Do you want your venue to be a destination wedding, or do you want it to be hosted within your local area? Are you planning on inviting all your friends and family (200 people+), or will your guest list be smaller and a lot more intimate. These are all things that you need to think about when narrowing down venue options.

The decisions that you make above will help you narrow down your shortlist, which will go a long way in directing you to the optimum venue.

If you have more questions that need answering, reach out to us today. At Clarence House, we love helping couples all over Sydney turn their weddings into truly magical events.

Right Venue Size For Your Wedding
Wedding Venues

How To Determine The Right Venue Size For Your Wedding

Whilst planning a wedding can sweep you up in all the pomp and fan fair, there are quite a few decisions that will show you just how much work is required as well. Yes, weddings are magical events where the atmosphere is full of joy and love. However, they are also incredibly complicated and stressful to plan. They’ll require you to remain organized and to make all the right decisions if you’d like your big day to go off without a hitch.

In this blog, we are going to walk you through one of these important decisions and help you ensure that you make the right choice during the wedding planning process. This decision is your wedding venue size. Unlike a few other choices that are simply there for the fluff, and can ultimately be defined as non-consequential (such as the printing on your napkins), your choice of venue size will affect everything that will happen on your big day. For this reason, it is very important to make sure that by the time you settle on your ideal venue, you’ve gotten this decision right.

Below, we are going to outline a few of the key things that you should think about when determining what exactly the optimum wedding venue size is for you.

1. Your Budget

One of the main things that you’ll need to consider when contemplating venue sizes is your budget. It goes without saying that smaller venues are often cheaper. In addition, the more heads you have at your wedding, the more money you’ll need to spend on meals for each guest. For these reasons, you’ll find that once you define your budget and put aside money for your venue, you’ll be able to more clearly estimate the optimum venue size for you.

2. Your Preferred Venue Type

Next, you’ll want to consider your preferences and think about where you’d actually like to get married. Different venue types (due to their unique characteristics) automatically come with size limitations. For this reason, you’ll see that if your preferred venue is a beachfront location, hosting 200+ may not actually be possible. In this example, a grand hall or church venue would be way more likely to match those numbers.

3. Your Guest List

And finally, you’ll need to consider your guest list. This is arguably the most significant element that will determine your venue size. If you’re planning on inviting lots of people, you’ll need a larger venue that will be able to accommodate all of those people. However, if your guest list is smaller, a larger venue would simply be a waste of space. So, in that case, you’d be able to opt for a smaller venue.

Here at Clarence House, we’d love to help you find the right wedding venue for you. Reach out to us if you have any more questions, and we’ll be the helping hand that you’ll need to guide you closer toward your dream wedding.

Wedding Venue Contract
Wedding Venues

Everything You Need To Know About Wedding Venue Contracts

Many people think that choosing a venue is the hard part and that once you and your spouse have battled over this decision and finally landed on a reasonable compromise, it will then be smooth sailing from there. But this is hardly ever the case. Even once you’ve booked a date and made a verbal agreement with your venue’s owner, the deal won’t be secured by a simple handshake. You’ll be required to sign a binding legal contract.

Venue contracts can be quite a complicated part of the overall wedding planning process, that is if you don’t simply throw the contract at your personal lawyer and get them to do all the dirty work. The contract that you sign could have serious implications and ramifications for your life if voided. As such, you’ll need to make sure that you’ve read through the fine print, and that all the provisions and additional details (such as your choice of caterer or your ability to invite children to your wedding) are not impeded by the contract that your venue has required you to sign.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything that you’ll need to know when it comes to venue contracts, and how you can jump this particular hurdle within your wedding preparations and land safely and securely on the other side.

What will the contract typically require?

Before you’ve even received your venue’s specific contract and reviewed it, there are quite a few things that are commonly seen in these types of legal agreements. These are things that you can expect to see in your venue contract, and that you should be prepared for before the time to sign the contract arrives. They include:

  • Both you and your spouse’s full names, as well as the date that you’d like to rent the venue for.
  • Your total payment for the venue, as well as the initial deposit (and in some cases, your deposit due date, if your venue hasn’t required you to pay the deposit before the contracts can be signed).
  • A scheduled payment plan for all outstanding amounts after the deposit.
  • Venue cancellation and refund policies
  • Specified venue rules (e.g. no animals, guest parking specification, etc.)
  • Insurance and liability details

What to sort out with your venue before signing the contract

Since the contract that you sign will be a legally binding agreement, it’s important that you square away any other wayward details with your venue’s owner (or their representatives) before signing on the dotted line. It won’t be possible to make defined choices about every single wedding aspect before signing the venue contract. However, if you negotiate some wiggle room for your planning period into the contract, this won’t be a problem for you. These include details such as your autonomy with your itinerary, the time frame when you’ll get access to the reception rooms, the specific limitations that your venue will impose on you… and so much more. Fitting these details into your contract beforehand will certainly be worthwhile. Trust us… your future self will thank you!

If you’re looking for some great venues in Sydney that will the perfect locations to set the stage for your dream weddingreach out to us. Here at Clarence House, we’d love nothing more than to help you turn your big day into a wedding for the ages.

wedding ceremony venue
Wedding Venues

Top 2 Wedding Ceremony Venue Types That Will Making You Swoon

Picture this… gentle ripples of foamy water lapping up on the edges of a tranquil beach as the sun’s dwindling reflection lingers on the tip of the horizon. Bright vibrant rays of golden dust and orange red tinted clouds circle the sky above, as the gentle melody of the sea sets the backdrop to that magical moment. You stand on the foot of a beauty floral archway, your focus lost in the gaze of your fiance’s magical eyes, as the moment to share your vows and declare your endless loves comes closer and closer…

Or you may find yourself standing in a beautiful green oasis littered with gorgeous trees and a wide collection of flowers eliminating all of the colours of the rainbow. The sweet fragrant allure of each flowers will fill the atmosphere, bathing you in a romantic bubble of lavender and honey suckle, as your spouse stands opposing you in the center of that natural wonderland. Both of these magical experiences hinge on one very important wedding decision: the venue!

Overall, the wedding venue that you choose will have a huge effect on your wedding experience. As such, it is very important to invest in selecting the perfect venue. However, with there being so many beautiful venue types, selecting just one can sometimes be very hard. Be that as it may, here at Clarence House, we’d like to help make this decision a little bit easier for you. Below, we’ll walk you through our top two wedding venue types, and help you learn which one is right for you.

1. An Oasis on the edge of the sea

There is simply something magical about a meeting of the sky and sea. As such, choosing a wedding venue type that is based on the edge of the sea can create an enchanting ceremony experience. This could be a beach front wedding at sun set (like the first description above), or a Balinese oasis on a platform that floats further into the sea.

2. Natural Garden Wonderland

Choosing to host your wedding in a beautiful botanical garden is another great option that may initially seem daring, but that has great potential for reward. There is nothing more beautiful and peaceful than nature’s beauty. As such, selecting a garden venue would be a great way to maximize in this beauty for your wedding ceremony.

In addition, garden’s tend to require very little décor, since they will be littered with bright flowers and plants that are decorative in themselves. As such, this venue option could actually free up funds within your budget, which can give you more capital to splurge on a better menu, or on buying your dream wedding dress.

Here at Clarence House, we enjoy helping our clients plan their dream weddings. As such, if you have any more questions on how to choose your dream venue, or any other wedding details, Contact us today!

Things to Remember When Choosing a Wedding Venue
Wedding Venues

5 Main Things to Remember When Choosing a Wedding Venue

Weddings can be very difficult to plan. Though organizing seating charts and coordinating with caterers can be a very tough job, the hardest part about most weddings is decision making. You’ll have to choose your flowers, your decor, your menu, your color scheme and so much more. But amongst these, the most important decision of all is the wedding venue you choose. Your venue sets the background for the entire day. As such, it is very important to get this decision right. Here at Clarence House, we are equipped with years of knowledge and experience that will help you select the perfect venue.

Here are a few tips to consider, in order to make the right choice for your wedding venue.

 

1. Choose a destination

The first major decision that you should make, when selecting your wedding venue, is to ask yourself whether you’d like to have a local wedding or a destination wedding. Choose a location that fits both your dreams and that of your spouse. Also, factor in your budget and guest list. Ask yourself whether you’d be able to add travel costs to your overall budget. In addition, you should think about whether your invited guest will be able to travel to a remote destination for your wedding.

2. Cut out your “NO” venues

The next important tip is to think about your “No” venues. For this, you must ask yourself which venue types you will most definitely not want to get married in. Maybe you hate gardens, or you’re not a fan of the beach. These questions will help you narrow down your list of potential venues, by illuminating those venue types that you don’t like.

3. Think about your estimated guest number

Considering the size of your guest list is another very important part when it comes to finding the perfect wedding venue. If you have a rather large guest list, then your wedding will require a bigger space (maybe a grand hall or a large church). However, if your guest list is a little on the smaller side, this opens you up to more intimidate wedding venues (e.g. gardens and beaches).

4. Come up with a ballpark budget figure

Your budget will probably be the largest factor that impacts the type of wedding venue you’ll be able to get. As such, it is important to consider any budgetary constraints right at the start.

5. Look for the “Wow” Factor

Finally, after you’ve factored all of the above and come down to a shortlist of potential wedding venues, it is now time to look for that “Wow” Factor. Amongst your list, looking for any venues that immediately catch your eyes, or that have something special that you like.

If you’re looking to find your dream wedding venuecontact us here at Clarence House. We will be able to find you the perfect wedding venue and make your dreams come true.

ow To Choose Your Perfect Wedding Venue
Wedding Venues

Tips And Tricks- How To Choose Your Perfect Wedding Venue

Pretty much every aspect of your wedding is optional. You can decide not to have a wedding cake and have a cupcake arrangement instead. Some brides ditch traditional wedding gowns and go for more modern dresses or pantsuits. One thing that is universally not optional is the wedding venue. No matter what type of wedding you choose to have you will need to have a venue where you will host your guests. This is where your family and friends will congregate to help you celebrate this big moment in your lives.

Finding a venue that ticks all your boxes is not easy but at Clarence House, we are here to make that step easier for you. To that end, we have compiled a list of some of our top tips for finding the perfect wedding venue.

1. Consult a wedding planner

This is very important. Before you start looking at spaces, consult a wedding planner. Wedding planners are more intuitive about the capabilities of a space, how the layout will look like as well as the type of décor that will work well in that venue. At Clarence House, we have an in-house wedding consultant that will be able to walk you through our venues and explain just how you can work with the venues that we have available.

2. Choose a venue that you like

This might seem like it goes without saying, but it’s important that you choose a venue that aligns with your vision. Many couples fall into the trap of only going for the trendy wedding venues instead of looking for one that really reflects who they are from the friendly customer service to making your special day a wow factor that will leave you breathless and have smiles throughout the day/night. When you choose a venue that works well with your theme and one that enhances it as well, you will make your wedding feel more connected to the venue that you choose.

3. Get the numbers right

Firstly, you need to know the number of guests that you will have at your wedding. Some venues work best for smaller events and will look cramped if you have too many guests. Alternatively, big venues will not work well for small weddings. Secondly, your budget must be compatible with the venue that you choose. Remember that there will be other added costs such as décor and floral designs. It will be hard to stay under budget if you choose a wedding venue that is too highly-priced.

There is a reason why we are one of Sydney’s best wedding reception venues. Our team has a wealth of experience hosting weddings for many couples. Contact us today and you can be one step closer to having the wedding of your dreams.

Planning to have a small wedding. Read HERE

Perfect Sydney Wedding Venue
Wedding Venues

Tips To Find The Perfect Sydney Wedding Venue

Did you recently get engaged? Are you planning your wedding and considering which venue you will use? We have some top tips below that can help you to find and choose the right location for you. Read on!

 

1. Home or away?

This may seem pretty obvious but you need to know where you are going to have the wedding. For many couples, their hometowns are where they plan to marry but there is also a pull of having an exotic location for the wedding. Sydney has many beautiful venues. If you are still not sure then you can use the questions below to help you decide.

  • Where will most of your guests be coming from and how far will they have to travel?
  • If some guests won’t be able to come because of added expenses e.g. Flights, will you be okay with them missing your wedding?
  • Is there enough accommodation for all your guests?
  • Will the venue require you to provide your guests with transport to and fro?
  • Will the vendors that you plan to work with have easy access to the venue?
  • If the location is far, are you okay with finding vendors virtually and potentially not having a face to face meetings with them?

The answers to these questions can help you narrow down your options.

2. Logistics and budget

Your budget will have a great impact on the wedding venue that you eventually end up using. You need to have a number that you are comfortable with and have a rough idea of how many guests you will have on the day. Some venues will not be appropriate for your budget or they can be too big or too small for the number of guests that you want. You can then figure out what different venues offer, and which one is most appealing to you.

3. Style

Now that you have a better idea of what you need, you can focus on what you want. Imagine what your perfect wedding looks like then get it written down. This will help you make big and small decisions concerning the style of your wedding. At this point, you can set appointments with your top options to see if they will be a good fit for your vision. If you find a venue that ticks all your boxes, put in the offer and you can start all your other wedding preps.

4. Have fun!

Wedding planning can be very stressful and overwhelming but you must still have fun with it. Remember, this is a happy event and so it must be fun to plan so that you can look forward to it. At Clarence House, we have a beautiful boutique wedding venue for those that want to get married in Sydney.

Contact our team today and we will help you plan the wedding of your dreams.

Looking for how to choose the right wedding stylist for your wedding? Click HERE

French Style Wedding Reception
Wedding Venues

French Style Wedding Reception Venue

France… the home of l’amour.  There is something very unique about the French style which cannot be replicated. It’s no wonder why many couples choose to embrace a French theme for their wedding. French-style encompasses romance and whimsy with enchanting blush palettes, lace, and elegant floral arrangements. Your guests will surely be enchanted!

At Clarence House, we have the perfect French-style wedding reception venue. If you are looking for a Sydney wedding reception venue that oozes French class, look no further. Read on to find out how you can have the ultimate French-themed wedding at Clarence House.

 

1. Lush gardens

The first step towards having a French-themed wedding is by getting a venue that fits your budget and at Clarence House, we have a bloom filled garden which will be the perfect backdrop for your wedding ceremony or wedding reception. A garden in full bloom has no equal you will get the added benefit of having a venue where you can take gorgeous photos to remember your big day.

2. Parisian décor

With a French-themed wedding, there is a big difference if you pay a lot of attention to the décor that will be chosen for the day. At Clarence House, we have a team that is ready to work with you so that you get the best décor. Candelabras, renaissance accents, and lush, dripping florals with romantic blush tones, these are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what we will help you get for your wedding.

3. Wedding floral inspiration

One of the most important aspects of a French-themed wedding is florals. Lots and lots of florals are important to get the venue to look just right. Sumptuous bouquets and frothy garden pieces will make your wedding look and feel authentically French. Peonies, carnations, snapdragons, and dahlias in ornate flower arrangements will make your wedding look beautiful. Vintage vases and antiques will add a perfect touch of Parisian class.

4. Bridal inspiration

When you book at Clarence House you get more than just a wedding venue, we have an in house wedding specialist with whom you can discuss all the details of your wedding. Undoubtedly, the bride is the main focus of any wedding. We will work with you to get everything just right so that you have a day to remember. French style is about elegance and we love it when a bride embodies that.

There is a reason why we are one of Sydney’s best wedding reception venues. Our team has a wealth of experience hosting weddings for many couples. Contact us today and you can be one step closer to having the Parisian wedding of your dreams.

Open Space Wedding Venue
Wedding Venues

Why You Should Seriously Consider an Open Space Wedding Venue

A wedding set in an idyllic picturesque open space with bright light, fresh air, and gorgeous views. Who wouldn’t want such a wedding reception? Gone are the days when people were limited to hosting their weddings in hotels or banquet halls. Today, there is a wide range of places where you can host your wedding. Gardens and parks are now becoming an increasingly popular option thanks to their budget-friendly nature.
 
Here are our top five reasons why you should seriously consider an open space wedding venue for your upcoming nuptials.

1. Outdoor Wedding Equals Stunning Wedding Photos

We all know that natural light is the best when it comes to taking photos. Your photographer’s job will be that much easier, and you’ll get the most memorable, beautiful wedding photos to cherish for life.

2. Revel in Breath-Taking Natural Scenery

When you have an indoor wedding at a hotel, your guests are limited to looking at the walls and each other. However, with an open space wedding venue, your guests have the freedom to walk around the gardens and enjoy the lovely scenery. Plus there’s plenty of fresh air so no stuffy banquet halls for you!

3. Cut Down on the Amount of Décor Needed

The ideal open space for a wedding is one that’s exquisitely designed boasting perfectly manicured lawns and picture-perfect flowers. With such a backdrop, you don’t need that much décor to spruce up the place. You can really keep things simple and let the environment add the needed charm to your reception area.
Memorable & Beautiful Wedding Reception Venue Sydney

4. Take Advantage and Throw a Low-Key Hassle-Free Wedding

No bride ever really wants to spend the entire day in high-heels. A garden wedding allows you the chance to take it easy. Natural makeup, simple hair, a flower wreath for your crown, you can really throw a beautiful low-key wedding that’s friendly on your pocket.

5. Host Your Ceremony and Reception in One Place

If you don’t want the cost of booking two separate wedding venues in Sydney for your ceremony and reception, an open space might be what you are looking for. You’ll be able to exchange your vows and enjoy your reception in one fixed place. This also cuts out the need to hire cars to ferry you and your bridal team and guests from the church to the reception area.

Book a Tour of Clarence House

If you’re looking for a wedding venue that’ll provide you with a hassle-free experience, then look no further than Clarence House. Book a tour of our amazing wedding reception venues and explore your options for an open space wedding. Contact our friendly Clarence House team on (02) 9750 3555 or (02) 9789 1662 or send us an email at admin@clarencehouse.com.au
Worthy Wedding Trends in 2019
Wedding Venues

Watch These Worthy Wedding Trends in 2019 | Clarence House

The 2019 wedding season is off to a great start, and we’ve seen quite a few noteworthy trends to watch. We find it interesting how each wedding season seems to carry its own unique styles and ways of doing things, and it appears 2019’s wedding trends will not disappoint.

Here are the top wedding trends we think are worth watching because of just how popular they seem to be.

1. First Look and First Private Photos

Traditionally it was considered taboo for the bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony. Today, however, many couples seem to think differently and are choosing to deliberately share a private moment before exchanging their ‘I do’s’. This first look trend is also a great opportunity to get some quick portrait snaps taken by your photographer.

2. Spruced Up Wedding Favours

Gone are the days of gifting your guests a boxed piece of cake as a wedding favour. Couples are getting creative and choosing rather interesting things to include inside their wedding favours. We’ve seen everything from natural soaps, to puzzles, and miniature alcoholic beverages handed out to guests. If you really want your guests to feel valued, there is nothing like personalized and unique wedding favour to do the trick. It’s not a bad idea to include a hand-written ‘Thank you’ note as well.

3. Eco-Friendly Weddings

Are you a big fan of the environment, or just worried about the environmental impact of your wedding? We’ve seen an increase over the years in couples who are big on making sure that their weddings have as little impact on the environment as possible, and for this reason are choosing ‘greener’ options for their big day. Practically this might mean using biodegradable plates and cutlery, wedding invitations made from recycled paper, and organic décor. Most wedding reception venues are stepping up to accommodate these admirable values.

4. Non-Traditional Food Stations

Not a fan of traditional sit-down wedding meals? Don’t worry you’re not alone. There’s been an upsurge in couples daring to choose non-traditional food options for their weddings. This is especially true for couples who aren’t interested in footing the enormous food bill that’s generally associated with traditional buffet-style or sit-down wedding meals.

5. Destination Weddings

When people hear ‘destination wedding’ they automatically think of an overseas affair. However, couples are re-defining the term and choosing local, exotic, out-of-the-way places for their big day. For this reason, we’ve seen couples who choose to travel out-of-state for their wedding and come host their weddings in our prestigious The Victorian in Sydney.

Discuss These Trends and More While You Tour Clarence House

Clarence House boasts two world-class wedding reception venues Sydney worth touring. If you’re in the hunt for a wedding venue, book an appointment with us today. You can call us and talk to one of our friendly staff members on (02) 9750 3555 or (02) 9789 1662 or send us an email at admin@clarencehouse.com.au

wedding reception venues wstern Sydney
Wedding Venues

15 Things You Must Know to Keep Away Wedding Venue Problems

Wedding reception venues are sometimes forced to take legal action because of their clients. In the majority of cases, this is because a couple didn’t read all the terms and conditions before signing the contract. What else should couples know to avoid wedding venue problems?

1. Put Everything You’ve Agreed with the Vendor in Writing.

This is the golden rule because we easily forget details.

2. Tour the Rooms You Plan to Book

See your wedding hall, reception area, and any bridal suites for the bride, groom and bridal party to freshen up in that you might need.

3. Agree on the Deposit Amount

Settle on the deposit amount and choose a date when the rest is due.

 

Top wedding reception venues western Sydney

4. Confirm If the Place Has a Liquor License

You don’t want trouble with the law.

5. Does the Venue Have Permission to Host Civil Ceremonies?

Believe it or not, this is actually quite an important thing to verify.

6. Does the Venue Have the Required License to Play Music?

You don’t want the neighbors calling you out for playing music at your own wedding.

7. Verify If You’ll Have Enough Parking Space for All Your Guests.

Expecting 500 guests? If half of them bring their cars, you’ll need enough space to park at least 250 cars.

8. Find Out the Cost Per Plate for Each Additional Guest.

In Sydney, an unaccounted for plus-one will set you back about $150. Now imagine 10 uninvited guests showing up!

9. Penalties for Late Payments

If you fail to pay your remaining balance on time, you might attract penalty fees.

10. Penalties for Weddings That Go Over-Time

wedding venue often give couples a set time to end their event. Over-time might incur an extra charge.

11. Will There Be Renovation Work Around Your Wedding Date?

Anything could happen and the renovation work might not finish on time. You’ll want to know ahead of time before signing that contract.
Excellent wedding reception venues western Sydney

12. Maximum and Minimum Guest Numbers

There will probably be extra charges if you exceed the venue’s carrying capacity.

13. Can You Bring Your Own Alcohol?

If you’re on a budget and trying to keep costs down you might want to bring your own booze.

14. Is There a Policy About Bringing Children to the Venue?

Some venues might have strict no-child policies because of the presence of alcohol on the premises and or other private venue reasons. Verify ahead of time.

15. Cancellation Policies and How Are Refunds Issued Out?

You may want to cancel or postpone your wedding due to an unforeseen matter. This happens all the time. Ask about refunds and how much of the total booking fee the venue will give back.

To Book a Hassle-Free Wedding Venue Contact Us

We like to see our clients stress-free. All our contracts are clear and easy-to-read. For a hassle-free experience, schedule a wedding venue tour of Clarence House today. Book with us on (02) 9750 3555 or (02) 9789 1662 or send us an email at admin@clarencehouse.com.au
wedding venue
Wedding Venues

6 Dos and Don’ts of Booking a Wedding Venue – Clarence House

Booking a wedding venue sets it in stone that you’re finally going to walk down the aisle. It gets the ball rolling towards your big day, so it’s kind of a big deal. However, here are a few dos and don’ts of booking a wedding reception venue we think you need to know.

 

Do Read Everything in Your Contract

Before you put pen-to-paper and sign that wedding reception venue contract, make sure you’ve read and understood all the terms and conditions presented by the venueWe’ve heard many horror stories of couples who received debt-collector bills months after their reception because they failed to read all the fine print in their contracts.

Do Visit and Tour as Many Places as You Can

Many couples settle for the local church and hotel reception hall, when there are so many diverse, unique and exciting wedding venues out there, like the prestigious The Victorian, or the chic and sophisticated The Lemnos right here in Sydney. If you’re not in a rush, give yourself time to visit as many places as you can.
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Do Inquire About Off-Season and Weekday Pricing Structures

A lot of couples are not aware that they can get lower booking fees for weekday weddings. This is also true about getting married in ‘off-seasons’ like winter and fall. You may also be delighted to find that the venues even offer discounts and promotions if you opt to host your wedding during these times.

Don’t Take Too Long Before You Book Your Dream Venue

There are only 52 Saturdays and 52 Sundays in a year. That means a venue can only host 104 weddings during the weekend each year. So if you absolutely, must get married on a Saturday or Sunday, and you’ve already found the venue of your dreams, don’t hesitate another moment to secure your date. A little delay and you might hear the unfortunate words, ‘Sorry, we’re fully booked for weekends this year.’

Don’t Try and Do Everything by Yourself

So many couples skip out on getting in-house help such as décor, catering, and music, in favor of bringing in their own peopleIn most cases it always ends up with the couple making last-minute panicked calls asking whether the sound guy has come, the caterer is one their way, and if the décor is readyIf a venue is offering additional services, do seriously consider taking them – it’ll make your life simpler. Trust us.
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Don’t Settle for Less-Than-Perfect Venues Because They’re Cheap

You know the wedding reception venues we’re talking about. The ones that look amazing online and then when you visit them, you’re left gasping wondering if people actually pay to have their weddings there. Yes, those venues. While it might be tempting to settle for such a venue in the hopes of getting amazing décor to hide the peeling paint and unsightly walls – don’t! It just isn’t worth it because it will cost you a fortune to hire enough décor to cover all the walls. Take our word for it.
 
Finally….

Do Contact Us

We’d love to hear about your dream wedding, and help you find the right venue. If you would like to sit down with a wedding venue expert and tour our venues, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Clarence House agents on (02) 9750 3555 or (02) 9789 1662 or send us an email at admin@clarencehouse.com.au
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Wedding Venues

5 Most Important Points You Must Have on Your Reception Venue Contract

We all know that you should never sign a contract without reading it through, and yet surprisingly many couples do. Before putting pen-to-paper check to see whether these key points are included in your contract. If not, you might want to re-negotiate that wedding reception venue contract.

1. Personal Particulars

· Your full name (spelled correctly) and that of the venue
 
· Your wedding date
 
· The time you intend to start and finish your wedding
 
· Which rooms you’ve booked for the day e.g. The Victorian or The Lemnos
 
· Time extensions (if applicable)
 
· Details on accommodation (if applicable)
 
· Proof of venue’s liquor license
 
· Proof of venue’s city-building council permission to hold civil wedding ceremonies
 
· Total price broken down showing what you’re paying for
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2. Your rights and obligations

Music: will the venue provide a DJ or you can bring your own? Are you allowed to bring a live band? If yes, this must be stated in the contract, as well as any particularities involving sound limits, the use of smoke and fog machines.
 
Venue capacity: What is the venue’s policy if your guests outnumber the final guest list you submitted? Will you have to pay an extra per person fee? How much is the extra per person penalty fee?
 
Venue clean-up obligations: Who will be responsible for cleaning up after the wedding? You or the venue have a staff?

3. Payment, wedding postponement and cancellation policies

Deposit: How much deposit do you have to down payment to secure your date? When is the remaining balance due? The date must be written down in the contract. Can you pay off the remaining balance in monthly installments? If yes, of how much per month?
 
Postponement: Does the wedding allow postponements? If yes, what is the inconvenience fee? Is there a penalty for moving your day further back?
 
Cancellation: What is the venue’s cancellation policy? How much will they refund your total amount? How many days’ notice do they need? Is there a cut-off point where it becomes impossible to cancel and get a refund? What happens if the venue is the one that cancels your booking?
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4. Penalties

Weddings that go beyond the set time limits: Is there a set penalty fee or you’ll be charged per over-run hour?
 
Broken or missing items: If the venue is providing cutlery, what are the fees for broken glasses, chinaware, missing napkins or cutlery?

5. General terms and conditions

Garden wedding weather cover: If you’re planning a garden wedding, what will the venue do if it rains? Is there a room they can prepare for you?
 
Arbitration fees: In the event of a dispute with the venue, who are the arbitrators and who will pay their arbitration fees?

Schedule a visit with us

To book an appointment to discuss hiring exclusive wedding venues, call our Clarence House agents on (02) 9750 3555 or (02) 9789 1662 or send us an email at admin@clarencehouse.com.au We look forward to meeting with you.
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Wedding Venues

Things to Do Before, During and After Viewing the Wedding Venue

You’ve got your wedding date picked out, and have started wedding venue viewing, but aren’t quite sure what exactly you’re meant to be doing during the tour and after the tour. Don’t worry, we’ve highlighted things you should be doing before you visit, during your visit, and after to get the most out of any tour.

Things to do before venue viewing

Preparation is the key to a successful venue tour. Here are some things to do prior to viewing a venue:

· Do make an appointment

You can’t just budge into a wedding venue and expect to be taken on an elaborate tour without prior notice. Make sure you stick to the time and day you’ve been given.

· Know your budget and buffer

Get yourself organized first before going to look at venues. Know what your budget is, and how much extra you’re willing to pay if you find the right venue. Know how many people you’re inviting. All this will be helpful while touring.

· Prepare a set of questions to ask the guide

Have a series of questions pertaining to space, catering, music/DJ, decor, parking, toilet situation, inclement/weather precaution ready. If you’re not sure what kind of questions to ask, check out our blog What Questions Should You Ask While Touring Wedding Venues?
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Things to do during venue viewing

So you’ve done your homework and come to the venue prepared. What do you do during your venue tour?

· Listen to your guide

This is the most important thing. Listen to what your guide is saying and explaining. Takedown all relevant information mentioned such as a number of power sockets available, minimum and maximum guests allowed, and remember to take any free brochures from the reception.

· Ask as many questions as you can

Ask questions when you don’t understand something. This will clarify things. Don’t assume things will be included in the venue hire. It’s better to confirm that later receive a bill for something you were not aware had to be paid apart.

· Consider things from your photographer’s point of view

Does the venue have enough lighting for your photographer to do their job properly? Is there extra lighting provided by the venue or your photographer will have to bring their own? Take as many photographs as you can so you’ll be able to review everything when you’re home and relaxed.
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Things to do after venue viewing

Now that you’ve had your fill of touring wedding venues, what is it that you now need to do? Here are the things you should do to finalize your selection and go pay your deposit.

· Review your requirements and compare with venues toured

Now that you’ve toured several venues, you should have an idea of the venue that closely matches your requirements. Perhaps you’ve already found the wedding reception venue of your dreams. In that case, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and book it!

· Finalise logistical issues

Is your desired venue in an easy-to-reach location? Will you need to hire a bus to ferry guests? What about arranging accommodation for out-of-town guests?

Schedule a visit with us

To book an appointment to view our beautiful wedding reception venues, call us on (02) 9750 3555 or (02) 9789 1662 or send us an email at admin@clarencehouse.com.au. We look forward to meeting you.