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Why Wedding Venues are Important in 2021

June 16, 20210

For anyone looking to get married in 2021, it’s common knowledge that everything starts with securing the right wedding venue Sydney. Once this is done, you and your spouse will be able to move on with all the itty bitty wedding planning details that will truly turn your big day into a magical event. However, what most don’t realize is that securing the right venue isn’t always that easy. With so many options open to most couples, it’s difficult to narrow down the list to one single venue that ticks all the right boxes. As such, it may feel easier to simply book a date at the first venue that you visit and vaguely like.

However, this wouldn’t be such a good choice. While the venue that you may have landed on will likely look good on the surface, it’s very important to make sure that you do you’ve homework and made sure that it’s a perfect choice nonetheless. Below, we are going to talk about some of the benefits that you’ll experience from selecting a good venue, and show you why it’s important to take your time and make sure that both you and your spouse make the right choice.

1. Efficient Staff and Wedding Support by Good Wedding Venues:

One of the most underrated benefits that a good wedding venue offers couples both on and before their wedding day (during the planning phase) is the efficient support staff. As such, not many people consider this when making their decision of preferred wedding venues. I mean sure, the venue may be stunning; however, this will all mean nothing if you’re provided with a slow and unhelpful team for either your catering, event coordination, or décor setup.

Because of this, it’s important to make sure that you’ve fully vetted your venue’s team by either looking online for reviews or contacting people who’ve been married there before. Find out whether the catering team has a track record of serving meals on time, or how effectively the grounds support team has been in previous years at getting the venue in tip-top shape before a wedding.

2. Additional Provisions you get from the best wedding venues:

Some wedding venues go the extra mile when it comes to making sure that their couples are well taken care of both during wedding preparations and on their big day. These provisions include providing a couple with cheap housing for their guests (if you get married at a hotel/resort) and providing couples with a complimentary wedding planner or coordinator; you should certainly consider all of these added benefits when making your decision over a list of potential venues.

Why spend hours on end scouring the internet for potential venues when you have great ones right here. At Clarence, we have a variety of beautiful wedding venues that would serve as perfect locations for you to host your big day. In addition to this, we come fully equipped with a strong team of planners, coordinators, and support staff that will be happy to take all the stress off your shoulders on the happiest day of your life.

So what are you waiting for? Reach out to our company today and we’ll help you host the wedding of your dreams!

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Finalising Details With Your Wedding Venue

May 15, 20210

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!

Wedding Venues

What Size Wedding Venue Do I Need?

April 24, 20210

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

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How To Save Money On Your Wedding Venue

April 24, 20210

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:

Have your ceremony and reception in the same location. This can cut your wedding venue costs by almost half.
Choose a venue that has accommodation for your wedding guests.
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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When Should I Book My Wedding Venue?

April 24, 20210

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.

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How To Determine The Right Venue Size For Your Wedding

March 22, 20210

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 Venues

How To Short List Wedding Venues

March 22, 20210

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.

Wedding Venues

Everything You Need To Know About Wedding Venue Contracts

March 22, 20210

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 wedding, reach 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.

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Top 2 Wedding Ceremony Venue Types That Will Making You Swoon

January 22, 20210

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!

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5 Main Things to Remember When Choosing a Wedding Venue

November 17, 20200

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 venue, contact us here at Clarence House. We will be able to find you the perfect wedding venue and make your dreams come true.

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Tips And Tricks- How To Choose Your Perfect Wedding Venue

October 8, 20200

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

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French Style Wedding Reception Venue

September 15, 20200

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.

Wedding Venues

Tips To Find The Perfect Sydney Wedding Venue

September 15, 20200

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

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Watch These Worthy Wedding Trends in 2019 | Clarence House

April 12, 20190

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 a 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 [email protected]

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Wedding Tips, Wedding Venues

5 Things to Know Before Planning a Wedding – Clarence House

March 25, 20190

Many couples come back to us with a list of things they wish someone had told them before they started planning their wedding. 35 years in the business we think we’ve seen it all and now share with you some things that’ll hopefully save you from endless headaches and sleepless nights.

1. Set a To-Do List and Date by Which Everything Needs to Be Ready

Last-minute phone calls to check up on the caterer or the DJ are not only stress-inducing but an endless cause of headaches. You don’t want to be up all night trying to make sure that all your vendors will be there the next day. Finalize details with all your vendors three weeks before your wedding date. This means your flower arrangements, final dress alteration, menu and music playlist all need to be selected and confirmed with the respective vendors.

2. Ask People to Help You with the Planning

You don’t have to do everything yourself. If you’ve decided to plan your entire wedding by yourself, (Read our Blog:- 5 Things You Should Know Before Planning an NSW South Coast DIY Wedding for more tips) it doesn’t mean that you have to do it all alone. Rope in friends and family to help take the pressure off of you. If you’ve hired a wedding planner, meet on a regular basis with them to make sure that everything is running on schedule. Don’t neglect to meet with them because you think they can handle everything. They need to hear your feedback too on key issues.

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3. Keep a Paper Trail of Every Little Thing

Receipts, contracts, agreement terms, everything you’ve discussed your wedding needs to be written down and a paper trail established. This is because there will a lot going on in the months leading up to your wedding and you can’t possibly remember all the quotes and figures you’ll receive, and all the payments you’ve made.

4. It’s Okay to Trim Down Your Guest List

If your budget is tight and you can’t seem to make everything balance except by cutting out a few people, we want you to know that it’s okay. In NSW, it’ll cost you on average $150 per plate to host a guest. Sacrificing a couple of people might seem hard but it’s either great-aunt nana doesn’t make it or you go into debt. We don’t think great-aunt nana will mind.

5. Pack Your Honeymoon Bags a Month Before

Trust us on this one. The last few weeks at your wedding will fly and you won’t know what hit you. Imagine getting to your beach destination and realizing you left that cute bikini you were planning on rocking! It’s the last thing you want. Therefore, pack and re-check that you’ve got everything ready while there’s still time.

Clarence House Wedding Venues for a Hassle-Free Wedding

Clarence House offers you quality and affordable wedding reception venues for your wedding. To book a tour at our Sydney wedding venues contact our friendly Clarence House team on (02) 9750 3555 or (02) 9789 1662 or send us an email at [email protected]

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Wedding Planning, Wedding Venues

5 Creative Ways to Throw an Unforgettable Wedding

March 25, 20190

For many people, a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. This means they want their special day to be memorable and unforgettable. We understand this all too well. Having hosted more than 3,000 weddings in our 35 years of business here are our time-tested creative ways to throw an unforgettable wedding that your guests will talk about for a long time to come.

1. Let the Fun Start with the Invitation Cards

We’ve seen all kinds of invitation cards, quirky, funky, puzzle-invitations; the list of unusual wedding invitation cards is endless. Let your guests anticipate what’s to come from your invitation. If you plan on having a themed wedding make sure you’ve included this in your invitation card and if you want your guests to dress up, don’t be shy in mentioning it.

2. Location, Location, Location

Location is everything in creating an unforgettable wedding and the more unique it is the better. An unusual location will have your guests talking for a long time to come. One wedding reception venue that’s bound to impress your guests is prestigious. The Victorian wedding venue at Clarence House. It’s everything and more of what wedding venues should be.

3. Get Live Music and a Band

Whether you want to walk down the aisle to Pachelbel’s Canon in D or to John Legend’s All of Me, nothing sets the tone quite like a live band. Ask your vendors which are the bands that get the crowds moving. Make sure you find a group that’s animated, fun, professional as well as experienced. You don’t want an amateur group ruining what should have been an otherwise beautiful day.

4. Go All Out and Plan a Sumptuous Menu

Let’s be real for a minute. The highlight for many guests on such occasions is the food. Feed them well and they’ll be praising you and holding up your wedding as the standard for years to come. If you have the budget for it, go all out on your menus. From delightful and tasty finger foods, and cocktails, to a full course sit-down meal, not forgetting delicious desserts from your local patisserie. If you truly want to hit jackpot and win your guest’s favor, include post-party gift bags packed full with baked goodies and thank-you notes.

5. the Iconic Perfect Dress

A moment people won’t forget fast is the bride’s arrival and her walk down the aisle with her father/brother. Nothing will leave a more indelible impression on your guests as the dress you wear. Take time to shop for the iconic perfect dress. The dress that seems like it was made for you.

6. Bonus Tip: Hire a Quality Photographer and Videographer

Your wedding will not last forever. Within a few short hours, it will all be history. Don’t settle for a cheap photographer with limited skills. Hire a quality photographer and videographer, because when all is said and done, your photos will be the eternal memories that you will cherish.

Host Your Memorable Wedding at Clarence House

Clarence House offers you quality wedding venues for your wedding. This is especially true of our impressive Victorian wedding venue. To book a tour contact our friendly Clarence House team on (02) 9750 3555 or (02) 9789 1662 or send us an email at [email protected]

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Wedding Venues

Why You Should Seriously Consider an Open Space Wedding Venue

March 19, 20190

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.

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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 [email protected]

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Wedding Planning, Wedding Venues

15 Things You Must Know to Keep Away Wedding Venue Problems

March 16, 20190

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.

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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.

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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 [email protected]

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Wedding Venues

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

March 14, 20190

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 [email protected] We look forward to meeting with you.

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Wedding Venues

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

March 12, 20190

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 [email protected]. We look forward to meeting you.

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Wedding Venues

How Far in Advance Do You Book a Wedding Venue

March 5, 20190

Given there are times when it’s an emergency and a couple has to rush a wedding. Perhaps a parent is dying or sick from a terminal illness. In that case, you can book as soon as you’ve found the venue that fits your budget. However, for those with more time who would like to compare different venues, it’s always a wise idea to set down a deposit nine months to a year before your big day. Here is how far in advance do you book a wedding venue.

Booking your venue does one of several things:

1. Sets the entire plan in motion

Once you’ve got your wedding venue secured you can now get the wedding invitation cards printed and delivered to your guests. Booking the venue makes it official. It means you’ve got a date, and a place to say your ‘I do’s’. This sets everything else in motion.

2. Takes off some of the wedding planning pressure

Wedding planning is no easy task. In fact, many couples admit that they never imagined how stressful planning a wedding could be. Most wedding stress can be associated with the cost of the wedding itself.

A lot of couples feel overwhelmed when they see that they’re likely going to have to spend more than they originally budgeted. The average Aussie wedding is estimated to cost $32,000 – an entire $10,000 more than most people’s initial budget. With the venue secured, however, a lot of couples can breathe more freely.

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3. It helps you figure out what else you need (and can afford!)

It’s no secret that the biggest amount of your wedding budget is undoubtedly going to go to secure your wedding venue. In New South Wales, you can expect to part with at least $15,503 for a decent wedding reception venue. With the venue sorted, however, you’ll be able to see what else you need to pay for. This might be your wedding planner, your wedding hire, your dress, and cake.

4. Keeps you on time

Once you have your date and your venue booked, you’ll be kept to a timeline. Everything else will have to fall into place as the countdown begins. Booking early is also advantageous in that you get the date you want. A lot of couples miss the timing because they take too long to secure their desired venue. Venues fill up fast, so the sooner you can put down a deposit the better.

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Schedule your Clarence House tour today

Clarence House boasts two world-class wedding reception venues 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 [email protected]

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Wedding Venues

Top 7 Things Every Wedding Reception Venue Should Have

March 4, 20190

Most people only have one chance of throwing a memorable wedding, and the wedding venue plays a very big role in that. Your venue will feature in every picture therefore; it truly has to be spectacular. For this reason, many couples are willing to spend a fortune on the wedding venue of their dreams. However, for a venue to be ‘The One’ what are some of those much needed must-have factors?

1. Space to fit all your guests

You want a wedding venue which will accommodate all your invited guests. Make sure you ask if the numbers given are for seated guests. Yes, as unbelievable as it is, there are some venues that can only accommodate all your guests by having some seated and some standing. That’s not what you want, and neither is it what we recommend.

2. Competitive fees that have inclusive options

A wedding reception venue of repute should charge you a comprehensive price with inclusive features. The booking fee shouldn’t just be for venue hire. The hire fee should include complimentary parking, décor and or in-house catering.

3. Change rooms for the bride, groom and bridal party

This should be a given for such a big day. The bride and groom, as well as their bridal party, need to set apart rooms for changing, tweaking make-up and generally space away from the crowds to rest. A quality wedding venue will be able to provide this and more for you and your team.

4. Disability and senior-friendly facilities for elderly family members

If you intend on having senior family members at your wedding, then you’re going to want that venue to be a disability and senior-friendly. It’s vital to book a wedding reception venue that allows those who are disabled and elderly to move around and navigate without hassles.

5. Enough restrooms to accommodate the masses

Planning to have several hundred guests? Then you’re going to need a venue that has enough restrooms to prevent long queues outside these bathrooms. Furthermore, your desired venue must have the staff to monitor and keep these lavatories in tip-top shape. Nobody likes an unsightly toilet.

6. Technical support for music and lighting

A high-quality venue will offer technical and lighting support on your big day. Preferably there should be an in-house DJ with whom you can sit down and choose your music. In this way, you won’t have to bother about ensuring that the outsourced lighting and tech staff have arrived and set up on time.

7. No double booking

It seems like a common courtesy that a wedding venue would not double book two weddings on the same day. However, for many venues, business is business and the more weddings they can book per day, the better for them. You wouldn’t want to feel rushed now, would you? Therefore don’t settle for such. You deserve a peaceful day.

Contact us

For a tour of a wedding venue that features all these must-haves call us at Clarence House on (02) 9750 3555 or (02) 9789 1662 or send us an email at [email protected] to schedule your appointment today. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Wedding Venues

12 Questions You Should Ask While Touring Wedding Venues

March 4, 20190

We’ve put together a handy list of questions to ask venue operators as you tour your potential wedding reception venues. Our questions are guaranteed to root out the places that won’t meet your expectations and assure you a hassle-free wedding.

We’ve split the questions into those which have to do with logistics, questions pertaining to service, budget-related questions, and questions about emergencies. Here are 12 Questions You Should Ask While Touring Wedding Venues.

Logistical questions:

1. What is the carrying capacity of the venue? Or how many guests can comfortably fit into the venue?

Nobody wants to sit elbow-to-elbow with fellow wedding guests in a cramped venue. Know how many people you want to invite prior to starting your venue tours. In this way, you’ll be able to find out if your potential wedding venue will be able to accommodate all your guests.

2. What is the lavatory situation like?

Expecting 500 guests? We think you’ll need more than two toilets! Ask to see the restrooms so you’ll know what they’re like and if you’ll need a bit of décor in there too. In this way, you’ll also know how many toilet trailers you need to include in your budget.

3. Does the venue have enough parking and is it included in the venue booking fee?

The last thing you want is your guests not having anywhere to park. As you tour venues, ask what the parking rules are. Does the venue offer complimentary parking and is the price included in the venue booking fee? If not, is there a place close to the venue where your guests can park easily and safely?

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Service questions:

1. Does the venue offer in-house décor or you’ll have to hire an outside person?

Some venues have in-house event planners that can put up and take down décor for you. This is fantastic as it removes the burden of having to outsource an outside décor company to furnish your venue. If the venue doesn’t offer this service, you’ll want to know if they have any rules pertaining to set up times and forbidden accessories e.g. candle flame and digging to insert tent stakes.

2. Is there an on-site kitchen?

If you want to bring your own catering team, will they find an on-site kitchen to work from? What equipment is available to them? Or will they have to bring their own cooking equipment? Also, what’s the distance between the kitchen and the serving area? Are water and power readily available or you’ll need to hire a water tank and a generator?

3. Is there an event planner to help me out at the venue?

Does the venue offer an event planner who will oversee all the details of the wedding? Furthermore, will this person be there on the actual day itself? What duties will the event planner handle, and what will you have to do. Don’t assume the event planner will organize your entire wedding. They are not wedding planners!

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Budget questions:

1. What are your venues pricing structures?

It’s not enough just to ask how much it is to book the venue. Ask about the pricing structures as these will help you a better plan. For example, certain weekdays might have lower booking fees. The fees might be dependent on the number of people you invite. Does the venue charge per head, per plate or per person? If that’s the case, and you really want this venue, you might be able to get it by cutting off a few people. (Ouch!)

2. What’s included in the venue hire fee?

Is décor included, is parking included, is food included, catering and servers? Knowing all this can help you save money in the long run.

3. What’s your venue policy on alcohol?

Alcohol can push your venue bill up quite high, especially if you intend on having an open bar. Hear what the venue’s policy on alcohol is. Perhaps they don’t allow alcohol at all. Perhaps they offer a free first round of alcohol. Don’t skip out on getting answers to all these questions.

In case of emergency questions:

1. What is your plan if it rains?

This is a question most couples fail to ask – much to their horror when they find themselves in a rainy predicament! If you’re planning a garden wedding or an outdoor wedding, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of this question. See where they’ll potentially move you if it rains. And if they don’t have such a space, at least you’ll know beforehand!

2. Does the venue have a cancellation policy?

If for some unforeseen reason you have to cancel your wedding, will the venue refund your money? If yes, how much? Is there a date that you have to alert them?

3. How do the venue address noise issues and gate crashers?

If your venue of choice is a hotel, how do they address noise issues from another event say down the hall? What of gate crashers? What’s the venue’s security policy to keep unwanted invitees from coming in?

Contact us

We’ve just scratched the surface. If you would like to sit down with an expert, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Clarence House’s agents on (02) 9750 3555 or (02) 9789 1662 or send us an email at [email protected]

Wedding Venues

Can’t Decide Between Two Wedding Venues – Best Tips by Clarence House’s Experts

February 18, 20190

Have you narrowed down your wedding venues to two and can’t decide which one of the two to book for your wedding?

Having two world-class venues ourselves, we have seen couples struggle to choose between the two stunning options. Over the years, (35 to be precise!), we have advised over 3,000 couples on how they should proceed. So if you want to know how to choose between two wedding venues keep reading these tips.

1. Budget

Your budget for a wedding venue, how much you are prepared to pay, will determine the type of venue you get. If both of the venues are within a similar price range and you can’t separate them based on budget, then consider the following.

2. The packages on offer

You’ll want to ask as many questions as you can when you tour each venue. Find out if there are any price reductions for weekday weddings. Does the quote for the venue include décor? What of catering or will you have to outsource your own caterers for the big day? Do they throw in complementary bonbière or flowers? Also, what of guest parking, will it be enough for your guests and is it inclusive of the venue fee or that’s another expense you’ll have to factor in?

3. Type of Venue

Ask yourself what kind of wedding you’ve always dreamed about. Did you picture yourself getting married in a traditional setting, stone church and all? Or are you more of a contemporary and modern couple willing to marry in a wedding hall with more modern aesthetics? Knowing this will help you distinguish between two wedding venues. We know it has really helped our couples choose between our regal The Victorian reception venue which affords you the opportunity to throw a traditional wedding, and the chicer and modern The Lemnos wedding venue.

4. Destination Wedding or Not

Destination weddings seem to resonate with a fair number of couples. This might mean getting married out-of-state, or on an entirely different island, someone says Tasmanian wedding anyone? People may opt to do this for several reasons. An out-of-state wedding venue may appear to be cheaper than where one may currently reside. However, if you choose a destination wedding, just remember that not everyone might be able to make it witness your big day. If your ideal wedding is in a destination area you might want to reconsider that particular wedding venue if the majority of your guests can’t make it. This isn’t to say you can’t get married there – in the future. Plan for your 5^th or 10^th anniversary.

Talk Through Your Options

You don’t have to go through the anguish of trying to figure out how to choose between two wedding venues by yourself. Let our trusted and friendly wedding planners help you weigh in your options. Call us today or sign up free for a consultation.

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Wedding Venues

Why Are Wedding Venues So Expensive – Clarence House

February 16, 20190

Many soon-to-be-married couples always start the wedding planning journey with so much excitement and enthusiasm. However, for many that excitement often turns into gasps of horror at the sheer expense of things. Yes, weddings are an expensive affair and one that cost the average Australian couple at least $32,000. This is particularly true of the wedding venue which usually takes up at least half of your wedding budget. So why are wedding venues so expensive anyway?

You’re paying for an experience

You might not want to believe this, but yes, your wedding is the perfect commercial payoff. Who doesn’t love a wedding? Wedding venues charge you for exactly that. Being able to give you a nice place to celebrate this milestone in your life with all your loved ones in attendance. They are charging you for the intrinsic things you haven’t even thought of. In essence, you’re paying for experience – but a really good one.

You’re paying for venue overheads

You might not like the idea, but when you hire a wedding venue, you’re helping to pay for the venue’s overhead costs. Yes, we’re talking venue insurance, taxes, staff, utilities like water and electricity, and oh, wedding venues have to think of maintenance issues as well. So they do charge you quite handsomely in order to be able to keep the place in tip-top shape for excited couples about to get married like yourself.

You’re paying for service staff and set up equipment

If your venue offers catering and staff, then this will definitely be factored into the final price of the wedding hire fee you’ll get charged. Many people think that they can simply throw a backyard wedding and it’ll be ‘cheaper’. What they fail to realize is that you’re going to end up spending more or less the same (but putting in a whole lot more work) because – and this is at the top of our heads, you’ll have to hire a tent, bathroom trailer, chairs, dance floor, crockery, linens, lighting, microphone, and speakers, sort out insurance for your parent’s house, tent decorations and flowers.

The venue has to make a profit

So when all is said and done, after the venue has paid for insurance, building upkeep, cost of water and electricity, in some cases heating, and their staff, the venue also has to make a profit. So you see, when hiring a venue you have to look at the bigger picture. You aren’t just paying for a site fee; your wedding is a community affair.

You Should Pay for an Expensive Wedding Venue?

We need you to understand that expensive doesn’t mean quality. A venue might be expensive but have nothing to show for it. Look for wedding venues of repute, that offer you promotions and discounts, a venue that’s committed to excellence and making sure your wedding is everything and more than you dreamt it to be. Clarence House is one such venue that is in a league of its own when it comes to offering unmatched wedding reception venues. To talk to one of our trusted wedding agents call us today on (02) 9750 3555, or (02) 9789 1662.