The Perfect Location: How to Find the Place of Your Dreams

We discuss the different types of locations, give tips for site visits, and tell you which 'red flags' you should look out for. From the curfew to the corkage fee regulation – we leave no detail out so that you can ultimately make a decision you won't regret even after the wedding.

Before you schedule the first visit, you must be clear about your style. Do you want a fairytale castle wedding or rather a relaxed barbecue in the garden? Every location brings its own logistical challenges. A barn looks romantic but often requires more effort in decoration and technology. A hotel offers the advantage of overnight accommodation on-site but can be less exclusive.

Create a mood board. Which colors and textures fit which place? Also think about the number of guests. A hall that is too large looks uncomfortable, one that is too small feels too crowded. The golden rule: the location should have about 10-15% buffer in capacity. This leaves room for the dance floor, buffet, and photo box without the guests feeling like they are in a sardine can.

Never go into a visit unprepared. It's easy to be blinded by a beautiful view and forget the practical details. Check:

• Viewing Appointments: Take your time and check the lighting.
• Closing Times: Clarify how long you are allowed to celebrate.
• Infrastructure: Are there enough parking spaces and accommodation available?

This is often where joy and sorrow are decided. Explicitly ask about the curfew. Many locations have strict requirements from the municipality, requiring room volume from 10 PM or 12 AM. If you want to celebrate into the morning hours, this is a knock-out criterion.

Another important point is exclusivity. Are other weddings or events taking place at the same time? Do you share the toilets or the outdoor area with strangers? If privacy is important to you, you should insist on exclusive use. Also clarify from when you are allowed to enter the location for setup and by when dismantling must take place the next day. Time pressure during setup is one of the greatest stress factors the day before the wedding.

Many locations work with fixed catering partners or offer their own gastronomy. This can simplify planning but limits the choice. If you want a free choice of catering, look for locations without catering exclusivity.

Pay attention to hidden costs like corkage fees (if you bring your own wine) or cakeage fees (for a brought cake). Some locations also charge fees for external service providers like DJs or florists who are not on their recommendation list. Transparency in costs is vital here. At SavePaper.work, we recommend comparing all offers digitally and contrasting the conditions in an overview. This way, you immediately see where the best price-performance ratio lies.

Take this list with you to every appointment:

1. Availability: Is your desired date (or alternatives) still free?
2. Costs: What is included in the basic price (tables, chairs, staff)?
3. Bad Weather Option: Is there a Plan B for an outdoor ceremony?
4. Overnight Stay: How many rooms are available on-site or in the immediate vicinity?
5. Technology: Are projectors, screens, and sound systems available or do they need to be rented?
6. Parking Spaces: Is there enough parking for all guests?
   
   Listen to your gut feeling. Do you feel well taken care of by the staff? Are the answers to your questions clear and professional? Good cooperation with the contacts on-site is worth its weight in gold.