ISSUE FW’26
In our new FW’26 issue, we take you to the south of France and to Renée and Jan’s wedding, which was a celebration of love, friendship and style. We also sit down with Louis Abel founder Jimmy Loutfi for an in-depth interview about how his own wedding rings marked the start of a new chapter in fine jewellery, and look ahead to New York Bridal Fashion Week for the silhouettes, details and ideas that will set the tone for the coming season.
The Banquet Hall Guide
The venue of your dreams awaits: How to find the right reception venue for your big day
Once the excitement of the engagement has settled down and the planning gets underway, most couples soon find themselves in front of a screen, scrolling through suitable venues for their wedding reception.
It’s easy to feel a bit of decision-making anxiety when faced with all the choices. Ultimately, finding the right venue is less about chasing an unattainable perfection and more about finding a place that actually works for your logistics, your budget and the number of guests you want to invite. By sorting out the basics early on, the search transforms from a source of stress into a practical and enjoyable process.
Square metres and the guest list – the art of getting it right
A common dilemma is that the guest list takes on a life of its own, whilst popular function venues need to be booked well in advance. Choosing a venue that’s too big can make the atmosphere feel spread out, whilst a space that’s too cramped can lead to irritation and jostling between the tables.
When evaluating different function rooms, always ask to see examples of table layouts for different group sizes. A spacious venue can easily be made more intimate with clever furniture arrangement, cosy lounge areas or subdued lighting. Flexibility is key. Also consider the practical flow of the room: is there enough space for guests to move between the tables when your chosen meal is served, or will it be too cramped for staff to get around?
A physical visit reveals what the photos hide
It’s easy to get caught up in beautiful, edited photo galleries on social media, but nothing beats visiting the venue in person. A visit in person provides answers to questions that rarely show up on screen – such as how the acoustics work, how the air feels in the room after a few hours, and how the staff on site come across.
When you’re viewing the venue, try to visualise the evening’s flow from the moment guests arrive until the last song is played on the dance floor. Take the opportunity to ask detailed questions about the kitchen’s capacity. Whether you choose a venue with an in-house team or plan to use an external caterer, the behind-the-scenes logistics need to run smoothly, so that hot food is served piping hot and chilled drinks stay cold all evening.
Things to consider before booking a wedding venue
Once you’ve found a venue that feels right in your heart, it’s time to look at details regarding availability and timeframes. Always ask the venue owner when you’ll have access to the premises to decorate and set the tables. Can you go there as early as Thursday or Friday, or does everything have to be done on the morning of the event? This is a crucial detail that can make the difference between an extremely stressful wedding weekend and a harmonious experience.
Also check the logistics regarding clearing up. Do personal belongings, gifts and flowers have to be cleared away in the middle of the night when the party finishes, or is it possible to collect them on Sunday morning? Having such practical arrangements set out in writing in a contract provides a huge sense of security for you and your family.
Style and catering concept – let the venue do the work
Choosing a venue with a distinct character saves both time and energy in the planning stage. Buildings with exposed wooden beams, raw industrial brick walls or historical features require minimal additional decoration, as the space speaks for itself.
This also makes it easier when you’re deciding what sort of food will suit the evening best. Some function venues offer all-in-one packages with set menus, which provides great peace of mind when it comes to your budget as you know the exact cost per person from the outset. Other venues give you complete freedom to book your own catering and design the menu entirely according to your own ideas. Discuss these options with the venue owner during your visit to see which best matches your expectations. With the right groundwork, choosing a venue marks the start of a structured and enjoyable year of planning.
Continue planning with our Wedding Venue Guide
Once you’ve found the right starting point for booking a wedding venue, it’s time to get some concrete inspiration. Here you can read about 5 unique and sought-after venues where your dream can become a reality?
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