9 things to consider when searching for the perfect wedding venue

Brought to you by the g Hotel and Spa.

So, you've finally decided to put a ring on it and now the only chime you're eager to hear is that of wedding bells.

The key is to not rush into bringing your wedding day together, but explore your options and remain relaxed, yet smart, when it comes to planning. There are so many options when choosing a venue – think lavish hotel, medieval castle, or revamped rustic barn. Whatever you're leaning towards, there are some key points to consider. Most importantly, enjoy the wedding experience. 1. Do Your Research Before heading to see a venue you’re interested in, gather all the information you possibly can online and arm yourself with the right questions to ask when you’re there. It’s a good idea to be prepared rather than having to take lots on board the first time you visit. 2. Book your Visit When you’ve seeped through all the online reviews, chatted to friends and acquaintances about the various promising possibilities of venue, be sure to book a visit with a wedding coordinator at your chosen spot. Pack a little notebook and jot down all the important info and tips. The g Hotel is the epitome of chic hence why it’s largely considered the premier venue in Galway for weddings and civil ceremonies. The g Hotel has also launched its fully inclusive wedding packages for 2018 so be sure to take a peek. 3. Budget How much are you willing to spend on the venue? You have plenty to consider when it comes to the dress, the cake, the band, the food – but the venue is where all of these things will come together beautifully AND so it’s going to be one of the most important decisions to make for your big day. 4. How Big Will the Crowd Be? See how many guests the venue can hold and cater for. Depending on whether you want a small wedding with around 50 people, or a larger wedding with about 200, let’s make sure it won’t be a squeeze. The g Hotel welcomes both intimate weddings and larger celebrations up to 200 guests in stylish surroundings. 5. Blanket of Snow or Burst of Sunshine? How will the venue look at the particular time of year you’re going tie the knot? Ask yourself if there is as much space for guests in winter compared to the summer months. We live in beautiful Ireland after all, so remember to consider if it’s raining - is there somewhere to take photos inside? The g Hotel has Philip Treacy designed interiors which lends itself for fabulous wedding photos. 6. When You Visit When you arrive at the venue that’s tickling your fancy – have a mosey about the place yourself before making yourself known. See if the bathrooms are up to your cleanliness standard, check out the service at the bar and restaurant, and if you think of any new questions that need to be asked, jot them down in your notebook for the wedding coordinator. The g hotel’s double height Grand Salon offers the best drinks reception room in Galway so be sure to have a look. It’s chic art deco wedding suite is perfect for both civil ceremonies and seated wedding receptions with lots of couples choosing to hold both at the g Hotel. 7. How’s the Room Looking? The room that will hold your wedding reception or indeed wedding ceremony needs to meet your chosen criteria. When you look at it first, don’t be alarmed if it’s not looking all that ‘wedding-esque’. The important question is ‘can management and planning have it looking just how you imagined?’ The décor and all your wedding pieces can come together beautifully with the right amount, and efficient, prep. Also ask yourself, ‘does the lighting need to be altered for the big day? Is the bar in the room or at least very close by? (You don’t want everyone vanishing from the party). Where can gorgeous photos be taken? Is the kitchen nearby? Who will the suppliers be?’ At the g Hotel, prices start from €60 per person. Think delectable canapes and bubbly prosecco at your reception accompanied by the g’s residential pianist. The g Hotel has a fabulous variety of menus and upgrades available that are sure to create the perfect individual wedding package tailored entirely to the bride and groom. For the main meal, there’s a choice of mouth-watering menus created by the g Hotel’s award-winning Head Chef, Jason O’Neill. And let’s not forget about the wine that compliments dinner – it’s worth tasting and pairing those with the right food too. At the g Hotel’s beautifully decorated wedding suite, they can hold celebrations for up to 180 to 200 guests in beautifully luxurious surroundings – perfect for any wedding or civil ceremony. 8. Estimate the Bill Ask the wedding coordinator to create a mock-up of what the bill might look like after any little tweaks you’ve made. Consider the cost of the food (reception bites and dinner), drinks, a bar extension (most venues are licensed to serve until standard bar time), personal touches (flowers, lighting, table coverings, dance floor). 9. Civil Ceremony If you’re planning a civil ceremony away from the registry office, just be sure to ask the wedding coordinator if the venue has been approved to do this. The g Hotel is a fully licensed venue in Galway.     Brought to you by the g Hotel & Spa. The elegant g Hotel & Spa is a truly beautifully Irish wedding venue with a welcoming team who will ensure you enjoy the wedding of your dreams. To check availability or request more information for your wedding please email [email protected] or call 091 778454. See photos from some past weddings at the g Hotel here. Contact Brona and Jana who head up the g hotel wedding team on [email protected].