Hayley Lehmann Photography Blog

Avenue at Holiday Inn Express Golders Green North

The style of the venue speaks volumes about the type of celebration your guests can expect. It’s the place where you will spend most of your day and where the party and maybe even the ceremony will take place, so it’s crucial to get it right. Whether you choose a stately home, museum, hotel, or your favourite restaurant there are plenty of choices within the Greater London area.
If you’re having a religious wedding, the general rule is that your venue should be no more than 20 minutes’ drive from the church/synagogue, so that your guests don’t have too far to travel between the two. The same rule applies if you’re having a civil ceremony in a register office.
If you want a traditional sit-down wedding you will need to find a venue with a function room that is large enough to accommodate all your guests. A buffet-style reception can be held in a smaller room or series of linked rooms but this kind of event is unusual for the kind of weddings that Hayley Lehmann photographs.

The Ballroom at The Landmark Hotel London

If you are planning to have a very large wedding you can create extra space with a marquee if the grounds of the venue are suitable.
Remember that if you are planning any outdoor elements to your function, that sufficient space should be available indoors as British weather is notoriously unreliable.
As you look around the various rooms that are available to hire, think about the number of guests you are inviting. If you are hosting a small reception, you need a room that creates an intimate atmosphere. An overly large room, however impressive, will feel as though half your guests haven’t turned up. Be guided by the banqueting manager as to the number of guests that can be accomodated comfortably in your venue. There is nothing worse than tables being jam packed in and guests being knocked and bumped around in their seats as waiting staff stuggle to get through tight spaces. An empty ballroom will always look much bigger than it really is by the time there is a stage for the band, dance floor and beautifully laid tables.
You may need the following rooms:
1. Ceremony
2. Drinks reception
3. A space for family photos
4. Dinner and dancing

Chuppah Thames Suite Riverbank Park Plaza

Many couples already have a firm picture of how their ideal wedding venue will look, so you need to make sure the setting – and the staff – are capable of working with you to fulfill your dream. As you view each potential venue, try to imagine your colour scheme. A room with little decoration will provide an exciting challenge for imaginative, but often expensive, decoration whereas a beautifully decorated venue may stretch your budget but will need little extra adornment or lighting.
If the venue is spread over several floors, please consider stairs and access for the elderly or disabled. And will you have exclusive use of the venue?
Most hotels and function rooms offer a variety of catering packages from a formal sit-down meal to a buffet, often with a specified amount of

Renaissance London Chancery Court Hotel

drinks included. The price per head should include the food & drink, and hire of tables, chairs, linen and staff. Alternatively, you may just hire the venue and bring in your own caterers. Some venues prefer you to use their recommended suppliers and may charge you for bringing in someone else. You’ll also be charged a corkage fee if you want to supply your own wine and champagne. Make sure you know exactly what’s included as the extras can quickly add up.
Expect to pay a deposit at the time of booking with the balance due a few weeks before the wedding day once final numbers have been confirmed. Now sit back, and start thinking about the menu and seating plan, and remember that on the big day to relax and enjoy yourself leaving all the details to the proferssionals employed to look after you!

These are just some of the venues that recommend the services of Hayley Lehmann Photography;
Avenue which is a very new and wonderful Venue at Holiday Inn Express Golders Green North. Contact Denis Agagjysi on 020 8371 6060 as their website is not live yet. Say that Hayley Lehmann suggested you take a look! Suitable for weddings or barmitzvahs.
Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel
The Landmark Hotel
The Park Plaza Riverbank