Header image credit: Oobaloos Photography

Nowadays, more and more people want a wedding that people will remember, which could mean anything from doing a synchronised first dance that goes viral on social media, or arriving at the wedding on a tractor.

One of the most effective ways to make sure that your wedding gets talked about for years to come is to pick a unique wedding venue — especially if it showcases your personality, and matches your chosen wedding theme.

Luckily, for those of you getting married in Britain, there are plenty of incredible places to get married that will ensure that your wedding is one for the ages.

Feature image by Damion Mower Photography: Stoke Place in Buckinghamshire

When planning your wedding, you’ll inevitably develop a carefully curated checklist of everything you want and need for the big day. From something old and something blue, to the perfect table setting and of course, the cake, a wedding is unlike any other event.

One of the most important factors to consider is the venue. The perfect location will provide you with beautiful photos, all the right facilities and a setting for the day you have been dreaming of. However, it’s important to remember the criteria will differ slightly depending on the season. The summer months bring a unique set of requirements to consider, such as air conditioning, outdoor seating and summer refreshments.

If you missed Claire’s lovely introduction last month, I’m Jenna Hewitt from Weddings by Jenna Hewitt. I’m a creative wedding planner who loves to work with couples looking for style and a sense of laid back luxury where the focus is all about the atmosphere, the food, the drink and having an amazing party!

Images from Cowley Manor wedding venue and words by wedding stylist planner Jenna Hewitt. Credit Helen Warner Photography (9)

Over the next 12 months I’m really excited to be covering a year in the life of planning a wedding and each month I’ll be sharing the inside, honest track of what it takes to plan your perfect day as well as what to expect and watch out for along the way. In fact I’ll be writing about the planning journey of real life couple and lovely clients of mine, Hannah and Ben. Today I’m starting with the venue search!

It’s true you’re unlikely to have heard of ‘corkage’ until you plan your wedding… but it’s a topic which comes up on wedding forums over and over again – and a shocker! This, and other hidden costs to booking a venue, is discussed on the latest fab wedding planning video by Revelry Events. There’s plenty to think about: VAT, exclusive use and curfews…

Lovely Susannah and Holly talk us through the major considerations when hiring a venue, including having a plan B in case of bad weather and being allowed to bring in the suppliers YOU want rather than the venue’s own. (Top tip: always, always research your DJ and never rely on a venue’s recommendation without having seen them!)