The exciting selection includes vineyards, castles, museums, hotels, restaurants, halls and art galleries.
The trick is to ensure your choice is available on the wedding day, because many reception venues and churches are booked well over 12 months in advance, especially on popular dates in Otago.
The "right" venue needs to accommodate the number of guests expected and be suitable for the style of reception, which can range from a large formal occasion to a casually simple get-together.
For those who have the space or are planning a country wedding, hired marquees are always popular.
Most venues have a functions manager, angels of mercy who have the ability to advise on and attend to all aspects of the celebrations.
First-hand knowledge of a venue is always valuable, so if the couple and parents are not familiar with it an appointment should be made to take a look. One of the most important aspects of a good venue, over and above the quality of food and service, is its atmosphere.
A wedding should not be marred by sombre, stuffy or chilly surroundings.
Once the time of the booking is confirmed, in the case of a traditional wedding, it should tie in with the ending of the wedding ceremony and the time it takes to get there from the church. These are among the finer details to be worked out with the functions manager.
It is also when the all-important menu is discussed.
By now it will be established, by the time of day of the wedding service, just what form the reception will take. It may be a sit-down luncheon or dinner, a buffet, or drinks and nibbles, and most hotels and restaurants have a range of menus to cover each particular style.
Although at the time of booking a final count is not expected, it is imperative that closer to the wedding the chosen venue is given the exact number attending. It is usual for a written estimate to be sent to whoever is responsible for payment for the reception, on confirmation of the booking.
A firm quote is given closer to the day when exact guest numbers are known.
