Venue terms explained

Exclusive use
This means that no other weddings will be taking place on the same day at yours. This appeals to lots of brides, but it's worth finding out if you're paying a premium for this, as if your venue's large enough, another wedding won't affect yours.

Recommended suppliers
Lots of venues will have a list of suppliers (including caterers, florists and photographers). Sometimes, these really are just recommendations, but often with caterers you'll have to use them. It can be beneficial to have suppliers who know the venue well, but get quotes from all the different options given so you can still get the best price.

Bridal accommodation
Most venues will have a bridal suite where you and your groom can spend your first night. Often this is included in the price, so check it beforehand. Also, find out if you'll be using that room to get ready in before the wedding, or if there's another space they'd like you to use.

Venue hire
Many places will charge a price for venue hire, but it's worth investigating exactly what this covers. For some settings, it really will just be hire of the rooms, and catering costs will be additional.

Corkage
This is the amount that your venue will charge per bottle of wine if you choose to bring in your own wines rather than serving theirs. Check this figure carefully – if it's high it can negate any savings you were hoping to make.

Minimum spend
Rather than offering prices per head, some venues will ask you to spend a certain amount on your day in order to celebrate there. This isn't always a great option if you're only having a small wedding, so check the prices.

Capacity
This is how many guests your venue can cater for. Often the figure is different for various parts of the day, so look for the ceremony, sit-down reception and evening party capacities.