While all couples dream of a flawless, anything-goes day, in reality—the majority of venues out there come with a few ground rules. Whether it’s guest limits, noise cut-offs, or restrictions on sparkly confetti, these “rules” might initially feel like hurdles to navigate, but they really don’t have to be dealbreakers. While they may feel limiting at first glance, these guidelines exist to protect you AND the venue; they keep your guests safe and comfortable and ensure everything runs smoothly. However, with some savvy planning, you might be able to turn a “restriction” into a creative opportunity. Remember, during wedding planning, questions are always worth asking, and sometimes these rules can be gently flexed (without actually breaking them!), especially if everyone’s on board and it means you get to bag the venue of your dreams!
Let’s dive into some of the most common venue restrictions and explore creative ways to work with them.
Venue Capacity
When it comes to venue capacity, it might be one of the most common restrictions you’ll face—and for good reason, folks. Venues impose these limits for the comfort and safety of your guests. But there are ways around it! Firstly, you could embrace the intimacy with a slightly smaller guest list or maximise the space by utilising the venue’s outdoor areas for the ceremony or reception. Another option might be to break up your guest list and invite a second wave of friends and family members to the evening celebrations. Most venues can accommodate a more extensive gathering for a more relaxed evening reception, so if you’re feeling squeezed, consider adding evening-only guests to the party.
This is where your priorities come into play: would you rather have a bigger guest list at a venue that feels “fine” or opt for your dream venue with a more intimate guest count? Decisions, decisions! Spoiler alert: there’s no right or wrong answer; it’s simply whatever feels right for you.
In-house catering
In-house catering is one of the biggies, yet considering a lot of venues either have their own catering teams or have solid partnerships with external caterers who know how to deliver top-tier service without a hitch, it’s kind of fair enough—think seamless coordination between courses, the kitchen, and your schedule. However, you might feel like this limits your ability to personalise the menu. But fear not! While you may need to go with the venue’s food options for the main meal, there might be some flexibility when it comes to evening fare. How about a street food van dishing out your favourite late-night bites—perfect for infusing a little extra personality into your celebration? As always, don’t hesitate to ask about your options.
Drinks packages
If your venue offers an in-house drinks package, you don’t always have to settle for a one-size-fits-all approach. There’s often room to add a personal touch (bespoke cocktails, anyone?), especially if you’re willing to pay corkage for your favourite wine or bubbles during the meal or toast. However, once the formalities are over, most venues will stipulate that you must switch to a pay bar for the rest of the evening.
If you’re planning additional pre- or post-wedding celebrations, there may also be room to negotiate your own drinks for these moments too. The key? Start the conversation with your venue and see how their plan aligns with yours—there’s almost always a little bit of wiggle room for those all-important personal touches!
Décor
Let’s be honest: no couple wants their venue to dictate their colour palette or floral choices, and thankfully, most venues give you the creative freedom to decorate as you wish (with some limits—no nails in the walls, obvs!). However, you might need to rethink those pretty open-flamed candles or elaborate ceiling installations! Instead, focus on clever lighting, dramatic freestanding florals, and temporary décor like draping. It’s always worth taking inspiration from what’s worked well in the venue before and collaborating with your suppliers and the venue staff to bring your vision as close as possible to life, all while staying firmly within the guidelines.
Confetti
Ah, the confetti shot—one of the most joyous parts of the day but also one that often comes with hefty restrictions. Most venues now insist on biodegradable confetti, which means dried flower petals are your best bet. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they also look super pretty in your wedding photos, so please, please, please leave the nasty microplastics at home (no one needs that in their venue’s flower beds)! Still, if you’re after something a bit different, sparkler tunnels at dusk are a fantastic alternative—they’re magical, more eco-friendly, and a stunning addition to your wedding gallery!
Noise restrictions
Noise restrictions can sometimes be a little frustrating, especially when all you want to do is dance until dawn with all your best ones, but they don’t have to kill the party vibe—they just call for a bit of clever planning. Live music is perfect for the daytime or early evening, and then, as the night goes on, why not switch to a silent disco? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and ensures everyone can keep dancing into the early hours without annoying the neighbours! Just make sure your DJ or band knows the venue’s sound curfew to avoid any abrupt music halts, and with a bit of savvy planning, you’ll be able to keep the party going long after the volume’s turned down.
Pets at weddings
Pets at weddings? Erm, it’s a yes from me! But it’s important to check with your venue first, as some places simply aren’t equipped for four-legged guests. Some venues may have a total ban on pets, while others might allow them to join in for a short time or in outdoor areas only. If your venue is on the stricter side, consider asking if your pet can at least make a quick appearance for photos (ugh—just imagine the cuteness!) and make sure to have a designated pet chaperone on hand to whisk them away when their big moment is over.
Fireworks
Fireworks can add a spectacular finale to your wedding, but understandably, many venues don’t allow them due to nearby livestock or close neighbours. However, if you’re determined to light up the night sky, there might be exceptions—especially on key dates like Bonfire Night or New Year’s Eve when local communities are more accustomed to the noise. Basically, folks, it’s all about timing and planning. Some venues may allow a well-organised display if it’s arranged with plenty of notice and all the correct permissions are in place. If this is the route you want to go down, ask your venue about their policies ASAP and see if a compromise can be found.