After months of planning, it's time to celebrate! Araluen's Weddings Director Phillip Smith helps you choose the right venue for your needs.

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After all the planning that goes into your big day, it should be an effortless and enjoyable occasion for the bride and groom and all of their guests. You want the day to move seamlessly from one part to another. To do so you need to select a venue that will manage your expectations while keeping within your budget.

"It didn't take us long at Araluen to realise that it's our job to simply make things easy," says Araluen's Weddings Director Phillip Smith. Araluen, a Heritage estate with a dedicated wedding chapel in Epping, NSW, does this by providing a dedicated function MC to take care of everything including organising guests, co-ordinating entertainment, handling special requests and more.

Decor requirements are another important consideration when planning your reception. You want the venue to reflect the 'feel' of the occasion while remaining within budget. Araluen is a very elaborate Victorian Italianate building with furnishings to match, so couples need not concern themselves with expensive decorations, says Smith.

That said, there's always room to personalise the venue. "I believe each wedding is a theme in its own right but we've also had Medieval, and Rock and Roll weddings, and even a Full Monty wedding - clothes on, but the groom and groomsmen danced up the aisle!" says Smith.

Expert Tips

• Narrow the field. Some couples that come to Araluen have been to 40 other function venues and it gets too confusing, says Smith. Try cutting your list down to no more that six venues and either go to their website or request a brochure. Then narrow your choices and visit only a few in person.
• Be cautious. Don't look for ways to spend money - they will find you! Pay close attention to any extras a venue may charge for services like serving the cake or cleaning.
• Prepare a realistic budget. Plan your wedding budget realistically, being sure to add a margin of error to accommodate your wishes. Your dream venue can often be more expensive than anticipated especially if you marry during high season. Once your budget is under control, most of the stress of planning your reception is removed.

Wed-sites We Love

• www.araluenweddings.com.au - Araluen is a gracious century-old home with established gardens and a charming purpose-built Wedding Chapel.
• www.mca.com.au - At Sydney's MCA choose between Foundation Hall, the Harbour Terrace, and the Circular Quay Terrace.