Booking the wedding.

We went to visit two venues yesterday. The first was our first ever visit to a venue so we didn't know what to expect. I understand the events managers are there to sell their products, but I felt a little railroaded at certain times to agree to packages (which we didn't). Happily I stood my ground and only chose what I wanted for pricing purposes.
The hotel was lovely inside and the rooms well presented. We had some good choice of rooms and the lady was nice about trying to make the cost work for us when she realised we weren't to be moved.
My only concern was parking, as it is limited at the hotel, but there seemed to be plenty of unrestricted on road parking so that was fine. They also have spa facilities available which is something I was looking for. They only had a couple of dates available for next March though.

Our second visit couldn't have been more different. The place was tired, run down, though their website made it look stunning. There were dogs running around which gave a musty dog smell, and this put me off instantly. The rooms were all up flights of stairs and that wouldn't have suited my eldery father. The chairs were also mis matched and I couldn't understand how anyone could sell this as a wedding venue.
The events manager on the other hand was lovely and couldn't have been more helpful.

There really was no decision to be made between the two. I have had another look around in the area, but nothing really suits our budget like the first hotel, so we have agreed and emailed the first hotel to see if the date is still available.

I'm so nervous, excited and loads of other emotions all rolling around right now. The overall cost is coming in higher than I would have wanted, but I also want my day to remember, so will have to get budgetting and ebaying everything in sight so be able to afford it.