Our expertise - your location

FAQ

When should we start looking for our wedding location?
This varies greatly from region to region. Here in the north, the rule of thumb is

• 12 to 18 months in advance if a wedding with overnight accommodation is planned
• 6 to 12 months in advance if overnight accommodation is not an issue

Of course, the earlier you start your search, the greater the availability of venues. On the other hand, the uncertainties for the bridal couple are simply greater with such a long lead time. And since we always show all our cards in our tips: You can assume with a year and a half lead time that you won't be granted an early booking discount, but rather that you'll usually pay a surcharge for booking the venue early. Well-booked venues know that they will sell every date and factor in an increased likelihood of cancellation for very early reservations.

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What is the best way to search for the location for our wedding?
The search will be much more targeted and efficient if you make it clear in advance what you are looking for. This is not about the finer details of the planned wedding celebration, but about a few parameters:

• In which region should the celebration take place?
• In which ambience should the celebration take place: rural or urban?
• Who are you celebrating with - how many guests are you expecting?
• What type of wedding ceremony is planned: civil, free or church?
• Will the wedding dinner be at lunchtime or in the evening?
• Is a celebration with dancing part of the program?
• How many guests will need hotel rooms on site?

Once you have answered these 7 questions, you can start your search. Of course, there are many other decision criteria, but this search profile will help you a lot for the first round.

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When does the Seehotel Töpferhaus suit us as a wedding venue?
The Seehotel Töpferhaus could be the perfect location if you are looking for a venue with the following profile:

• Centrally located in Schleswig-Holstein - easily accessible from Hamburg, Kiel and Flensburg
• Rural, close to nature, by the lake and in the Hüttener Berge Nature Park
• Celebrations in the hall or in tents
• Celebrations with up to 100 guests
• Civil, free and church weddings are possible
• Lunch and dinner, highly regarded cuisine
• Designed for celebrations with dancing
• Up to 40 boutique hotel rooms on site with up to 90 beds

Now you can easily see whether the Seehotel Töpferhaus basically meets your requirements and whether an inquiry makes sense. With good wedding venues, you should always find all the necessary information on their own website.

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What tips can you give us for our search for a wedding venue in the north?
If you have very specific requirements - such as complete accessibility, a dance party with a live band or 100% vegan food - then check with your first inquiry whether this is possible at the wedding venue. At Seehotel Töpferhaus, for example, you can celebrate barrier-free in tents, but unfortunately not in the hall. Live music, on the other hand, is possible until 7 p.m. - for example during the wedding ceremony or reception - after which the party continues with DJs. The kitchen at the Seehotel Töpferhaus is happy to prepare vegan menus and buffets.

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How much does a wedding reception cost?
Of course, you should be in love with your venue first and foremost: after all, it's THE day of your life! All well and good, you may say, but first of all you need an idea of how much your wedding reception will cost - and only then will you decide what the reception should look like.

Of course, budgets and ideas for a celebration vary enormously, and it's impossible for us to cover the whole range here in such a short space. We'll leave the luxury segment out of the equation for now: In this case, beautiful glossy magazines are the better guides and the budget is usually a minor matter.

"Small celebration"

If you are planning a "small wedding celebration", then we are usually talking about a wedding ceremony, reception and lunch or dinner. The costs here are quite easy to estimate:

• Registry office fees €200
• Wedding room and furnishings (if not in the office) 350 - 600 €
• Reception (1 hour, drinks, without finger food) 14 - 18 € per guest
• Lunch (buffet or menu) 60 - 90 € per guest
• Dinner (buffet or set menu) 70 - 90 € per guest
• Drinks package (non-alcoholic, beer and wine for 3 hours) 30 - 45 € per guest

Of course, these are only estimated values that vary from location to location. The largest item will usually be the food. You certainly know exactly what food and drinks you want and are familiar with different quality and price levels from restaurant visits - the above costs correspond to those at the Seehotel Töpferhaus. So if you value high-quality food, you can expect these prices in rural areas - in large cities, prices in comparable locations are sometimes significantly higher.

Our tip: make an approximate estimate of your wedding meal at your favorite restaurant from the menu, estimate how much will be consumed and add it all up. Then you have already calculated the largest item quite accurately.

"Big party"

If you are planning a "big party" that lasts until the early hours of the morning, the cost calculation is a little more complicated. However, we can also provide you with a fairly good calculation basis for this:

• Registry office fees €200
• Wedding room and furnishings (if not in the office) 400 - 700 €
• Reception (30 minutes, drinks) 8 - 18 € per guest
• Afternoon (2 - 3 hours, drinks, cake) 20 - 35 € per guest
• Dinner (buffet or menu) 70 - 100 € per guest
• Drinks package (non-alcoholic, beer and wine for 8 hours) 50 - 80 € per guest
• Long drinks & co. package (4 hours) 25 - 35 € per guest
• Decoration (flowers, candles & co.) 15 - 25 € per guest
• Room rental, furnishings & service 40 - 70 € per guest
• Optional: Professional speaker (for free wedding ceremony) from € 1,800
• Professional photographer from € 1,800
• Professional DJ from € 1,500
• Hotel room for the guests: These costs are usually covered by the guests. In the 4* segment, a double room with breakfast is usually between €150 and €220.

Let's take a complete celebration with 60 guests and a classic schedule as an example, calculated with average values:

• 14:00 to 14:30 Civil wedding ceremony
• 14:30 to 15:00 Reception
• 15:00 to 18:00 Afternoon with coffee and cake
• 18:00 to 21:00 Dinner & drinks
• 21:00 to 02:00 Celebration & bar menu
• Room rental, furnishings, service
• Total approx. 16,500 € + external service providers + hotel rooms (mostly paid by the guests)

Of course, this is only a rough estimate. However, the above assumptions are a good orientation for a first realistic estimate on your part. Of course, there is no upper limit - conversely, it is also cheaper below the "4* level".

Our tip: If the budget and the offer of your desired location do not match, then a slightly reduced number of guests may be a better approach than cutting back on the scope or level of services.

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How do we create a list of possible wedding venues?
You know what you're looking for now? Great, then let's get started!

Many of you will probably search online: With the right keywords, you can quickly generate an adequate list of potential locations. In addition to Google searches, you can also take a look at Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest: many wedding venues are active on all social media channels.

Ideally, the venue's website should be designed in such a way that you can quickly see whether the style and scope of services meet your expectations. The best thing to do is to generate a shortlist of 3 to 6 wedding venues and request an initial proposal for each. If you send the following information, the location will have all the data it needs to create an initial proposal tailored to your plans:

• Desired date or time period
• Number of adult guests
• Number of guests under 18
• Desired start time of the event
• Wedding ceremony (none, civil, free or church)
• Lunch or dinner
• Dance party (yes or no)
• Number of guest rooms required

Now you can sit back and wait for the answers. The feedback will already give you some initial information about the location. Did you have to wait longer than two days for a response? Did you receive a customized proposal or just a generic banquet folder? Does the style suit you? In other words: love at first sight - or initial doubts?

Your gut and head should be switched on here. Some expect emails with a pink background and calligraphic font, others clear figures and sober facts. You know which style suits you better.

You should also be able to see from the location proposal whether your deadline, budget and other requirements can be met. The list will then usually become clearer: it's best to start with your favorite location and arrange an on-site visit.

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What questions can a good wedding planner answer?
The first on-site visit is usually the most important moment when deciding on the most suitable location for your wedding reception.

Take your time and let us show you everything:

• All the rooms that will be used for your celebration
• Toilets (are always a good indicator of hygiene, professionalism and service level)
• Catering facilities
• Hotel rooms

You should then have a good idea of whether your requirements in terms of space, style and standard can be met.

• You will probably also get to know the wedding planner. Ask any questions that interest you and are important for your wedding celebration, such as
• What is the bad weather alternative for all program items that are planned outside?
• What is on offer for children (age-appropriate food, supervision, playroom, etc.)?
• For which services (decoration, photography, DJ etc.) are external service providers permitted?
• Are the rooms barrier-free?
• How do guests book their rooms?
• How long can the party last?
• Are the rooms available for exclusive use?

Here, too, it is important to find out whether your requirements in terms of professionalism and experience are met. The chemistry should also be right, so you should have a good gut feeling.

You should also find out how much your planned celebration will cost when you visit the venue. Have the costing explained to you in detail: You can expect and demand absolute transparency from the wedding venue. Ask them to give you the prices for services that you may want to add at a later date. You should also be able to calculate the exact costs for different numbers of guests.

Here are a few tips for comparing different offers: Some venues charge for services as they are used, others offer "complete packages" - take a close look at the packages to see what is really included. Often important services are missing, which you then have to book at a higher price. In return, you pay for services that you may not even want. With package prices, you typically pay the full per-head package price for each additional guest, which does not correspond to the actual cost structure: Here you can suggest a lower per-head package price for "additional" guests, for example. If the offer exceeds your budget, but you have fallen in love with the location, then think again: What is particularly important to you for the wedding celebration - and how many guests should really attend?

Once you have visited all your candidates, you should now be well prepared for your decision. It's best to sleep on it for a night and then say yes to your favorite location together.

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What's six months before the desired date?

You have already set your wedding date and discussed with the people most important to you whether they can actually be there on this date. For you as the bride and groom, the question now is in what setting you would like to get married and how many guests you would like to invite. Have you decided on a civil or a free wedding ceremony? Or do you want to have a church wedding? If you would like to have witnesses, you should contact them now. Nowadays, witnesses are only required for Catholic weddings.

Have you collected all the documents for your wedding? Baptismal certificates are required for a church wedding. The budget for the big event has also already been decided. Clarify whether you have to finance everything on your own or whether your parents will contribute to the costs. Once the budget is set, you can get on with the wedding planning.

Now look around for the right location for your celebration or party. Should it take place at your place of residence or outside? Do you have a romantic wedding by the lake or the sea in mind? Some hotels located in beautiful countryside are very experienced in hosting weddings and will give you expert advice on your preparations. Especially in the coastal states of Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, you can find attractive locations for a stylish wedding.

Should the celebration have a specific theme? This depends on the time of year and the location. Let the suggestions inspire you if you can't quite make up your mind. The"boho wedding", which is particularly suitable for outdoor celebrations, or the relaxed "vintage wedding" are in vogue.

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Further preparations six months before the wedding

Now it's time to book the date for your wedding at the registry office and register with the parish office. If you do not know the priest, it is advisable to talk to him in advance, especially if you are being married outside your parish. The usual wedding interview will probably take place at a later date.

You can also start looking for a wedding photographer. You may also be offered someone from the booked location to take atmospheric wedding photos.

Discuss the decorations with the experts at your wedding location as a precaution. The theme of your wedding and your color preferences will determine the direction of the decorations and floral arrangements. Should everything be designed in the wedding colors white and green, or do you want delicate or bold splashes of color in the table decorations? The season also plays a role here.

Parallel to these plans, it's best to start looking for matching outfits for the bride and groom. You should also discuss the menu plan or buffet with your wedding venue or book the catering. If you are organizing everything yourself, order the music for your party now. Many details like this will be taken care of by a professional wedding venue.

Is your guest list still as planned? Then it's time to send out save-the-date cards. You can design these yourself or use templates from the Internet. In any case, it is advisable to check the cost plan for your wedding in between and adjust it if necessary.

Very important: the choice of wedding dress and outfit for the groom. Numerous online guides provide tips on which wedding dress suits which figure best. If you want to get married all in white, you may be dreaming of a lace and tulle dream. However, there are countless alternatives to a glamorous wedding dress. For the legal or free wedding ceremony, you might choose an elegant trouser suit, a breezy summer dress or a classic costume. You and your husband-to-be will naturally follow the theme of your wedding. He chooses either a fashionable dark or light-colored suit, a combination of trousers and blazer or a casual outfit of elegant jeans and an open shirt. Of course, there are numerous other ways to dress stylishly and cut a fine figure at the wedding dance.

Even if there are still a few months to go until your wedding: You should have the wedding invitations and thank-you notes designed and printed now. Or you can entrust this task to someone in your circle of family or friends who has a talent for graphic design.

Forgotten something else? Exactly, perhaps you would like to order a gift table (also possible online) to keep control of the wedding gifts? You may also want to apply for special leave from your employers. Last but not least, your honeymoon needs to be planned and possibly already booked.

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Your activities three months before the wedding

The big event is drawing inexorably closer and you can feel the excitement building. Various items on your to-do list have already been ticked off. Now you arrange the wedding interview with the pastor or priest. Further preparations for the honeymoon are pending: Are your passports still valid, do you need certain vaccinations?

If you are celebrating at home, order not only the bridal bouquet from the florist, but also the table decorations with vines and flowers. A nice ritual for a bridal couple is the selection of the wedding rings, which should be ordered during these weeks. Have you already thought about how you want to have your wedding rings engraved?

You send out the invitation cards to your guests in good time. You order the place cards and menu cards yourself, unless your wedding venue does this for you. You also reserve the required number of hotel rooms for your wedding guests there. Otherwise you will have to find accommodation for friends and relatives from elsewhere.

In the meantime, the bride takes care of finding chic shoes to match her wedding dress and lingerie that suits her personal style. It may be time to update the gift list. Do you need to sign up for a bridal dance class or do you need a babysitter on your wedding day?

About two months before your wedding, the errands start to pile up - prepare yourself for the hot phase. For example, register with a hairdresser and experts for nails and make-up. A trial appointment for the bridal hairstyle is recommended if you want to have your hair pinned up in a festive style.

It's also time to order the wedding cake. You should also coordinate this with your wedding venue, as well as the seating arrangements at the ceremony and any gifts you have planned. If you would like a stag party, this also needs to be organized now.

Have you tried on your wedding dress again and does it fit you like a glove? Have the bridal shoes already been broken in? Has the exact schedule for the wedding day already been decided? For example, who will receive the guests from outside and check the seating arrangements? You should now inform the wedding organizer of the exact number of guests and whether there are any vegans or vegetarians among them. Your wedding rings should be ready for collection by now.

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Two weeks before the wedding day

Don't rush if there's still a lot to do. Are you planning to go on a honeymoon straight after the wedding? Then think about what you need to take with you and what you need to buy.

There may also be some consultations with the service providers on the wedding day. The seating arrangements should be reconsidered: Do couples have to sit next to each other, and how will singles be distributed among the guest couples? If there are any changes, they should be passed on to the wedding venue.

The hairdresser and manicurist appointment for the groom should be arranged now, if this has not already been done.

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The last seven days until the wedding

Now you are challenged as a bridal couple and have to think of countless little things. Distribute the tasks fairly and try not to get stressed. After all, you want to enjoy your happy day to the full!

The following points still need to be clarified: Have there been any cancellations from guests? Have you prepared a guest list on which you can enter the gifts and thank them accordingly? You also do something for your relaxation, go for a massage, manicure, pedicure and waxing.

On the last day before your wedding, all the items on the checklist should be ticked off. Now you can relax a little and prepare everything for tomorrow in the evening. Discuss the day's schedule again. The bride packs a small bag with powder, lipstick, tissues, change and spare tights. Papers and rings should be ready. Go to bed early and not necessarily together.

And then the wedding day has finally arrived! Has the groom put the rings in? Then all that's left to do is pick up the bridal bouquet. You can also have it delivered. Then it's off to the registry office, or you can drive to the wedding venue, where everything has been prepared according to your wishes. Now it's time to take a deep breath and celebrate. Savor the event with all your senses - your wedding should be unforgettable! If something goes wrong, take it with a sense of humor.

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