The day of the wedding is the busiest day of the preparations, as the bride and her entourage have to get dolled up all at the same time. Nowadays, more and more brides choose to book a hotel for their preparations, because doing so can make things so much easier for the bridal party and the suppliers. If you're looking to book a hotel for your wedding preparations, remember to check for the following:
Ample space
On your special day, you'll have a whole posse to help you get ready: your team of coordinators, make-up artists and hairstylists, your designer (some bring an assistant), and your family. Moreover, your entourage will get dressed and get their hair and makeup done at the same time, too. Look for a hotel room that has an ample space in which everyone can move around in. Keep in mind that your photographers and videographers will also be shooting, so they need enough space for them to do their work. One option is to book an executive suite for the bride or two adjoining rooms to house you, your suppliers, and your entourage. To help you stay relaxed as you get ready, limit the number of people permitted to enter your suite.
A nice bathroom
Your environment will do wonders for your mood on the wedding day, so getting ready in a nice bathroom will allow you to de-stress before the busy day begins. A bathroom with a roomy tub is a luxurious plus, but at the very least, look for a clean bathroom so you can start the day with a pleasant disposition.
Proximity to the ceremony venue
Look for a hotel that's ideally 15 minutes away or less from your ceremony venue. Less transport time means fewer encounters with traffic and less stress for you, your suppliers, and your entourage. A hotel that's near your ceremony venue will also help your bridal party with contingency plans in case they forget something at the hotel. Moreover, booking a hotel close to your ceremony will give you better pictures, as you will not feel hurried to finish your solo shots prior because you have to rush to the wedding ceremony.
Natural light
Your make-up artist will feel more comfortable doing your makeup near a wide window where natural light can shine through, since s/he can properly evaluate the colors that s/he will use. Your photographers and videographers will also prefer natural light when shooting photos and videos. Look for a hotel room with large windows--floor to ceiling windows are ideal for letting natural light in.
Enough electrical sockets
Your hairstylist will need to use a blower or a curling iron to style your hair, your designer will need to steam iron your bridal gown, your photographers will need to charge spare batteries--so make sure to check if the room has enough electrical sockets to accommodate everyone's needs. Also check if the hotel uses the standard voltage (some areas like Subic have establishments that use 110 volts instead 220 volts) so that you can inform your suppliers if they need to bring adaptors.
Proper ventilation
While most hotels have airconditioned rooms, it doesn't hurt to double check if the room assigned to you indeed has a functioning airconditioning unit. Working in a humid place might diminish the quality of service your suppliers can give you, and it will certainly make you one cranky bride.
Ample parking facilities
Don't forget to check if the hotel has available parking space for your entourage and suppliers. Ask if booking a bridal suite comes with parking spaces, or if you'll be allowed to reserve enough spaces for the big day. The last thing you want is for your entourage or suppliers to run late because they can't find a space to park in.
Great pictorial possibilities
Nowadays, some hotels allow pictorial sessions at their lobby, hallways, and grand entryways at a minimal fee. Backdrops for photo ops really depend on your taste--some brides dream of having pictures taken on a sprawling staircase, or by a grand piano-and your wedding day is the perfect time to take these photos. Others specifically check the hotel room for interiors that match the wedding's theme. Brightly lit hallways, mirrored elevator walls, dramatic balcony that overlooks the ballroom, even the suite's bathtub (for avant-garde pictures) are just some of the things you might want to look for.
Aside from conducting an ocular first before putting a reservation for your room, you may also check the Internet for reviews of that hotel. Plus remember to inquire about discounts or other special deals that you may avail of should you decide to book.
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