Points to Consider When Choosing A Wedding and Reception Location

The following tips are provided for a bride to consider when she is choosing one of the most crucial elements of the wedding; the location in which to host the ceremony and reception…

Outdoor Wedding

• Is there a backup plan in case of inclement weather?
• Is a tent provided or will you have to rent one?
• What facilities are offered for guest restrooms?
• Are there rooms available for you and the wedding party to change in?
• What time will you schedule your wedding? Consider the time of year you are planning your wedding; if your wedding is a summer wedding; will it be too hot for you and your guests? Is there shade? If not, you should consider an evening wedding. If the wedding is in a cooler month; is there heat available for the tent?

Indoor Wedding

• Is there ample seating for your guests to watch the ceremony?
• Will you host the reception at the same location? If not how far away from the ceremony site is the reception? Your guests will not want to travel a great distance from one point to the other.
• Is the décor of the indoor facility in line with your chosen wedding colors and other wedding decorations ?
• Are there rules about decorating the facility?

General Considerations For All Venues

• Is there ample parking for your guests?
• Is there access for handicapped guests?
• Who is responsible for clean up?
• Can you bring in your own catering or do you have to use the facilities catering staff?
• If staging an outdoor wedding, is there the option for the reception to be held indoors?
• Are you required to rent tables, chairs, and linens?
• Are there other events or public access to the venue during the time you have rented the facility for your wedding?
• Most wedding venues have a time limit for your event
• Do you have to use a preferred list of vendors that the wedding venue provides or can you bring in your own wedding service providers?
• Will you have a wedding coordinator to see that everything runs smoothly the day of your wedding?
• Are there nearby hotels for your out of town guests?
• If the date you are interested in is not available, have you thought of hosting your wedding on a non-traditional day such as Friday or Sunday? Some Wedding locations who are in high demand for the traditional “Saturday” wedding will offer a discount for weddings held on other days of the week.

Scheduling the Appointment to visit Wedding sites and Reception Locations

• Be Professional. If you schedule an appointment to visit a wedding ceremony site or reception location always keep your commitment. In the event you need to cancel or re-schedule your appointment call ahead of time to give notice.
• Be sure to take the people with you who are helping you choose your wedding location; including your fiancée and immediate family members whose opinion you value.
• Take notes, and if the venue allows, take some photos.
• Be honest about your budget; do not waste your time or the venue’s time if the rental price is not in your price range. You should ask the basic rental price before visiting the location.
• Be prepared to pay a deposit and sign a contract if you love the site you visit. Many wedding venue sites book weddings a year or more in advance.