When it comes to your wedding reception, the venue is undeniably the most important piece of the planning puzzle. No other element can reflect a desired mood or style quite like the setting in which the event is held. The wedding venue should be the first major decision in your planning process. Once you have selected your site, you will find that everything else begins to fall into place.
Daunted by the task? Don't be. While you should approach venue selection with care, a little pre-planning will help narrow down the options. Before meeting with the first facility manager, consider three factors to determine the type of venue that is perfect for you.
1. Determine the Theme and Style of Your Event -
Beyond the basic banquet hall, an overwhelming array of reception site options exists. From country clubs to mansions to museums, each set the stage for a specific style of event. Before deciding, determine the type of reception you would like to host.
Today's wedding receptions are about personality and creativity. Your wedding is not your mother's or your grandmother's. It's not your best friend's wedding either. This is your once in a lifetime event?and a costly one at that. Take advantage of your time in the spotlight to put together an event that really shines. Consider your personal style. Do you want your wedding to be a reflection or a departure from that? Just because you tend to be more city-chic does not mean you can't throw a country-style foot stomping hoe down of a wedding (it can be done in an equally fabulous manner!)
Put some thought into this, and envision your perfect wedding reception. The theme and style you wish to reflect will help dictate the type of reception site you choose. Remember that options abound beyond hotel ballrooms, banquet halls and country clubs. Also consider mansions and historic sites, museums or parks. The sky is the limit!
2. Decide on Geographic Location -
Where do you want to get married? In your hometown? In your fiance's home town? In the town where you currently live? Or even on a Caribbean island? With today's jet set couples, the possibilities really are endless. Don't be afraid to consider something different or unexpected. Perhaps the style or theme of your event will dictate the location?a tiki-style hut by the beach, a rustic farmhouse in the country, a posh ballroom overlooking a metropolitan cityscape. You get the idea?
3. Estimate the Number of Guests -
OK?so you have decided to get married in an historic mansion near your hometown. Great?you're almost there! But before you get in your car and start touring reception sites, there is one major factor to consider. Capacity?one of the most important criteria in finding the perfect wedding venue. No matter how beautiful a place may be, if you anticipate a guest list of 300, cramming them into a facility that seats 150 will quickly turn an elegant affair into a mob of angry guests?we promise. Most reception sites make setting capacity information readily available. If not, give a quick call to the general phone number and find out. Make sure to differentiate the capacities for the type of reception you envision (seated dinner, buffet, cocktail reception etc.) There may also be different capacity based on the setting with or without a dance floor.
4. Now Find Your Site!
Find as many venues that meet these initial criteria as you can. You can search this national directory to find
local venues and services in your area that meet your needs, and narrow down your list. Then schedule appointments to tour each wedding venue and meet with the manager. After that - it's decision making time!
