Planning Your Wedding Reception

Location, Location, Location: Tips for Selecting the Perfect Reception for Your Wedding

Your Wedding Theme

Your wedding reception selection will depend a lot on the theme you want for your wedding. A beach, a hilltop, a garden, even a historic area can enhance your reception and make your nuptials a very memorable event. Consider the kind of dècor you will need and which would work well for the reception. A place that's too windy, for example, will ruin delicate tulle and chiffon arrangements.

Location

Consider how far the reception is from the church or if it is accessible to the bridal party and the guests. It could have the most breathtaking views but if it would take more than an hour to get there on a winding dirt-road past deserted areas, you might want to reconsider. Ask about traffic jams or rush hours that could affect your arrival and departure times.

Check the reception location yourself. Take the most common route you and your guests will be taking to see the condition of the road. When you arrive, check the parking area if there's enough space for guests' parking, or if there is space for handicap access if it's needed. Look at the facade, the color of the building and the design of the structure if these figure well into your specs.

Survey the area where your wedding reception will be held and see if it can accommodate the number of guests you will be inviting. Check for air conditioning, clean bathrooms and a changing room for the bride, if possible.

If you would like your wedding ceremony performed in the same place as your reception, ask where and how. Inquire also about seating arrangements, the location of the food table, wedding gifts and the DJ's booth. Ask to see pictures of sample settings that are similar to what you have in mind.

If you're having an outdoor reception, survey the grounds and surrounding plants and flowers. Ask if the garden will look the same on the month of your wedding or if the flowers will be finished blooming by then.  Check also for facilities for an indoor reception should the weather turn bad on your outdoor plans.

Ask the reception manager if they expect to have construction work done around the time of your wedding reception. You don't want the sound of hammers and drills heard during toasts nor workmen going in and out of the area while you're having your first dance.

Date

If the venue is available on your selected date, ask if there's anyone else who's booked the place on the same day. Imagine how disappointed you would feel if there's a convention of noisy salesmen next door.

Food

Most venues have partnerships with caterers. Look at the menus for the best choice with your budget. Or, if you want to bring some food and wine or have your own caterer, ask about corkage fees. You might also want to inquire about cake cutting fees, since some venues charge for this separately.

Before you decide on which menu you like, schedule a food tasting first. Make sure to have your guests in mind when choosing the menu, since you might have some who are non-meat eaters. Make necessary adjustments on the menu if needed.

Cost

Ask how much it would cost to rent the venue or to set up a ceremony. Since most venues charge a set number of hours (usually 4-5), ask how much succeeding hours would cost in case your reception gets extended. If they have wedding packages, make sure to check these as well. Most of these include the wedding cake, flowers and the limo.

Make sure you know what is included in the price and don't just assume. Most reception rentals include lighting, sound system, tables and chairs. Others include video systems, music, utensils, glasses, floral arrangements and even venue decors.

Payment

Next, inquire about payment schedule: when the deposit should be paid and when the full payment is due. Make sure you put everything in writing and once the contract has been drawn, read it carefully in case some things have been missed. Do not be afraid to complain or change some details if necessary. After all, it's your wedding reception and the right selection will figure a great deal on whether it will turn out to be a wonderfully memorable event or something you'll be mad about for years to come.