No matter if you're wedding
planning
a non-stop party or a grand formal affair, here are some tips to help find the wedding venue for your reception,
and save yourself some stress in the long run.
Start
Early
Most popular wedding reception sites
often book far in advance. As soon as you set a date, you’ll want to start your
search for a wedding reception site. If you already have a space in mind, call
to schedule a meeting with the site manager to get the process started. Some
locations will let you reserve space for a short time without placing a
deposit. This is a great option if a particular reception venue has caught your
eye, but you still want to keep your options open.
Size
Matters
Once you’ve created the guest list,
you'll be able to get a better sense of the amount of space you’ll need. Your
guests, and any service providers you hire, should all fit comfortably within the wedding venue. Ask about the square footage of the reception sites you visit to
figure out how to position tables, serving stations, and the entertainment
setup such as the dance floor and space for whomever will be providing music.
Seek with
Style
Contemporary or classic? Fairytale
or no frills? Your location should reflect the style and taste of you and your
fiance. If you want to customize the space, ask the site manager if you are
allowed to hang decorations from the walls. Ask to review a portfolio of other
weddings and events held at the wedding venue, as this can give you and your
wedding planner ideas for creating the space you desire.
Look
Outside
Outdoor wedding receptions are still a popular choice for many couples. For
one, you’re not as restricted to the amount of guests you can fit in one space.
Plus, depending on your location, the great outdoors can serve as a beautiful
backdrop requiring very little addition to the natural setting.
Guest
Provisions
As much as you want to enjoy your
special day without any mishaps, so will your wedding guests. Logistical items
such as guest parking, valet service, wheelchair ramps and handicap-accessible
bathrooms are all things to consider when booking your wedding venue.
Create
Ambiance
Lighting can make all the difference
in setting the mood. Visit your site during the day and in the evening to see
how the space looks with its existing lighting. If the wedding venue calls for
a more technical setup, turn to a lighting professional to help create an
illuminated space. Lighting pros can install an array of overhead and
spotlights to highlight areas inside the room (the main table, the dance floor,
entryways, etc.). Also, don’t be afraid to use colored lights; they can really
add a unique touch.
Verify
Your Resources
Some reception halls don’t provide a
kitchen area for food preparation and setup. Therefore you’ll have to schedule
with your caterer if the food will need to be created in advance, or determine
ways to keep perishable items hot or cold.
The last—and possibly most
important—detail is to not sweat the small stuff. After all, your wedding reception is one big party and the goal
is to find a site where you and your groom can have a good time celebrating
your union among family and good friends. Keep this in mind throughout your
search and everything else is sure to fall in place.