Selecting The Perfect Wedding Reception Location
Choosing a wedding reception location involves more than just
making sure all your guests can fit comfortably into the space.
This location is where the majority of the wedding day
festivities will take place so there needs to be enough room to
accommodate eating, dancing, socializing, and all the other fun
activities that happen at receptions like cutting the cake and
throwing the wedding bouquet.
Many couples choose larger-sized hotels or function halls for
their wedding receptions because typically, everything they need
to pull off this memorable event is right there on-site. As an
added bonus, these types of wedding reception locations usually
include the services of a wedding coordinator who will work with
the couple to meet their every need. And the great thing about
having a reception in a hotel is that overnight accommodations
don't require any extra planning.
Selecting the wedding reception location as soon as possible is
highly advisable, especially if you need to accommodate a large
number of guests and especially if your wedding will be held
during the busy season. Although you do not need a firm head
count, you will need an estimate. A medieval castle on a lake
may not accommodate 250+ guests. Also, determine your wedding
reception budget beforehand as this likely will have an impact
on your wedding reception location options. You may want to
consider arranging your wedding off-season when rates on
reception locations will typically be much lower.
You will be required to make a down payment to reserve the space
and date and this typically will be non-refundable. You'll want
to make sure you understand the cancellation policy as it may
involve more than losing your deposit. Also discuss arrival and
departure times to make sure all the elements you have planned
can be accommodated during this timeframe.
Besides the types of venues already mentioned, plenty of other
wedding reception location options are available, and they'll
each vary in terms of space, price and amenities, so it's
important to pay close attention when visiting the ones you're
considering. Smaller gatherings can be held at places such as at
home, a museum, a botanical garden, or a park. Although these
may be smaller in size, the details will still need to be
coordinated by someone so don't forget to ask for help, even if
that means hiring a wedding coordinator.
When you're looking at wedding reception locations, try to plan
out the space, much like you would if you were buying or renting
a home. Where will dining and dancing take place? Where will the
guest book and place cards be located? Is there a secure area
for wedding gifts? Will you need a stage for your musicians? Are
there electrical outlets for the DJ? Your photographer will want
to know about the lighting and whether there's a suitable
location to take wedding party photos. Is there a way to control
the temperature? If the reception will be outdoors, you'll need
a back-up in the event of uncooperative weather, which may add
to your costs.