| Today's brides have LOTS of choices! Feeling | | | | you, and don't let your fiance tease you about it |
| overwhelmed when it comes to picking a reception | | | | because a woman's intuition is never wrong! |
| location? You just need a few pointers to help you | | | | Let's Get Down To Business |
| choose a reception location that's perfect for you. | | | | You should also feel comfortable with the event |
| Follow these easy steps and you will be well on your | | | | manager as you will be working closely with them |
| way to the wedding of your dreams. | | | | over the next couple of months. Here are some |
| Gosh Mom! How Did You Decide? | | | | questions to ask a potential venue: |
| Things are a little different now from when your | | | | * Is there a room minimum (a set amount you must |
| mom got married. With so many choices, even the | | | | spend on food and beverage to use that room) or a |
| most decisive of brides can get a little unnerved. Do | | | | room rental charge? |
| you have your reception in a hall or hotel? Art gallery | | | | * What time can you get into the room to decorate? |
| or rustic ranch? Outside under a tent or indoors with | | | | * Can you tear down the next day or does it have |
| a tented ceiling? | | | | to be that night? |
| Ice in Our Drinks Or Ice Sculpture: What Can My | | | | * What decorating regulations do they have? |
| Budget Handle? | | | | * What is the room capacity with a dance floor and |
| Start by thinking of your budget. Ladies, keep in mind | | | | with buffet tables (these things will change a venue's |
| that while this is an extremely important day, you | | | | room capacity if you plan on having them)? |
| don't want to be paying for it (literally) for the next | | | | * Do you have to use their catering services? Even |
| 20 years. Narrow your selections down to ones that | | | | for the cake? |
| will be appropriate to your budget and won't break | | | | * Can you bring in your own liquor? Does that mean |
| the bank. | | | | there is a corkage fee and/or a bartender charge? |
| Express Yourself! | | | | * Will they provide all of the tables, chairs and linens? |
| Next, think about what kind of wedding you would | | | | What colors are they? |
| like to have. Do you want it to be classic, funky, | | | | * What time does your party need to end? |
| unique? Don't choose a reception venue based on | | | | Say It With Chair Covers Or Say It With Open Bar |
| your parents' or your friends' expectations. Choose a | | | | Sit down with your fiance and figure out your |
| location that reflects the personalities of both you | | | | wedding priorities. Sort out what it is that you |
| and your husband-to-be. Remember that this is your | | | | absolutely must have on your wedding day and what |
| special day and you need to pick a spot that makes | | | | you can live without. This will not only help you when |
| you happy and excited. | | | | choosing a reception location but it will help you with |
| Never Judge A Location By Its Cover | | | | all of your other wedding choices as well. Do you |
| With the exception of destination weddings, once | | | | really want a plated meal at dinner if it means you |
| you have narrowed down a group of reception | | | | can't afford a champagne toast? |
| venue finalists, you should ALWAYS go for a visit. | | | | Bridal Advice |
| Don't just trust the pictures and descriptions from | | | | Once you have chosen a reception location and |
| the websites as they do not show every aspect of | | | | booked it, you are well on your way to a wonderful |
| a venue. It is important to go and see the room, the | | | | wedding. Just remember ladies, no matter where you |
| facilities, the area surrounding, and meet the event | | | | have your wedding reception, you will have a |
| manager. | | | | fabulous evening with your new husband surrounded |
| You've Lost That Loving Feeling | | | | by family and friends. So start researching venues |
| Don't feel bad if everything seems perfect but you | | | | now! Make a list of the sites you like and tackle it. |
| just don't get a good "feeling" about the place. If you | | | | The sooner you find a place to get married the |
| have a bad feeling, then it is not the right location for | | | | sooner that stress will be gone. |