Choosing the Perfect Wedding Reception Venue

When the time comes to plan your big day, one of the biggest decisions you will have to make is choosing the wedding reception venue. Far too often, couples will sign a contract with a venue before they have even thought of some practical questions to ask. It is easy to fall in love with the beauty of some locales, but you may end up regretting a decision based on that beauty alone. There are a few things you will need to figure out before you even begin looking at venues.

First, you will need to decide on the number of guests you are planning to invite. You might think you can simply look at places that will accommodate far more people than you expect to attend. However, a space that is much larger than necessary can present just as many problems as one that is too small. If the room is too large, it may seem somewhat empty even when all the guests are there. In addition, the acoustics of the room can change drastically when there are too few people in it. Eliminate locations with a maximum capacity that is too close to the number of guests you plan to invite. Consider the amount of space that will be taken up by tables, chairs, a DJ, and other wedding reception essentials. If you have concerns about the size of a venue, you can also ask to view it during an event with a similar number of guests as you expect. This will allow you to see whether guests have adequate room to sit, stand, or dance comfortably.

Second, you and your spouse-to-be will need to choose a theme and colors for your wedding reception. Settling on a theme will help you choose the right types of venues to consider. For example, a casual beach theme would work well in an outdoor venue. For outdoor venues, remember to ask about alternatives in case of inclement weather. When you have chosen your wedding colors, you will be able to eliminate venues with clashing décor. Your venue does not need to be decorated in the exact same colors, but the curtains, walls and floors should complement your color theme.

You will also need to decide on a budget for the wedding reception. Some locations will have a price range for different events, and the final price will depend on your catering choices and what other offered services you want. When there is in-house catering provided, be sure to try the food. The venue may not be willing to work with an outside caterer, so make sure you like the food that is provided. There are locations that charge a set fee for the room rental only and do not provide any services, leaving you to find your own caterer. Make sure you ask what is included for the prices of each venue. One of the most costly aspects of a wedding reception is alcohol, but providing your own liquor is less expensive. Make sure the venue will allow you to purchase your own supply of alcohol if you wish to do so.

Choosing a venue for your wedding reception is not an easy task. You may not have realized the number of elements you will need to take into consideration during your search. Your reception venue needs to be not only beautiful, but also practical.