How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Reception Location

There are several things that should be taken into careful consideration when choosing your wedding reception location. This is the place where much of the activities for the day are going to take place, so you will want to make sure there is ample space for your guests to be seated without having to bump into one another. More than likely there will be several guests dancing at a time, so the dance floor should be large enough that everyone has enough space to dance without stepping all over the other guests. Then there is the tossing of the guarder and the bouquet, cutting the cake and other activities that you will need a fairly decent amount of space for.

Depending on the number of guests you are anticipating on having at your reception will weigh in heavily on the options available to you. If you are expecting a large number of people, be sure the site you are choosing can easily accommodate the number you are having. Many larger hotels have reception halls and banquette halls that can accommodate a large number of people. The hotels are often a top choice because of the alcohol consumption at a wedding, your guests can rent a room and be safe throughout the night long after the festivities are over. Another reason many couples decide on a hotel or banquet hall is because these types of places already have everything needed for the reception, like a bar, restrooms and many even have a catering service.

It is strongly suggested once you book the place you are going to have the ceremony that you book a place for the reception. It is highly recommended that you try took book a place for the reception at least eight months in advance of the wedding date. This is suggested in order to better ensure you can get the wedding reception location at the time you want and the date you want. If you hold off too long, someone else may book the spot you want. Keep your budget in mind when you are pricing the different locations to have your reception. Also, a rough estimate on the number of guests you expect to have is very useful when booking a reception hall, the prices usually vary depending on the size of the room you will need.

When you have decided on the wedding reception site, you will need to call and book the location as soon as possible. Generally, you will need to go in with a deposit and sit down with someone to sign a contract in order to reserve the location. When you go in to sign the contract and give the deposit, look over the contract before you sign it. If there is something that was discussed previously yet it is not in the contract, be sure to mention it. Have whatever it is put into the contract before you sign it. The hours you will be using the location should be clearly stated as well as any services they offer that are not included in the quoted and agreed price.

If you are going to have your wedding reception at another location such as a park or your home, it might be a smart idea to consult with a wedding coordinator. An outdoor wedding and/or reception should always have a back up plan incase the weather doesn’t want to cooperate with your plans. There are several aspects of the reception that might be overwhelming, so hiring a professional might be the best course to take. Especially if the wedding reception is going to be large.

If the place you have decided is frequently used for weddings then you really do not need to be overly concerned with electrical outlets, seating and dancing. If the location you have chosen is not usually used for such festivities, you should check into electrical outlets, a place for the music to be set up and find out how the tables for your guests and the wedding party will be placed. Be sure that you can easily access your guests and socialize with them with ease on your wedding day. They should also be able to go from one table to another without having trouble, and the entertainment should have plenty of room to entertain your guests.

         

Wedding Planning Ideas