Reception Halls and Venues
How to choose Reception Halls and Venues
These tips and ideas will guide you in choosing your perfect wedding celebration.
Most couples know where they will be having their ceremony, be it at their local church, temple, or mosque before they choose their venue.
What should you consider when choosing your reception celebration?
LOCATION
Years ago when families lived close by choosing a venue was easy. Since today’s families are spread throughout many cities, or states and have already traveled quite a distance, it is important to keep the ceremonial place and reception within a 45-minute drive.
Include directions to the ceremony and hall in your invite. You may also want to consider having a selected person lead a caravan for other guests to follow.
Number of Guests
Your budget will determine the number of guests that you can invite to your wedding. Remember to assume that 15% of your invited guests will not be able to attend your wedding. Additionally, if your guests have a long distance to travel or if your wedding date is during a holiday or summer you might have more people declining your invitation.
Be certain that the number of guests that the hall says a particular room will hold will accommodate that number of people comfortably.
Ask the caterer how many guests you must guarantee and how many days before your wedding you may make changes.
TIME OF CEREMONY AND RECEPTION
Set the time of your ceremony and reception based on your particular needs i.e., how long will it take your guests to travel from your ceremony to your reception, how much time you will need to take your pictures (allow more time if you are choosing to take your pictures at a place other than your reception hall).
If there is a long time between the ceremony and reception you may want to consider asking the hall if they will serve coffee, juice and cookies to your guests so they can mingle while they are waiting for your reception to begin.
RECEPTION HALL
- How many affairs does the hall accommodate during each time slot?
- Does the hall have a separate bridal suite large enough for your bridal party?
- Can you have your cocktail party in a separate room from your reception?
- PRICING
Food
- What is the cost for the reception hall including the cocktail hour (butler service, carving and other stations, or buffet) types of food to be served?
- How many and what will the choices of entrées be?
- Can the caterer accommodate special food requests such as, diabetic, kosher, vegetarian and celiac free meals?
- Does the price include the cost of the wedding cake?
- Will you be having a Venetian hour?
- Will you be permitted to sample their cuisine?
- What are the prices for any other options that you would like to have at your reception?
- Does the price include gratuities and tax?
- Will there be a discount for "off time" weddings?
Liquor
- Will you have an open bar (does the price include premium brands or house brands, after dinner cordials) or bottles on each table?
- Will you serve beer, wine and soft drinks only?
- Is the champagne toast included in the price?
What time will your reception begin and end? What time will you be permitted to bring in your centerpieces and other decorations and items?
Does the hall have sufficient parking and valet service (is their an additional charge for valet service)?
Will a photo board or wedding slide show device be provided?
Are DJ’s and live bands permitted? Does the hall have a decent size dance floor?
Is the hall wheelchair accessible and are the rest rooms ADA compliant?
Does the hall have a garden or terrace?
Does the venue have a web site?
Can you bring in your own caterer?
What is their policy if you have to cancel or defer your wedding?
Would it be possible to have your ceremony at the reception hall? And what is the price to hold your ceremony at the reception hall?
Is the hall air conditioned and do they have generators?
Is their a coat check?
What is their policy and contingency plan if there is an unforeseen problem and the hall cannot honor their contract?
Are chair covers provided?
Will you be able to choose the color of your table cloths and napkins? Ask to see their samples.
There are many options to consider when choosing a reception hall. As you go to the different reception halls and interview the directors take comprehensive notes and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
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Good luck!
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