What Venue to Choose for Your Wedding Reception
Weddings have come along way and receptions can be anything you want them to be. From fairy tale castles to ocean cruises, the sky's the limit on what you can choose as the venue for your wedding reception. Here are some ideas for exciting wedding reception venue options.
There is no limit to the grand scale on which you can host your wedding reception, but remember that weddings are a very expensive proposition without the addition of expensive fantasies. Let us take a look at a selection of wedding reception venues that cover a broad spectrum of offerings.
First of all if you have a limited budget you don't want to waste anything on a professional wedding planner. This means you have to get as creative as you can to find the wedding venue you want within the budget you have. Here are a few tips to save money when planning your wedding reception and they don't include skimping on the quality.
Hotels are a popular choice because of the advantages they come with. The bridal party and guests can stay overnight, food is served in-house and so is the alcohol, which means you don't need to bother getting the license and bringing your own booze. You can get good discounts and may even get the bridal suite free for an overnight stay if you book a hall for the reception with the hotel.
In a hotel you are not confined to a ballroom or reception hall; hotels have lawns and gazebos that make great wedding backdrops. Hotels also have the staff necessary to set up the tables and provide excellent table décor. Many of the other items like the cake stand, buffet set-up, bar area, band area and dance floor can be provided by the hotel. Many hotels will offer you their own wedding packages that can be customized to meet your needs. These packages will include limo service, champagne breakfast for the newly married couple and more.
If the hotel idea is all too common, you can always choose a different setting that will allow you to arrange the food and drinks. How about a fort, a historical inn or some other historical structure you can rent.
Public parks and botanical gardens do allow wedding receptions to take place for a nominal fee, provided of course that you do a great clean up job afterwards. You may need to inquire about their rules concerning the serving of alcohol in a public place.
Beaches, piers, harbors, riverbanks and lakes have become very popular for wedding receptions. The natural beauty of these spots makes them a highly attractive choice for the beautiful back drops they provide. Harbor side weddings with boats in the background look lovely. Of course you have to consider where exactly you will serve the food and drinks in such a public place.
Museums and art galleries offer their places for a fee and they certainly make very elegant wedding reception settings. If you have the budget you can opt for a cruise reception. You will have to marry in port according to the law and then sail off to hold the reception at sea. Tropical islands and other destination weddings are great fun but not everyone can afford to attend and the overall cost can be quite high.
There are many places to choose from to have a wedding reception that is elegant, fun filled and sensational. Make sure to keep the following tips in mind when choosing.
First you have to get your guest list squared away. Only then will you know the size of the venue you are going to need. When you do be an early bird and get your booking in as fast as possible. Popular sites may need a year's notice and you will have to pay a sizeable deposit so don't go changing your mind about the venue or the marriage!
Choosing a Friday or Sunday wedding is more cost effective and you are sure to find the venue of your choice available. In case you are wondering, most people like Saturday weddings better.
The venue you choose should be easy to find with ample parking space for your guests. If the weather is fine you can do an outdoor affair, but if it is chilly or windy your guests are not going to be too comfortable.