How to Choose a Location for Your Wedding

They say that location is everything, but how do you choose the perfect place to exchange your vows? The key is in knowing what you're looking for - the more details you have while looking, the better you can choose a site that meets all of your needs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Checkbook Wallets
• Credit Cards And Loans
• Cameras

1. Figure out the guest list - how many, who you can't live without and who may not be able to travel.
2. Take a look at your budget. How important is it to you to have your wedding in that enchanted castle off the coast? You may have to compromise by cutting the guest list down.
3. Consider the overall style of the wedding - are you planning an intimate family affair or a wild dance party extravaganza?
4. Take into account the wedding date that you have chosen. (Do you really want a beach wedding in the winter? An August wedding in Mississippi?)
5. Decide if you want to wed inside or outdoors - under the stars or in a historic cathedral.
6. Remember the needs of your guests and entertainment - do any of them require any special arrangements? For instance, can that tiny church house an entire orchestra? Is there enough parking for 300 of your closest friends?
7. Visit various wedding and reception locations and get a feel for how cooperative or restrictive the site management is.
8. Schedule meetings with potential or actual vendors and get their input on the site you are considering.
9. Book your site and get all business arrangements in writing.

Tips & Warnings

• Scout out what's available. Get a copy of the yellow pages from your wedding town, go online for local listings, check out bookstores, contact the chamber of commerce, and talk to friends, family and neighbors.
• Once you've found a site you're happy with, jump on it. The good ones get booked up far in advance.

Who Can Help:

• Find Decorators & Designers Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.