A Wedding Reception Venue Checklist
-
-
Arranging reception venue requires preparation.
Tables decorated at a wedding reception. image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
Arranging your wedding reception can be as involved as arranging the ceremony. Since organizing a wedding reception usually involves a lot of people, you need to keep everyone on the same page. This means that you need to do your part by researching and deciding what you want out of the venue and whether or not the venue can satisfy your desires. Taking care of even the smallest details will help ensure that your big day runs smoothly.
It's Available
-
This one's obvious, but it can also be easy to overlook. Make sure the venue is available on your wedding day at the time you want and that you have reserved it. Ask if any building or remodeling will be done from now until your wedding day; you don't want to have your reception on a construction site. Ask if any other events will be held there that day and if so, how many. This will give you an idea of the condition the venue may be in when your big day comes. If there's a constant stream of parties in the same room as yours, housekeeping may not have enough time to keep it immaculate.
You Have Enough Time
-
Another reason to ask about other events at the reception venue is so you won't have to rush to make room for someone else's reception. A typical wedding reception lasts about five to seven hours. Some venues only allow a certain number of hours and charge extra for additional tme. Make sure the venue is giving you all the time you need.
It Comfortably Holds All Your Guests (and the DJ)
-
Estimate the number of guests that will be at your reception, including any dates that they might bring with them. Evaluate the accessibility of the venue. Elderly or disabled guests may have a hard time getting around on a beach or at a hilly outdoor site. Parking should be available and accommodating. You don't want to have your wedding revolve around the needs of one or two guests, but considering the time and expense your guests are putting into their attendance, it's only fair to make sure they can enjoy themselves. It's also important to make sure there's enough room for an adequately sized dance floor and for your DJ or band's equipment.
You Have Your Space
-
Make sure the venue has a place for you and your wedding party to freshen up after the ceremony and change clothes if necessary. A bathroom stall might not cut it for a bride with a ball gown.
Everyone Can Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
-
If the venue provides catering, sample the food and plan a menu. If you need outside catering, ask the venue manager if anyone will do or if you have to choose from a list of approved caterers. If alcohol will be served, ask if the venue will provide its own alcohol and, if so, which kinds. Learn what options you have concerning open and cash bars as well as bartender fees. It may be wise to ask about liability insurance, too, in case your guests get too merry. While you're at it, see if there are any hotels within walking distance from the venue to reduce the opportunity for drunken driving.
It Looks Nice
-
It's important that you like the venue's decor. If the venue lets you add your own decorations, ask if they will let you do a "dress rehearsal" to make sure the decorations work in the space.
You've Taken Care of the Extras
-
If you have to rent tables, chairs, linens, or tableware, organize it with the venue manager. Ask if there's a cake-cutting fee or a corking fee. Learn about any other restrictions, like smoking or giving alcohol as favors, and plan accordingly.
You Can Afford It
-
The most important practical thing in arranging a reception venue is being able to pay for it. Know the total rental fee and what that includes, along with the deposit amount and due date. Add in all of the extra fees and compare the total with the rest of your wedding budget.
-
Related Searches
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Tables decorated at a wedding reception. image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
