How To Choose A Reception Venue

Today’s brides have LOTS of choices! Feeling overwhelmed when it comes to picking a reception location? You just need a few pointers to help you choose a reception location that’s perfect for you. Follow these easy steps and you will be well on your way to the wedding of your dreams.

Gosh Mom! How Did You Decide?

Things are a little different now from when your mom got married. With so many choices, even the most decisive of brides can get a little unnerved. Do you have your reception in a hall or hotel? Art gallery or rustic ranch? Outside under a tent or indoors with a tented ceiling?

Ice in Our Drinks Or Ice Sculpture: What Can My Budget Handle?

Start by thinking of your budget. Ladies, keep in mind that while this is an extremely important day, you don’t want to be paying for it (literally) for the next 20 years. Narrow your selections down to ones that will be appropriate to your budget and won’t break the bank.

Express Yourself!

Next, think about what kind of wedding you would like to have. Do you want it to be classic, funky, unique? Don’t choose a reception venue based on your parents’ or your friends’ expectations. Choose a location that reflects the personalities of both you and your husband-to-be. Remember that this is your special day and you need to pick a spot that makes you happy and excited.

Never Judge A Location By Its Cover

With the exception of destination weddings, once you have narrowed down a group of reception venue finalists, you should ALWAYS go for a visit. Don’t just trust the pictures and descriptions from the websites as they do not show every aspect of a venue. It is important to go and see the room, the facilities, the area surrounding, and meet the event manager.

You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling

Don’t feel bad if everything seems perfect but you just don’t get a good “feeling” about the place. If you have a bad feeling, then it is not the right location for you, and don’t let your fiancé tease you about it because a woman’s intuition is never wrong!

Let’s Get Down To Business

You should also feel comfortable with the event manager as you will be working closely with them over the next couple of months. Here are 9 questions to ask a potential venue:

1. Is there a room minimum (a set amount you must spend on food and beverage to use that room) or a room rental charge?
2. What time can you get into the room to decorate?
3. Can you tear down the next day or does it have to be that night?
4. What decorating regulations do they have?
5. What is the room capacity with a dance floor and with buffet tables (these things will change a venue’s room capacity if you plan on having them)?
6. Do you have to use their catering services? Even for the cake?
7. Can you bring in your own liquor? Does that mean there is a corkage fee and/or a bartender charge?
8. Will they provide all of the tables, chairs and linens? What colors are they?
9. What time does your party need to end?

Say It With Chair Covers Or Say It With Open Bar

Sit down with your fiancé and figure out your wedding priorities. Sort out what it is that you absolutely must have on your wedding day and what you can live without. This will not only help you when choosing a reception location but it will help you with all of your other wedding choices as well. Do you really want a plated meal at dinner if it means you can’t afford a champagne toast?

Ciara’s Bridal Advice

Once you have chosen a reception location and booked it, you are well on your way to a wonderful wedding. Just remember ladies, no matter where you have your wedding reception, you will have a fabulous evening with your new husband surrounded by family and friends. So start researching venues now! Make a list of the sites you like and tackle it. The sooner you find a place to get married the sooner that stress will be gone. If you don’t know where to start or don’t even know what options are out there I can help you. I can help you find a venue that you may have never even heard of before that is just perfect for your style and your budget. Click here virginia@fireflyoccasions.com to book a meeting with me. 

Book Your 2009 & 2010 Wedding Dates As we move quickly into the New Year your 2009 or 2010 wedding date quickly approaches. Avoid being stressed out by planning your wedding by hiring us to be your wedding planner. Whether you just want some advice, or someone there to help on the wedding day or you need help with planning everything- we have you covered. Check out all the great options we have (and we can customize something for you) then book a meeting with us to discuss how one of our programs will work for you and your wedding. Click here if you’re The Hollywood Princess- A bride that wants the full service, couture experience- vendor and venue referrals, décor and design, and wedding day coordination. Everything is taken care of by the Firefly Occasions team. Click here if you’re The Tiffany Girl- You’ve got your vendors and your venue chosen but you need help figuring out what it should all look like, what your theme should be, and how it’s all going to come to life (without your family having to be put to work). This program also includes wedding day coordination. Click here if you’re The City Girl-You have everything covered but you definitely need help with your décor. You want a design team to create the perfect wedding environment for you to celebrate with your guests. This program deals solely with event design and no coordination. Click here if you’re The Cosmopolitan Icon- You figured it all out on your own but you want to make sure that each little detail that you’ve painstakingly planned is going to come to life without you having to be stressed out over it. You need a wedding day coordinator and you need the best! Click here if you’re the DIY Bride- You want to do it all yourself but you want to know the insider secrets to planning your celebrity style wedding. I’ve recorded over 20 hours of audio and made all of my spreadsheets and templates available to you. You can instantly download the DIY Planning System or it is now available in cd format which you’ll receive in the mail. The planning and design service packages are only available to 2009 couples. This deal cannot be used by a current Firefly client. To access the Recessionista sale you must pay the sale price up front to secure the booking. Payment plans are only available to clients paying full price.