Finding the Perfect Reception Location
So, what exactly should you look for in your reception location, aside from that sense of clarity, most brides get the moment they find the perfect spot?
Shopping for a site is like finding a soul mate, a test you’ve obviously mastered already. So, you should be looking for the same sorts of things like: charm, personality, depth, more than just a pretty face or perfect body (although looks do count!).
* Roomy Fit
First, make sure the room is large enough to accommodate the number of people on your guest list. The space may look very large when it’s completely empty, but not when you factor in the wedding essentials such as: tables, chairs, a buffet, the band or DJ setup, the dance floor, etc… Not to mention your guests, who’ll need some elbow room. Even if you choose an outdoor site, you’ll need ample room on the lawn, or poolside. What’s the best way to assess the size of a site? Ask to checkout the place when another wedding is being set up! Of course, if you decide you must have your wedding at your favorite bar (the one with only one bathroom, two booths, and 4 feet of floor space), you can always work backwards and tailor your guest list to match.
* Privacy, Please!
Privacy varies widely from place to place, as does the importance couples place on it. If you’re having a daytime event in a public location, such as a park or botanical garden, be prepared for strangers to trek past your party. They may even smile, wave, and come by to offer their best wishes. If this is okay with you (the more the merrier!), why not go for the park? If not, opt for a lovely lawn on a private estate, with a nice lake nearby. Or hold the reception at a restaurant or gallery that will post a “CLOSED FOR PRIVATE PARTY” sign.
In addition, don’t think just because you’re indoors you’re safe from uninvited guests! Banquet halls and hotels often hold more than one affair at a time. If there’ll be other events going on simultaneously in rooms close to yours, your party may be distracted by the harmonious sounds of karaoke-loving guests singing their hearts out the sounds of Madonna through the walls. If this bothers you, try to schedule your reception when there won’t be another one next door. IF this is impossible, visit the site on a dual-party night and see how the sound carries and whether there really are any major people problems before you make your decision.
* Seeing The Light
Light can make or break the mood. If you’re marrying during the day, make sure your halls have plenty of windows. Who wants to spend six hours in a dark room when the sun is shining? If it’s an evening affair, make sure the room’s not too dim – or that the lighting can be controlled for the big entrance, dinner and dancing. If you’re marrying outdoors, say, at dusk, will you be able to set up candles if necessary? Try to visit the site at the same time of day that you’ve chosen for your wedding. Even if the space looks awesome by candlelight, you may be surprised by the sight of that 25 year old carpet during the day!
* Ample Outlets
Be sure to take a thorough cruise around the room to see if it has lots of places to plug things in, especially if you’re partying in a place that is not a regular spot for hosting weddings. Your main user of outlets will be the entertainment crew. Take note of where the outlets are; if their location will force your DJ to spin records in the bathroom, make sure she or he has plenty of extension cords.
* Good Vibrations
If the place is too echoey, it could give some weird reverb to the band, not to mention make it difficult for guests to hear one another talking. A tile or wooden floor, for example, will amplify sounds, while a thick carpet will tend to muffle them. Check out the room’s sound quality during an event. And tailor your music to the acoustic conditions.
* A Place To Park
Make sure the site is near a good parking lot, garage, or big, empty (safe) street where it’s legal to park. If parking is a problem, look for other ways to get everyone to the party. Can a shuttle bus or vans take the guests from the ceremony to the reception? Inadequate parking isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but it may mean spending more time and money to figure out a viable vehicular alternative.
Use These Quick Vital Tips to ensure your wedding goes smoothly.
Thanks for reading.
