Searching for the venue
Engaged couples make plenty of decisions when planning their weddings , and some may be more significant than others . Choosing a wedding reception venue is among the most important decisions couples will make .
The reception venue is where couples and guests will spend the majority of the day , and no two venues are the same . As couples begin shopping for a place to host their reception , they can ask themselves and venue representatives a multitude of questions to narrow down their options and ultimately make the best decision for them .
What are we looking for in a venue ?
Some couples may know precisely what they want their receptions to be like , while others may not have the slightest idea . Of course , some couples may be somewhere in the middle . Prior to beginning the process of choosing a venue , couples can identify what they ’ re looking for . Is a venue with outdoor entertaining space a priority ? Do you want to hold the ceremony and reception at the same venue ? How many guests will the venue need to accommodate ? Answering these questions and others can help couples narrow down their search .
How much can we afford ?
Budget is a significant variable when shopping for a wedding venue . Some venues offer multiple spaces that can accommodate couples with a wide range of budgets , while others are singular spaces suited to receptions within a specified size . Itemizing a budget and determining how much can be alloted to a reception venue can serve as a guideline when couples begin searching for sites .
Is our date available ? Once couples know what they want and what they can afford ,
An outside wedding venue offers a more relaxed setting ..
A wedding tent helps keep the weather outdoors .
they can prepare a number of questions that are worth asking at every venue they visit . Perhaps the most important , at least for those couples who have already chosen a wedding date , is the availability of the site on that date . If couples have not yet chosen a date , they can ask for a list of available dates at each venue they visit and perhaps use that knowledge to pick a day , particularly if they prefer a given venue .
Who will cater the meal ? Some venues do their own catering , while others may have working relationships with outside caterers . And some venues rent only the spaces and require couples to hire their own caterers and arrange all the details on their own . If a venue caters the meal , ask if they accommodate people with various restrictions , such as food allergies and gluten intolerances .
How many hours are included in the rental agreement ?
It ’ s important that couples know what they ’ re getting , including how much time they get in each space they consider . The online wedding resource The Knot notes a standard wedding reception is five hours , the first of which is generally designated as cocktail hour .
What is the payment structure ?
Identifying the payment structure , include down payment due date and when the final payment must be made , is important as well . This knowledge can allow couples to map out their expenses , the most significant of which is typically the reception venue . These are just some of the questions couples can ask as they plan their wedding receptions .
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