The wedding planning task that usually inflicts the most stress on a bride and groom is the selection of a ceremony and reception site. Because so many other elements (i.e. caterer, photographer, entertainment, etc.) hinge on the time, date, and place of the wedding, it’s vital to secure a location as soon as possible. Use the following guidelines to help make this process a piece of cake (wedding cake, that is):


Make a list:
 
Before you start looking for that perfect location, make a “wish list” of all the things you would like to have at your wedding site -- a piano, a winding staircase, gazebo, etc. This is your special day, so dream big! You can always cut back, if your budget starts to take a few punches.


Size matters:

The size of your wedding will dictate the location for the ceremony and reception, so determining your guest list should be your first priority. You want to have enough space to accommodate everyone, but not so large that it feels like the Grand Canyon. On the flip side, squeezing all your guests into your grandmother’s tiny living room should also be avoided.


Choose a theme:

Whether you desire to be a princess at your fairy-tale wedding or want to keep it simple and casual, where the ceremony and reception take place helps to set the theme and feel of the wedding. An elegant church wedding with a reception at a local hotel will take you down the “traditional” path, while a mountaintop ceremony at a national park is more “non-traditional.”


Save some bucks:
 
Saturday night is the most expensive time to schedule your wedding reception. To save money, consider another evening or a weekend afternoon. Morning or afternoon weddings also call for a lighter menu, so you will be able to save on the catering as well. A traditional wedding held in a church with a reception hall can be arranged to fit most budgets. Bargain shoppers should inquire close to home since many churches offer lower fees to members of their own congregation.


Do your homework:

The easiest way to find out about possible sites is from other couples who had their weddings there. They will be able to tell you about the capabilities and reputation of the establishment. If you do not know couples who have experience with the facilities on your list, contact the Better Business Bureau or wedding service providers with whom you are working.


Hit the road:

With your wish list, guest list, and theme decided, it’s time to set up meetings with the wedding coordinators or catering managers of potential wedding locations. During these visits you will be bombarded with lots of information, so be sure to take plenty of notes of your observations and the facts you obtain. You may not have many questions during the visit, but probably will after touring and comparing other locations.


Get it in writing:

Once you have found the perfect place and are ready to reserve the location, all details need to be reduced to writing, including dates, times, prices, and descriptions of services provided. Determine whether the quoted price is all-inclusive, or whether there will be additional charges, such as gratuities, overtime fees, clean-up fees and sales tax. Inquire about the payment requirements. Most sites will require a down payment to reserve the facility, with the balance and final guest count due approximately one week prior to the date of the event. In the end, choose the site that best meets your needs, your budget, and your theme, while creating the perfect atmosphere for your special day.

Copyright 2008 by Fusion Innovative Marketing

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