Mywedding-Planner.com

Wedding Venues
by Peter Rosskothen

One of the most important decisions a couple makes when planning their wedding day is where to hold the wedding reception. Although there are a variety of reception venues, deciding on one does not have to be difficult. When shopping around for various wedding venues, it is best to agree on exactly what you want for your wedding reception. What is the most important thing? Prioritize! The wedding reception sets the tone and gives your guests an idea of how you’re going to live together as a couple.

You have to decide and agree on what will make the day more special; having a big wedding at a banquet facility, or a small wedding at an exclusive restaurant. Typically, couples take three factors into consideration when deciding on a reception location. One is a favorite place, a place they’ve seen and maybe someone they know has been married in. The second is ambience, and the third is price. Keeping that in mind, wedding receptions can take place almost anywhere: a hotel, a banquet facility, a restaurant or a friend’s home. Unique spaces such as mansions, galleries, boats and trains can also be the site for a perfect reception.

Another unique idea for a wedding reception location, the destination wedding, entails a wedding that takes place over a weekend at a special or exotic location. The idea is to plan a wedding in an area that will allow most or all of your guests to make it a weekend event. There could be golf for the men and shopping for the ladies. It’s like a weekend wedding retreat, and most of the planning can be done online.

Prices for any type of reception depend upon the individual couple and geographic location and on the size and quality of the space, and the menu options. Often the ceremony can be performed at the same location as the reception.

Last, but certainly not least, it is most important to consider the attitude and level of knowledge of the reception site’s staff. The couple will not achieve any of their dreams without the support of a professional, established and dedicated team.

Peter Rosskothen is co-owner & President of The Log Cabin & The Delaney House in Holyoke, MA.