Finding the Perfect Site

For this last Beginning Planning Tips series, I am going to focus on finding the perfect site for your wedding and/or reception.  Ask yourself what site is right for you and your fiancé.  What are you exactly looking for in a site?  What should you ask before making an obligation to a particular site?

When visiting potential sites, ask yourself, “Could I see myself getting married here?  Will my guests be comfortable, create an intimate atmosphere, or be dazzling?”    What meaning would you be conveying to your guests with your choice?  Today, you have so many numerous and assorted choices from beautiful estates to destination weddings.  However, no matter where you decide to have your wedding, there are really only two types of locations:  in-house (all inclusive) and off-site.

In-house (all inclusive) means just that.  The site provides pretty much everything from food and beverage to linens, china, tables and chairs and service personnel.  These sites would be your hotels, country clubs, etc. and are perfect for you if you want the convenience of having everything under one roof, so to speak, in order to coordinate things in one fell swoop.

Off-site venues usually provide very little, if any, services.  You basically just rent the space and you are left to fill “in the blanks,” meaning you would have to hire vendors separately, such as the caterer, rental supplies, décor, etc.  This type of site would be perfect for you if you want the liberty in choosing your own vendors, decorating pretty much the way you want, etc.

However, your ceremony site might determine your reception site.  This would hold true particularly if you marry in a house of worship.  If this is true, your choice of reception site will be limited because it would be most ideal to have it located close to your ceremony site to allow your guests ease in traveling.  The ideal situation would be to have your ceremony and reception held in the same location.  Besides making it very convenient for your guests (not having to travel to another location), it could also save you time and money with your décor, flowers, etc. that could be used for both events.

Here are some questions you should ask when visiting potential sites:

o        Do you have my wedding date available?  This may be an obvious question, but remember there are other brides competing for the same time on a Saturday

o        What are the restrictions, policies, etc.?  Many sites have written rules about décor, parking, etc.  Make sure you read everything before signing anything.  You don’t want any surprises.

o        How many guests can the space accommodate?  Usually, you’ll receive two numbers:  one for a buffet (or standing) reception and one for a sit-down (seated) dinner.  Don’t forget to ask about including a dance floor.  This and other tables (buffet, etc.) takes up space.

o        How many hours does the rental fee include?  Ask about overtime charges.  Is set-up and clean-up included in the stated hours?

o        What else is happening at the site the day of my wedding?  Some sites will book more than one event on the same day.  The best, of course, is to have the site exclusively.  But, if that is not possible, be sure there is ample time between the other event and yours to set-up, etc. and so as not to confuse your guests by possibly ending up at the wrong event.

o        Are there any hidden costs?  You want to be sure you are aware of any additional costs, such as valet parking, cake cutting fee, or a corkage fee if they allow you to bring in your own wine.  Depending upon your guest count, or minimum you have to meet, you may be able to negotiate some of these charges.  Better to find this out now rather than be surprised at the end.

While looking at various sites for your wedding and/or reception, remember to have fun.  Think of it as shopping.  Who doesn’t have fun shopping?  Well, maybe not your fiancé but he’ll probably enjoy this type of shopping. 

Have fun!

I hope you have enjoyed this little series of Beginning Planning Tips.  Feel free to comment and share with your engaged friends on Facebook and Twitter.

What should I talk about next week?  What are your frustrations, questions or thoughts as you are planning your wedding?

photo credit:  Love to Know.com