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   

How to Choose the Best Date for Your Wedding

In my series, Beginning Planning Tips, to date, we have covered your budget and the guest list.  Today, I will help you determine the perfect date for your wedding.

Many factors are involved when trying to choose a date; the month, the actual day of the week and whether your guests can or cannot attend.

As you are determining the date that will work best for you, think about the following points:

Holidays.  Holiday weekends, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, could work fantastic because people usually have extra vacation days which would make it easier for families to come together.  However, keep in mind, holidays could also mean higher costs at your chosen site because of being a busy time of year.

Speaking of vacation days, think about your and your fiancé’s schedule.  Can you both take off a week or longer at the time you would like to have your wedding?  Special projects you may be involved in may not allow you to take a full week or two off.  If that’s the case, consider delaying your honeymoon for a later date.  Plan ahead if you are considering going during peak months.  Hotels and flights get booked up well in advance for the more popular months and locations.

Location.  When choosing a date, you must consider where you would like to have your wedding and reception.  If you have your heart set on the museum you have admired and dreamed about for your reception, you need to call and verify whether the date you have in mind is available.  Places like that get booked well in advance – sometimes two years out.  Therefore, you need to have other venues in mind as an alternative.

Day of the week.  We all know Saturdays are the most popular and the most customary day of the week for weddings.  However, there are only 52 Saturdays in a year.  Therefore, consider a Friday evening or a Sunday as an alternative.  Especially, if you want that museum.  You may still be able to have your location you’ve always wanted, but just have to have it on another day of the week.  Another benefit of having your wedding on a day other than Saturday, is most sites and vendors will give discounts for the “non-popular” days in order to get the business they may not have had otherwise.

In relation to choosing a location, it is best to have your wedding and reception held in the same place.  However, this is not always feasible.  If your wedding and reception do need to be held at two different locations, you must ensure your date is available at both places before making any deposits, which are usually non-refundable.

Weather.  This is always a concern for choosing a date if your dream is to have a beach wedding or outdoors on the lawn of a beautiful estate.  You must have a “Plan B” in place.  Weather is the one thing that is uncontrollable and, therefore, having an alternative plan will allow you to relax and be stress-free.

Family.  When you are thinking of a date, consider other milestone events happening within your family, such as other members of the family getting married, a golden anniversary or significant birthday.  If you are really set on your date and it happens to be on or near the same date as one of these milestone events, ask those family members if they would mind having your wedding on or around their event.  You could even acknowledge them at your wedding with a special toast or dance.

Considering the above points, you will find the perfect date.  Once that’s set, now the fun begins with planning out all the details.

For next week, look for ways in finding the perfect site for you.

photo credit:  marthastewartweddings.com