Reception Venues

Your reception is the first official celebration that you and your husband will host as a married couple.  Without doubt, you will want it to be a memorable celebration for yourselves, your families and your friends.

Your reception may be as casual or formal as you wish, ranging from anything such as a simple affair of champagne and hors d'oeuvres to an elegant black tie reception with a five-course extravaganza! 

Regardless of the setting for your reception venue, aim to keep it in line with the overall formality, theme and style of your wedding along with your personal taste.

From elegant mansions to casual outdoor marquees, there are various options to choose from when it comes to planning your reception venue.  
Think about the style and formality that you desire and the overall mood that you wish to create when first considering your venue.  Do you want a traditional sit-down dinner, or a casual cocktail affair?  Perhaps a champagne brunch is more your style.  Whatever it is that you desire, deciding on this is a good place to start.

Once you’ve decided upon the style for your reception, it’s time to start searching for the ultimate venue.  Take some time to browse through wedding magazines, your local phone books, the internet, and of course, The Bride Guide, for some reception locations and ideas.  Recommendations from those who have recently married are also a great resource.

Keep in mind that choosing your reception venue will be one of the first elements of your wedding that you plan and book.  You should be aware that the things that you plan from this point forward may be influenced by the reception venue, it’s style and it’s location.  As an example, your choice of a grand formal mansion as your reception venue may not necessarily tie in with a casual beach ceremony or visa versa.

Take some time to consider all of your options and paint a picture in your mind of your perfect wedding.  This will help you to choose a venue that fits in with your ideas for the wedding of your dreams.

Once you have found some potential venues, it’s time to give them a call to arrange an appointment to personally inspect them.  It’s a good idea to choose 3-5, if possible.
It is advisable that you do not book a venue without inspecting it first.  Whilst the photos in the magazines may look impressive, looks can be deceiving.  Ensure that you take your fiancé or a close friend or family member along with you and be critical.  Two sets of eyes and ears are usually better than one!

Take your time when inspecting the venue, taking into account the size, layout, cleanliness, lighting, furnishings, gardens, special features and overall ambience of the venue. 
Ask plenty of questions and be sure that you write everything down.  A good functions co-ordinator should be able to assist you with your questions and give you a good idea of how your wedding reception will proceed on the day.

If the venue is ‘the one’, you should walk away from your inspection feeling confident and happy, and be able to paint a clear picture of your perfect reception (within that venue).
If you don’t feel that the meets your expectations, or you just feel unsure, then move on to your next venue.  Chances are that if it doesn’t feel right at your inspection, then it certainly won’t on your wedding day.

Before you head out to inspect your venues, take the time to make a list of questions to ask during your appointment.  Ensure that you have an idea of the style of reception you would like to have (sit down dinner, buffet, cocktail etc), the number of guests, a rough wedding date, your budget, and any special requirements for your wedding reception. 

You should feel free to ask as many questions as you wish during your inspection.  The following list may be of assistance to you.

• How many guests will the venue accommodate?
• What style of reception does the venue cater for (sit down dinner, buffet, cocktail etc)?
• Will you have exclusive use of the venue, or will you be sharing it with others (either before, during or after your reception)?
• Does the venue provide food and beverages, or do you require a caterer?
• Does the venue provide wait staff?
• Are all furnishings, cutlery and crockery etc. provided by the venue?
• What exactly is included in the venue’s wedding packages?
• Are there any special offers available with the venue’s wedding packages (reduced price for off-peak, winter or Sunday weddings etc)?
• Are you able to alter the packages to suit your needs?
• If alcohol is included in the packages, is it based on the number or guests or by the amount consumed?  Are spirits included?
• Will the venue cut your cake and serve to your guests?  Is this included in the package?  Do you need to provide a cake stand, knife or cake bags?
• Does the venue allow for special dietary requirements for you or your guests (diabetic, gluten-free meals etc)?
• Will the venue provide a reduced-cost meal for your photographer, band members, children etc?
• Are there any additional expenses that you should be aware of?
• Are there any optional extras available (extra courses, extra time, upgrades for wines etc)?
• Is a Master of Ceremonies included?
• Does the venue provide any decorations (table settings, chair covers, candelabras etc)?  If not, will they set them up if you are to provide them?
• Is there a dance floor?
• Is entertainment included in the package?  Are there any restrictions or requirements if you are to arrange the entertainment (such as noise restrictions)?
• How long will the reception run for and are there any fees for running over time?
• What time does the venue close?
• Is there a bridal room that will be available to you and your bridal party throughout the reception?
• Is the venue heated and air-conditioned?
• Are there any cleaning costs/requirements associated with your reception?
• When are deposits, instalments and final payments due?  How much will they be?
• Are there any cancellation fees?

In addition to these questions, you may wish to consider the following:

• Is the venue within your budget?
• Is it in keeping with the style and theme of your wedding?
• Is it available on (or close to) the date that you wish to get married?
• Are there areas at the venue that will provide for photo opportunities?
• Is the venue close to your ceremony venue and photography locations?
• Is it accessible for your guests?
• Are the staff professional and experienced, and do you warm to them?
• Is the layout appropriate for your band/entertainment or other aspects of your reception?
• Is the reception venue appropriate for all types of weather?
• Are the facilities appropriate for you, your guests and others (such as caterers, a band/DJ etc)?

With all of these considerations in mind, you should be able to choose an appropriate setting for your reception.  If all goes well, you’ll be looking back on your special day with fond memories of the first party you celebrated as husband and wife.