| With engagement season in full swing, brides-to-be | | | | couples do not think to ask about, but are surprised by |
| across the country are making decisions on every | | | | on their wedding day. |
| detail of their big day, from ceremony dates to napkin | | | | The Convenience: To cut expenses, consider a |
| colors. With limited planning time and hundreds of | | | | location that offers full-service wedding reception |
| details to consider, choosing a wedding reception | | | | facilities, where basics like tables, chairs and linens are |
| venue can seem like an overwhelming task. Thankfully, | | | | provided in the rental fee. A hotel with banquet facilities |
| for brides armed with the right tools, it does not have | | | | and room accommodations also reduces |
| to be. | | | | transportation headaches for out-of-town guests. |
| With so many things to think about, some couples rush | | | | The Catering: Determine the type of food you plan to |
| into choosing a reception site without considering all of | | | | serve. Whether you envision a full meal, or just hors |
| the details. Determine what your needs are first, and | | | | d'oevres or a dessert bar, consider whether the venue |
| find a venue that will work with you to create your | | | | has in-house catering to accommodate your requests. |
| vision. | | | | If not, be sure to ask if the venue allows guests to use |
| Before signing a contract, consider the following: | | | | an outside caterer for a meal or dessert |
| The Guest List: Some couples mistakenly pick a venue | | | | The Decor: It might be difficult to picture how an empty |
| without considering how many people they plan to | | | | reception site can be transformed for your wedding |
| invite. Nail down a guest list tally, and then choose a | | | | day. Ask to see photos from other wedding |
| venue with appropriate accommodations - not the | | | | receptions held there, and find out what types of |
| other way around. | | | | decorations are allowed. |
| The Budget: A wedding reception often consumes | | | | Most importantly, choose a reception venue where |
| more than half of the bride's total budget (including | | | | you and your guests will receive excellent service. No |
| catering and decorations). Consider potential fees for | | | | bride-to-be wants to be stuck coordinating details at |
| the room rental, catering, bar service, setup and | | | | the last minute, and picking the right vendor ensures |
| teardown, and chair or linen rental. | | | | you will be able to kick back and celebrate with friends |
| Also be sure to ask about hidden fees, such as | | | | and family on the big day. |
| corking or cake-cutting. These are details many | | | | |