Every couple wants their day to be special and a reflection of their aesthetics and personalities, which is why picking reception and wedding venues can be challenging. In addition to budget constraints and scheduling issues, the location has to suit your theme, dcor, guests, and any other expectations you may have. And most couples want to pick a place that not only serves the basic needs of their party, but will also wow their guests.
Many people limit themselves to traditional wedding venues such as churches, banquet halls, and local gardens. While these are all affordable and traditional options, a little bit of creativity can turn your day from typical to extraordinary. There are many locations that can be used but sometimes are never even advertised. Before you start making calls, make a list of ideas. Having a beach-inspired theme? Why not have your reception at an aquarium? Looking for something more adventurous? Many amusement parks can provide a dining hall and passes for some hair-raising roller coasters once the dancing is done. Love all things geeky? Go for a zombie theme in a haunted house. Once you’ve established some ideas, you can start calling around and querying about prices, possibilities, and dates. A location should represent your life together as a couple, so think deeper than surface appearance and get to the core. If you aren’t a garden-variety girl don’t get married in one.
If you want the best of both worlds–traditional and unique, then consider having separate reception and wedding venues. It might take a little more planning because you will have to consider traffic, travel to and from the different locations, and the possibility of losing some guests during the shuffle (some get lost while others might lose interest), but the results are often worth the efforts. You can still have an amazing party without having to sacrifice your portraits in front of that English rose garden. Your guests will probably find it more memorable as well. While it’s great to get dressed up every once and a while, a day of stuffy and formal events can quickly become dull. A rocking party will shake things up and make it a day that won’t be forgotten.
Although the event is centered on the bride, couples should take their guests into consideration when choosing wedding venues. If you have a few disabled or elderly guests attending, it is important to ensure the facility can comfortably accommodate their needs. Likewise, if you are planning on invited children, choose a location that has amenities such as a small spare room, changing tables in the bathroom, or an outdoor area where they can play while supervised. That way, there will be fewer interruptions and parents can enjoy the day without constantly fussing over their offspring. You will also need at least a rough idea about the number of guests who will be attending, and always allow for some wiggle room. Even though it is likely that people will cancel, it is also likely that you’ll have some last minute additions.
