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Wedding Reception Made for You
By
Jen Carter
No matter how well you plan all the aspects of the
wedding, one deciding factor on how well it goes is
based upon the wedding reception-site. All kidding
aside, having it “rain on your special day” is
certainly not the ideal wedding reception
environment for most people. Taking the time with
wedding planning in advance, and brainstorming
location ideas will go a long way towards creating
your perfect wedding location.
Wedding environment and Weather
Weather, environment and setting are the three most
important aspects when planning the wedding
location. Consider the location and the elements in
order to make the environment as comfortable as
possible. Hiring a wedding planner will do wonders
in taking the wedding ceremony and reception
planning stress off your plate, but there are many
elements of the planning you will want to choose
yourself. Will the wedding be indoor – perhaps a
hotel, golf and country club, local community hall?
These places are generally easier to plan weddings
for because they are designed to accommodate larger
groups of people, and often have easy access to
washroom facilities and power requirements for the
D.J. or band. Do you like the outdoors – if so
consider a large gazebo, garden setting, ballpark or
other unique locations. Larger gazebos work very
well in that you can have a fun time decorating, and
spending less money on flowers if the space is
smaller. Other examples of luxurious wedding
locations are Ski lodge weddings, Boat and Cruise
Ship ceremonies and camping – cabin weddings. The
choice you make is only limited by resources and
your imagination.
Scoping and Planning
The real key is to not place all of your eggs in one
basket. Plan to select at least 4-5 locations for
review. Meet with the appropriate persons (owners,
city trade or hall) in order to establish the bottom
line of what you will need to run your event there.
Don’t be discouraged! All good wedding planning
takes flexibility, perseverance and creative energy!
If you have an outdoor venue booked for your wedding
ceremony, always have a backup plan, preferably an
indoor location in case of bad weather (unless you
are lucky enough to live in a very sunny locale!)
Draw out a setting map – a way to keep track of
arrangement, where everyone will be seated, where
particular elements will be. Search online for some
great wedding planning ideas, as there is a host of
great wedding planning websites available to help
you stimulate some great ideas.
Always Get Things in Writing
Write up a contract, or read thoroughly through the
document provided for the venue you choose, if there
is one. Look in particular at elements such as time
allowed, start and end times, maximum occupants, and
damage deposits. It is usually a good idea to have a
personal friend or relative with you when signing
any contractual agreement.
Make It Your Own
Great, personal wedding ceremonies don’t necessarily
come from great wedding planners. The idea wedding
planner takes your idea of your perfect wedding, and
translates it for you – helps to make it happen and
allows you to enjoy the event to its fullest. If you
choose a wedding planner, find one who ‘augments’
your style, is flexible and willing to look ‘beyond
the box’. Some of the best wedding ceremonies were
created by everyday people like you and I who were
willing to chance to create their own unique wedding
theme, and follow it through.
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