Wedding venue reception planning may seem overwhelming, but if you have a good plan and take it step by step you will save yourself some headaches and possible disappointment. The key is to stay organized and try to think through the entire event ahead of time. Keep in mind that many wedding venues will have wedding coordinators to help you. With a little bit of vision, patience, and creativity you’ll be able to have the wedding you’ve always dreamed about.
Reserving a Wedding Venue
- Determine which is more important the date or the location. If there is one specific weekend or one specific location that you absolutely want for your wedding reception, then obviously that will drive the decision. If you want your wedding to be in the next six months, usually you will be very limited as far as locations that have availability – weddings are typically planned far in advance.If you want to have your wedding reception at a very popular location, you may need to wait until the location is available. (Some popular spots fill up two years in advance!) If you already know where you want the wedding reception to be, you can skip the next two steps.
- Come up with a list of possible wedding reception venues. It is important that couples talk about this early on. After all, it is an important day for both of you. Read reviews online for locations in your area. Also consider asking family and friends for recommendations, especially ones who have planned a wedding recently.
- Research each location thoroughly. Be organized with your search. Start a wedding spreadsheet and plug in relevant information. How expensive is each location? You can usually determine a ballpark figure by researching online and reading reviews. What are the pros and cons of each? Think about all of the considerations discussed in the next section and then go and visit each location in person if possible, maybe more than once as you start to narrow down your list. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, make sure to visit the venue at the same time of day that you’re considering, so you can take into account the effects of the sun on lighting and so forth.
- Consider all-inclusive packages. These can be a *huge* help in reducing the complexity of the planning process and simplifying your wedding plans. Plus they usually involve significant savings over booking and arranging multiple services separately (for instance, catering, flowers, etc.).
- Reserve your location in writing. Once you decide on a location and a date, make sure to get the reservation in writing and double check what you’re signing. Everything else hinges on the date, time and accommodations at your reception location, so be very careful when confirming this important detail.
Wedding Venue Reception Considerations
There are so many things to consider when booking a wedding venue reception. Weddings end up being a combination of dreams and reality; where the hopes of all involved, especially the bride and groom-to-be, are carefully balanced with availability and feasibility. As you look at different wedding venue reception locations you’ll begin to see that each will have its pros and cons, but with some careful consideration you will be able to find “the oneâ€. Here are some things to consider during your research.
- Cost One of the most important considerations is cost. If you spend your whole wedding budget on the reception venue, there won’t be any left over to hire the entertainment you want or get your first-choice caterer. Make sure you come up with a wedding budget first and don’t allocate more than 50% for the venue.
- Location One of your first considerations will be which city your reception will be in. Are you going to get married close to home, close to your family’s home, or in a popular vacation spot? Before you make a final decision, make sure those who matter most to you can be there.
- Size If you have 100 people coming to your wedding reception and the room you prefer seats 100, that does not necessarily mean it’s large enough. You will also need enough room for the entertainment, dance floor, cake and maybe a buffet line.
- Functionality Speaking of size, the wedding reception location should also have everything you want and need. Can they supply a dance floor? Is there a foyer for pre-dinner gathering? Are the bathrooms close by? Think through the evening and ask these important questions.
- Inside/Outside Depending on the time of year, it may be possible to consider an outdoor wedding and reception.
- DÃcor The ambiance of a room is also quite important when reserving a wedding venue reception location. Make sure the existing elements, furniture, and even wall color will fit with your theme or color scheme.
- Photo Opportunities This isn’t a requirement, but having picturesque views will provide a great backdrop for your wedding pictures.
- Parking/Transportation Don’t forget how important logistics can be. If the location has a tiny parking area or is in a crowded downtown location, your guests may have a very difficult time. If you need to make alternate accommodations for your guests (such as valet parking or a shuttle to take them from a larger parking lot to the location), make sure to add it into the cost of your venue when you’re making your final decision.
- Nearby hotel facilities Make it easy for out-of-town or elderly guests to relax and spend the evening in a hotel, without having to drive after the big party. It’s safer and makes for a nicer evening for all.
- If you’re looking for the perfect venue for a special event, look no further than the exquisite Tiffany Ballroom. Whether you’re hosting a wedding reception, a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah, a corporate event, or other social functions; you’ll find the ambiance, staff, and accommodations second to none.
The Tiffany Ballroom at Four Points Norwood – the Perfect Wedding Reception Venue
With grand, lofty ceilings and alabaster chandeliers, The Tiffany Ballroom at Four Points Norwood is sure to impress even the most discerning guests. The ballroom comfortably hosts parties up to 450 dinner guests. If you’re planning on a smaller group, it is often possible to reserve half of the Tiffany Ballroom. The Essex and Lenox junior ballrooms are also available if you’re booking for groups as small as 50. Our new wedding pavilion is a great place to hold an outdoor marriage ceremony. Throw an amazing reception at our location