5 Considerations for Choosing a Wedding Reception Venue

Tables, chairs, decor, and decorations at a wedding reception at an outdoor venue vineyard winery in oregon.

Where you hold your wedding is a big deal because it is what your entire proceedings will be anchored on. The venue sets the tone and determines the main theme of your event. Having it in a beach location means you will have a laid back and relaxed look, down from the decorations to what the entourage and guests are wearing, as well as the food and entertainment.

Meanwhile, having it in a ballroom of a hotel means people will be at their best formal garb and the decoration will be more extravagant. Looking for wedding reception venues in Salt Lake City opens up plenty of options because the city has stunning locations for both indoor and outdoor celebrations.

If you have a wedding coming up and are still unsure about the type of venue to book, here are some tips to help you and your partner make a decision:

1. Figure out your general location

Traditionally, weddings are held in the bride’s hometown, but many couples are now opting for places that they are both comfortable in or hold a memorable value. Having a hometown wedding has its advantages, but destination weddings are also making it big. Discuss this with your partner, as your venue will definitely affect your budget and your guest list.

2. Set your budget

How much can you set aside for the wedding reception alone? If it’s a destination wedding, are you willing to shoulder the transportation and accommodation expenses of your family and guests? That would also mean long-distance communication expenses and possibly travel costs for the ocular inspection, food tasting, and the like. Venue and catering will take up the majority of your spending, followed by clothes, entertainment, and guest tokens (if any).

If the price is not an issue, then go all out on your location, but if you’d rather spend more on your home and other things after the wedding, then it’s best to stay where it’s budget-friendly.

3. Decide on your guest count

Are you planning on inviting 150 people or do you want just your immediate family and closest friends to be there? This will help determine if you need to splurge for a large venue or settle for an intimate, smaller setting. Take note that the venue size doesn’t always mean big is expensive and small is cheap. Some private locations can be priced higher because of their exclusivity, too.

4. Identify your top three priorities

When deciding on your venue, what are the top three elements that you and your partner would like to have? Would you like an outdoor setting with a rustic feel? Would you like to spend more on food and drinks than worry about the place? What kind of entertainment would you like to have? Your top three will help you decide on what type of venue to book.

5. Conduct an ocular inspection

Served for banquet tables in a luxurious interior.

You will need to see the place for yourself. While venues look absolutely stunning on brochures, note that these are staged and might not look the same way in reality. If possible, take your decorator with you when conducting an ocular so that he or she can make some suggestions about logistics and other design considerations.

Once you have chosen a location, be sure to book the date that you want at once. Some venues allow you to book the place for up to a specific deadline, while others require that you put in a down payment to ensure that you have it already. Secure your location by asking for a contract and be sure to read the fine print so that you don’t get any surprise charges down the road.

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