Choosing a Wedding Site

There are many factors that go into choosing a wedding site. Some couples like to have the convenience of the ceremony and the reception being on the same grounds. Others opt for a destination wedding that requires the wedding party to travel to an out of town location. Here are some basic guidelines to consider when looking for a wedding site.

Medium to Large Weddings

• Banquet Halls. A banquet hall is similar to a hotel ballroom in the fact that they can accommodate the ceremony and reception under one roof. The banquet manager can assist with the decorations and catering so it is a one stop shop kind of venue.
• Hotel Ballrooms. Hosting the wedding at a hotel can provide convenience for out of town guests. Like thae banquet hall, a hotel can facilitate the ceremony and the reception. Many resort hotels have scenic locations to host the ceremony outside and move the reception indoors. Most hotels have a wedding coordinator to assist with all of the details.
• Country Clubs. Having the wedding at a country club can give a more family oriented feel without sacrificing a beautiful setting. Many services that you'd find at a hotel like coat check, valet parking and onsite catering will be offered at a country club.

Small to Medium Weddings

• Outdoor Weddings. A lot of planning goes into an outdoor wedding. Weather can play a vital part in the success of the event. Planning for shelter like an indoor back up of the option of tenting is essential. Possible outdoor venues include parks, beaches, gardens or orchards just to name a few.
• Places of Worship. Most places of worship also have space to host the reception, although, there may be rules about serving alcohol. Churches, temples or mosques can be an inexpensive option. Most large churches also have a wedding planner on site to assist with decorations and catering.
• VFW. If you're hosing a smaller informal wedding, the local VFW might be the perfect location. Most will allow access to decorate and provide catering for the event at an inexpensive price.
• Restaurants. Some upscale restaurants are equipped to handle weddings and the reception following the event. If the restaurant is located in a scenic area, an outdoor wedding followed by an indoor reception might provide a reasonable cost and convenience for your guests.

Nontraditional Wedding Sites

• Destination Weddings. More and more couples are seeking smaller weddings with close friends and family. The wedding celebration turns into a week long event and shares the honeymoon destination.
• Boats. If you live near the ocean, a small quaint wedding on a boat or yacht might be your cup of tea.
• Historical Site/Museums/Zoos/Gardens/Theaters. There are many social sites that could make the perfect wedding venue. Before booking the venue check to see if they can also host the reception and what alcohol guidelines are.

Weddings take on the personality of the couple getting married. There is a wide variety of locations to choose from. Consider seating, budget and ambiance when selecting the perfect wedding venue.