Wedding reception sites fall into three main categories. First, there is the reception held in the same location as the wedding ceremony. Second, some receptions are held in special facilities, such as ballrooms or other rented facilities. Lastly, some brides and grooms choose private locations, such as a cabin at the lake or a family home. All of these are great options and the important part is choosing the one which fits your style.
Holding the reception in the same location as the wedding is a smart choice. You will not have travel worries, everyone will be on time for the reception, and no one will get lost. If you are getting married in the wine country around Walla Walla, look into finding a bed and breakfast with beautiful landscaping and a gazebo for your ceremony. Many of these types of accommodations offer catering services and your guests can take a wine tasting tour the next day. If buzzing night life is more your style, check out upscale hotels in Seattle or Spokane. Most larger hotels have attached facilities that can be easily decorated to match the wedding. Catering the meal is a breeze and all your guests can have rooms right upstairs.
There are also stand alone facilities, such as mountain lodges or local attractions. I once attended a wedding reception held at a local history museum. The displays meshed perfectly with the frontier wedding theme, the back gardens were transformed into a pulsing dance floor for the more energetic guests, and the lobby offered quiet places to eat and visit with friends and family. Look at your wedding location with the eyes of a newcomer. Think about the possibilities of the aquarium or the antique filled historic hotel downtown. Make sure you will have enough room for all your guests and let your imagination run wild.
Another great option is a special family location. Is there a great park on the banks of the Columbia River where your family always gathers? Does your favorite Uncle Ted have a cabin on the lake? Is the backyard your parents keep a garden paradise? These can be the locations for some of the most intimate receptions. Do keep in mind how many people will be filling your home or cabin, because this can be a lot of work for family and friends. Consider hiring caterers so family members aren't just cooks and waiters for your wedding -- they want to celebrate with you. However, don't be afraid to have a cookout if that is your dream.
Spend some time thinking about the type of reception which would best reflect your style as a couple. While the reception should be tied to the wedding through the decorations or the general theme, give yourself permission to use your imagination. Six years later, we all still talk about that museum reception. It was the perfect blend of the couple's personality and consideration for the guests. Find that special spot which speaks to you as a couple and then let the party begin.