Wedding Reception Locations

As you plan for the party of a lifetime, it is important to choose a location that truly reflects your personalities and the spirit of your wedding. Whether your wedding reception location will unfold as a continuation of your ceremony or a fresh location is entirely up to you. With the myriad of possibilities, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. However, if you stop and realize that this is a celebration, the task can transform from stressful to thrilling.

Before deciding on your wedding reception site, ask yourself a series of questions, including:

• Do you want a traditional or non-traditional celebration?
• Will your reception be indoors or outdoors?
• How many guests will you invite?
• Will you include children?

As you consider these questions and your answers to them, you will begin to know what feels right for you.

Traditional Receptions
Traditional wedding receptions often take place in a reception hall, hotel, restaurant or country club. These wedding reception locations have the potential and staff to accommodate large numbers of guests. There are adequate restroom facilities and power supplies for DJ's or bands. Additionally, you will often find knowledgeable, professional staff that is experienced in hosting a wedding reception.

Many of these places will offer to host the party for you. However, this does not have to be the case. You can choose a traditional location; you can still plan every aspect of the party and have complete control over the reception.

Non-Traditional Receptions
Less traditional wedding reception sites might include a beach, a cruise ship, a museum or a mountaintop. Perhaps you want to get married at the place you first met; a park or a college. Be sure to consider the natural beauty of your desired location. There are no rules as long as you are choosing a location that will be comfortable and safe for both you and your guests.

Although novel locations provide originality, it is essential to consider a few basics.

• Will your location accommodate the number of guests you have invited to the party?
• Are there restrooms or will you have to rent portable facilities?
• Is there handicap accessibility?
• How will the acoustics work with your choice of music?
• Will there be adequate parking?
• What time of day is your reception? Remember that beaches are lovely, but in certain locations, they can be quite cool at night.

Outdoor Receptions
Outdoor weddings are lovely. The aesthetics of the outdoors lend a unique and memorable charm to any celebration. However, it is essential to have a back-up plan in case the weather does not cooperate.

An alternative plan can be as simple as a large tented area. In other cases, you will need to have facilities for an indoor party set up nearby.

At-Home Wedding Receptions
Many people are enthusiastically opting to have their wedding receptions at home. In addition to saving a lot of money on hall rentals, these receptions add unparalleled warmth to the event.

With a little careful planning, an at-home reception offers a lovely alternative to rented spaces and can be combined with a wedding ceremony at the same location. Consider these things before hosting a reception at your home.

• Check your guest list. Will everyone fit comfortably?
• Will you need to rent tables and chairs?
• Will your bathrooms accommodate the amount of use they will receive?

There are many choices when it comes to an ideal wedding reception location. Each one has its own unique charm and benefits. Once you decide where you will hold your party, you can concentrate on making it the most memorable of celebrations.