VENUE CHOICES:
Your place of worship: For many, this is where the ceremony will occur. Some have parish halls or community centers where they can host the reception after the ceremony. Keep in mind: alcohol is probably not allowed on the property. So, even if you want a little sip of champagne to toast the couple, you’ll have to go elsewhere.
Hotels: Because of their size and all they offer, hotels can do everything for the wedding: from the smaller meeting spaces for the bridesmaids’ luncheon to the grand ballroom that holds hundreds of people, you can have both your ceremony and reception in one convenient location. Plus, the guests have a place to stay and don’t have to worry about driving in an unfamiliar city.
Country or Private Club: Many private and country clubs allow for non-members to have their wedding at the facility. Like a hotel, you have the convenience of an experienced and qualified kitchen, bar and serving staff, and a club staff member to help.
Antebellum Home, Lodge, Boutique Hotel: Many couples want a place that is quaint with a hint of romance, maybe with historic value or a story. Some offer full service with in-house catering and a coordinator. Others let you choose your wedding professionals, usually from a preferred vendor’s list. Many of these venues offer both inside and outside areas for the ceremony and reception. And they have spaces for large tent set-ups, too.
Restaurants: For those couples that love great food, individual service, and an exceptional wine list, this is ideal. Usually the chef can prepare foods that are your favorites, even though they are not on the menu.
Home or Friend’s Place: Here you have complete flexibility with no stipulations or “have to’s”. Your costs may rise because you may have to rent or buy everything from seating for the guests at the ceremony to tables and chairs, plates, glasses, flatware, lighting, staging, dance floor, generator, bathrooms, and more for the reception.
Park, Beach, Museum, Zoo: Like a home wedding, you can choose your vendors in these one-of-a kind settings. And like the home weddings, you are probably going to have to provide everything. In addition, in a public place, a permit may be required, with a small fee, to use that area. Remember, because it is public, there’s a good chance you’ll have prying eyes and uninvited guests.
Destination Weddings: Many brides choose destination weddings. Some go within driving distance. Others jet off to tropical islands. And still some choose a foreign country, maybe with ancestral roots. Destination weddings are usually much smaller, requiring friends and family to travel at their expense. For the bride, it can be less stressful because many resorts and hotels have a coordinator that puts everything together for them: the officiant, photographer, musicians, flowers, cake, ceremony, reception. All the bride and groom have to do is show up.
Finding the right venue is easy if you keep in mind what is most important to you!
For great venues in your area, visit www.premierbridems.com. You’ll find everything you need for any occasion!