Not of a particular religious persuasion? Have your heart set on an historic site or a themed wedding? Having a difficult time finding the perfect places for both a ceremony and a reception? Help has arrived!
Many venues offer fantastic space for both the ceremony and the reception. In fact, many can also help with the rehearsal dinner.
Major Mississippi Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, Boutique Hotels, Country Clubs, Private Clubs and others can offer personal and intimate settings for a perfect wedding. Plus there are many new venues across the state that have been especially built or renovated to accommodate Mississippi brides. And while our weather, despite the humidity, makes outdoor weddings another lovely site, do make certain that an alternative, indoor site is available and reserve it; make certain your vendors are prepared for a last minute change.
Getting around any city or town in Mississippi is easy. Because of the extensive and well layed-out highway system, you can have your church wedding, hop on the interstate and go to your reception at a downtown venue or vise-versa. Many brides are opting for one location for both the ceremony and the reception so their guests do not have to drive.
In selecting your venue space, remember the two most important persons…you and your fiancee. Consider pampering yourselves before the wedding. Many facilities have a golf course, spa, pool or exercise area; take advantage of it and release some stress. It’s also a great way for the parents, family and attendants to do something interactive, besides, of course, attending your wonderful wedding!
Tips in Choosing Your Venue:
•If you have a Map Enclosure with your invitations, remember to include the name of the highway and the number, e.g. Lakeland Drive/Highway25. (Be ahead of your guests: have the ushers pass out a nicely printed map at the ceremony site or include a map in the Program).
•Sites often have a “Preferred Consultants/Vendors List”. While your Catering Director may allow you to bring in a company not on that list, there is a reason for recommending these Consultants/Vendors (they are reliable and work well as a team).
•If your wedding is in two separate sites, allow sufficient time for your guests to get from one place to the other. Asks about parking facilities and if there is a charge. Does this facility offer valet parking? Is there a charge for this? Notify your guests not only of the toll-free number, but also the local, direct number.
•Ask if there is a “change over” fee if the reception is going to be held in the same room after the ceremony. Have this in your contract!
•If the site offers accomodations, ask for a group rate, possibly a Bridal Suite or lower rates for the bridal couple and guests for nights before and/or after the wedding day.
•For the budget wedding, ask about a day and time other than Saturday evening; these are known in the industry as “down times” and some venues and vendors can give you the same product or service at a considerably reduced rate.
To find a venue near you, go to www.premierbridems.com/weddings-reception-sites