5 Things To Look For When You’re Shopping For Reception Venues

When you’re getting married, the sweet nothings are replaced a lot of stress. Not only are you trying to get the ceremony planned, you’re also sifting through a tremendous amount of reception venues so as to find the perfect one. More often than not, you will find the right place numerous times, making the process all the more difficult. It’s no small wonder that so many couples decide to elope rather than deal with so many issues.

All you want to do is get married and celebrate your special day with your friends and family. You may just find the perfect reception venue is out there, but you’ll have to buckle down and take the following tips:

1. Ask About Savings When You Combine Your Ceremony & Reception – Many couples find that perfection comes in two places on their big day. A certain church may be just right for saying, “I do,” but you really want to cut loose at this really swinging themed bar. Sure, it can be fun, but remember that you can often score major savings by having the ceremony and reception at the same venue. Plus, guests aren’t usually stoked about driving somewhere new for cake.

2. Investigate “Off-Peak” Availability – Wedding season can mean dropping serious money for a reception during busy times of the year (i.e., think June brides). By choosing to get married during an off-peak time of year, you’re actually saving quite a bit of money because not everyone is vying for the same dates.

3. See Beyond the Big City & Welcome Small-Town Calm – Sometimes, the allure of a big city wedding can be tempting, but it comes at a premium. Try venturing out to smaller towns nearby. Not only are you saving money, but your choice to venture out to a smaller town outside of a major metropolitan are contributes to the local economy.

4. Cash Rules – If you find a reception venue that is exactly what you’re looking for, ask if they offer any discounts for paying for the whole event upfront with cash as opposed to the usual deposit/payment plan process. Venues will often be more flexible with a full cash payment because it means they do not have to wait to be paid. This goes a very long way.

5. Go with a Non-Traditional Venue – Why not have a wedding/reception at a nice B&B or maybe a public park? You can even score a private event rental at an outdoor concert hall. Sometimes thinking outside the box may bring you both the biggest reward.

Reception venues shouldn’t be a stressful part of planning a wedding. The one thing to always keep in mind is that you focus on what’s important you and your special someone. After all, that is what it’s all about, right?