Reception Site Tips
<b>What It Costs</b> Most sites that include catering charge by guest, from $10 to $200 or more per head, depending on formality (of the party and the place), type of meal, and locale (city vs. rural area, East or West Coast vs. Midwest). Flat fees for sites you are renting purely as locations can range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more.
<b>Ways to Save</b> Marry in a month other than June, August, September, or October. Stay away from Saturday night-opt for a Thursday, Friday, or Sunday. Take advantage of your country-club membership or alumni status, or choose a city- or state run site such as a public park or historic building.
<b>The Cooler, the More Complicated</b> If you choose a creative location such as a lighthouse or art gallery-or any location that doesn't do a lot of weddings-there will be more details to work out than if you choose a place that is known for wedding celebrations and has a planning brigade already in place.
<b>Pay for Privacy</b> If there will be other parties going on at your site at the same time as yours, you'll want to be sure it's not possible to hear music coming from other rooms, and that there are enough bathrooms, coatrooms, and other facilities, so things wont feel cramped. Ask if you can check things out at a time when several parties are taking place. (Keep in mind, though, that privacy can cost you.)
<b>Take Care Regarding Cancellation</b> Your reception isn’t likely to get canceled, but you never know. Find out the exact date by which you'd have to cancel your reservation to get your money back.
<b>Do the Hotel Deal</b> If your reception is in a hotel and many guests will be staying there, the hotel may charge you less since you're bringing in business. Negotiate; they should throw in perks, such as an upgrade to the honeymoon suite for you two.
<b>Weather the Storm</b> If your site is outdoors, have an alternative location in mind in case of a blizzard or heat wave.
<b>Beware the Home Wedding</b> It sounds like a great way to save, but renting everything that a hotel or banquet hall would supply can get costly. Also be sure to consider essentials such as parking, restrooms, and a foul-weather plan.
,b>Ignore Know-It-Alls</b> If you want to pass on being announced or doing the bouquet and garter toss, that's your choice-don't let a banquet manager tell you that you must do things a certain way. On the other hand, if the site manager has overseen lots of weddings, he or she is a valuable source of information about timing and other aspects of the party.
<b>Take Your Time</b> It's critical that your other vendors have the information and access they need to get their job done. Make sure your site manager will let them view the space in advance, as well as give them access as early as they need it on your wedding day.
Courtesy of <a class='navitem2' href='http://theknot.com'>The Knot </a> via <a class='navitem2' href='http://scrippsmedia.com'>Scripps Media</a>
