The Right Venue
While guests are eager to applaud the bride and groom’s efforts to scout out the perfect reception band and to sing the praises of the contracted chefs, few appreciate all the time the bride and groom put into finding the perfect location for the ceremony. The bride and groom spend about 40 percent of their entire wedding budget on the wedding reception. About 6 percent of the total reception budget is spent on rental fees alone. Make sure you get what you pay for.

• Reception Halls. Churches and other religious centers often have reception venues on site where patrons celebrate religious holidays with food, fun, and fellowship. There are big financial advantages to keeping the party on-cite. Rental fees for churches, temples, and synagogues are normally lower than fees on other rental facilities. If the bride and groom are affiliated with the house of worship, they may be able to host both the ceremony and the reception on the property at no cost.

• Restaurants. Take advantage of package deals. Rent a banquet room at your favorite restaurant, have the restaurant’s professional valet service park guests’ cars, and get food and beverages delivered to tables by a courteous and attentive staff.

• Hotels and Resorts. The honeymoon can start as soon as the plates are cleared from the table. Like restaurants, hotels and resorts are able to offer package deals that other rental facilities cannot. You and your guests can party into the wee hours of the morning, then hop on the elevator and head up to bed.

• Outdoor weddings. Weddings held in residential gardens are an inexpensive way to celebrate a new marriage. Because you are intimately acquainted with the landowner, there are no costly site rental fees to pay. You will have to rent folding chairs, tables and a canopy (or some other shelter) for live bands or DJs.
Create a reception budget, then turn on the style. Explore your options. Today’s couples have more venue options then ever before!