Picking your reception venue is one of the most important wedding decisions you will be making. The venue you settle on helps to determine most of your later choices, from the food to the flowers to your dress.
1. Know Your Numbers. - Before you start your search, set your preliminary budget and guest list. If your families will be helping financially, ask how much they would like to contribute. This knowledge will help you determine which venues are in your size and price range.
2. Consider Your Wedding Style. - Hotels, country clubs and banquet halls are common choices because they are streamlines and most often include tables, chairs and standard linens. Also consider a home, beach, museum or a boat. Contact us for a comprehensive list of fabulous reception venues here in South Florida.
3. Get The Details. - Once you've found a few potential venues, determine which of the sites will ensure your wedding flows perfectly. The biggest mistake brides make is booking a venue that is too small. Make sure every space, even the dance floor and the cocktail area, is big enough for your maximum guest list. Your dining space should be 12 feet per guest, minimum, and the dance floor at least 3 feet per guest.
4. Ask About Restrictions. - Inquire about potential venue rules. Some venues require you work with certain vendors. This could be convenient, since you won't have to spend lots of time shopping for vendors but this also has a down side. A few important questions to ask are as follows:
a. Are there noise regulations for music?
b. How many hours are included in the rental fee?
c. What are the charges for overtime?
d. How many other wedding are booked there that day?
e. What time will your designer be given access to the space in order to set up?
If any negotiations are to be made, the time to do it is before you sign the contract, not after. Don't depend on verbal agreements, get everything in writing.
5. Examine The Contract. - Don't sign anything on the spot. Take the agreement home and read all the fine print. Calculate the extra costs for insurance, staff, service fees, gratuities, cake cutting, corkage, trash removal, etc. You can try to negotiate those hidden costs, go with another location or move forward regardless of the charges. What is important is that the bill won't surprise you later.
For more information about planning your wedding please call Amy at (561) 577-6686!
Happy Planning!
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