Location, Location, Location! What to Look for when Selecting the Wedding Sites

Articles on Weddings | Topics: weddings, wedding

by Nelda Fulton

So you are planning your wedding and have picked the date. Now you need to pick the place. This can be as tricky as picking the perfect date. Where you want to be married is a personal thing between you and your fiancé. Make sure that wherever you do decide to have it, if not everyone can come, you will be okay with it. The size and venue of the location will depend on your budget and how big your wedding party is and how many guests you will be having. Take into account if you are choosing an out of town wedding whether or not many people will be able to make it and whether or not you will paying the expenses of the wedding party. There are several location spots to consider and each has pros and cons.

A home wedding, either inside or out on the patio, can be a great idea and very intimate. How big the ceremony is will be depends on how big the home you plan to use is. A really large home can accommodate many and maybe even the reception if the house or yard is big enough. If the house is on the small side, you will have to have less people or try a different venue. These wedding are very quaint and sweet. Most people with a home venue tend to plan small and simple. Usually just close friends and family attend.

If you think you need a larger space or don't want to have a home theme, try an auditorium or rented hall. You still can do it yourself but can have more advantages. You won't need a noise permit if you have a band or loud D.J. and you can still arrange the place as you see fit. Most rentals are not that expensive, but make sure to ask because the price may depend on the season. Many inside sports teams rent auditoriums during the winter months. So that time of year may be hard or more expensive. You will also be able to choose what food you would like without having to settle for what the place offers only. This is a good thing if you are thinking light and easy food and not meals.

Bit of History

The wedding was a quiet affair, and when called upon to enjoy my promotion from lodger to lover did I experience only bitterness and distaste? No.

—Vladimir Nabokov (1899–1977)

The beach, campgrounds, and parks make great places to have a wedding ceremony. Contact the city just before planning in case you need a permit or have to book the spot. Outdoors is a beautiful way to celebrate a marriage. Most public places are easily booked and won't mind a ceremony being held as long as you pick up after. Make sure you know what you can bring and what you can't. Some parks won't let you place chairs for example. Make sure if there are any restrictions, you let your guests know. Also ask the city if exceptions can be made for those with special needs. You will have to have your reception some place else though. But most time public places are free, so the reception will be your only expense.

Bed and Breakfasts, hotels, and resorts offer full service ceremonies and receptions completely catered. If you are having a large wedding or even one out of town, this can be a great idea. Some hotels will even give the bride and groom a discount on a honeymoon suite and sometimes the guests as well. This keeps the price at one flat rate for everything. They will provide the music, the refreshments and meals, bar, and anything else you need. This is great if you have a big or small wedding and like the idea of only one bill. Plus they do all the clean up for you.

Houses of worship, churches, synagogues, temples, mosques are a popular choice for holding a wedding. Some offer full service, some are on a rental basis, and some can only facilitate the ceremony. You will have to check at place of worship to see what they offer. Many will ask you to donate your flowers after the ceremony and pay a fee. If there is a reception involved as well, the cost could be more. You will have to provide your own food, and you will want to check if music and alcohol are allowed. Many churches do not allow alcoholic beverages for any occasion. If you are having the reception elsewhere then that won't be a problem. No matter what you chose make sure it works for you, it is your wedding day.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Location, Location, Location! What to Look for when Selecting the Wedding Sites" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by FamilyBabyKids.com.

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