Venues: The Down and Dirty on the Where and How

Venues book fast! Even traditionally “off” months like January and March have become more popular options, in metropolitan areas its typical to book them at least a year in advance, especially the most popular and the biggest bargains.

You can still often get slight discounts for doing a Friday or a Sunday wedding. Friday can be tough if you have a lot of out of town guests, and it should be scheduled late enough for people to be able to come after work. Sunday receptions aren’t usually as late as a Saturday, but daytime Sunday weddings are great budget options, especially if you are planning a low key soiree with less alcohol and dancing.

How many people are you expecting? Are you planning a cocktail reception or fully-seated, French Service meal? Will you be using a church for the ceremony? Do you need to worry about proximity to airports, hotels or anything else to ensure the most important guests can easily attend? Do you need to consider handicap accessibility?

Separate reception venue

• Should be within a 30 minute drive- note I didn’t say 30 miles, make it EASY on yourself and your guests to get to the party!
• Is there a place for bridal party to wait to make entrance?
• How will people go from church to reception? Limos for bridal party? Shuttle for guests?

Non-church ceremony and reception combo:

• Is there separate space for ceremony and reception? How do they “turnover” from ceremony to reception?
• If the venue is outdoors, is there a rain plan and does the rain plan accommodate the entire guest list?
• Are there any restrictions on décor for ceremony or religious items? Are there restrictions on sound or parking?
• Are there any local laws about who may perform a marriage in your state/ county? Where do you apply for a marriage certificate in this area? (Often changes county by county)
• Will your chosen officiant perform the ceremony outside of the church?
• When can vendors come in and decorate?
• Is it available for a rehearsal the day before?

So, what are the top five things couples forget to ask about?

• What is included? Make them spell out: exact hours you are booked for (including when vendors can come to set up and time to take down after the party); tables, chairs, linens- how many are included- do they have them available to rent or do you have to bring more in?
• What are the restrictions on decorating the space? (e.g., many art galleries won’t allow anything hung, historic sites usually won’t allow candles, some won’t allow red wine, etc.
• Is the space available for rehearsal and will that cost extra?
• Is there adequate parking for guests? Is valet available? Will they help arrange with hotel for shuttle to go between?
• Are there noise restrictions or times you must shut the party down by? You may want to party into the wee-small hours, but most neighborhoods have noise pollution ordinances restricting music after 11 or 12 pm.

There are a lot of things to think about- its true. And most venues are run by professionals who know what they're doing and want you to know the ins and outs- they aren't TRYING to trick you (usually). Just make sure that you get as much information as you can, IN WRITING, before you make up your mind because its going to be an ugly surprise later on if everyone shows up the day of and there aren't any chairs!

Creating a Practical Budget

Forget the archaic rule that says certain people have to pay for certain things. The bride's parents need not take out a third mortgage to pay for the wedding, and the groom's parents are not off the hook either. The best way to work the budget out? Sit down with pencil, paper, and calculator and figure out what you really want and can afford.

Make a priority list of which wedding elements are important to you (catering, entertainment, gown, and photos) and doing the math to decide you'll spend, say, 75% of your budget on those things, while spending less on (or doing without) the others.

Reception: 48%-50%
Ceremony: 2%-3%
Attire: 8%-10%
Flowers: 8%-10%
Entertainment/Music: 8%-10%
Photo/Videography: 10%-12%

Stationery: 2%-3%

Wedding Rings: 2%-3%

Parking/Transportation: 2%-3%

Gifts: 2%-3%
Miscellaneous: 8%

To avoid stress, allot about 5% of your budget for a "just-in-case" fund.
If you're paying for your honeymoon yourselves, remember to budget for that as well.