Availability is not the only detail to consider when choosing a venue for your daughter’s wedding reception.  Before heading out the door for your on-site visit, consider the following:

Seating:  When a venue offers seating for 170 guests that may not mean the venue can seat 170 guests comfortably.   Be sure to ask what the optimal number of guests would be for the space you are considering; allowing relaxed seating at the table and plenty of room for a dance floor.

Weather:  You can’t control the weather, but you can prepare for whatever the day may bring.  Choose a venue that has pleasant and sufficient rainy day options if needed for your outdoor ceremony or garden cocktail hour.  Knowing that your daughter’s wedding will flow smoothly come rain or shine will take pressure off watching the weather channel as her day approaches.

Multiple Weddings:  Some wedding venues book multiple events on the same day, and they do this very well.  However, talk to the on-site wedding consultant about their system for coordinating these events.  Take a walk through the venue and be comfortable with the privacy offered your Bride.

Guests:  The ultimate challenge is finding the perfect wedding venue that is also located in an area offering accommodations for your guests.  Rare is the wedding these days that does not require a number of guests to travel, and making their stay easy and convenient the day of the wedding will be appreciated.

Noise Ordinance:  If a wedding venue is located in a residential area, it may have a noise ordinance limiting their hours of operation.  Be sure to ask, especially if you plan on a late night party.

Hidden Costs:  Wedding venues price their services differently to appear more competitive.  For example, a charge for cutting the cake may not be included in the cost per guest.  (Not all Brides have a wedding cake.)  The fee for cake cutting can run from $3.00/pp and up.   If you want wine served to your guests during dinner, that may be an up charge not included in the base price per guest.  Don’t be shy.  Before leaving the venue ask the sales person, “If you were the Mother of the Bride, what questions would you be asking?”

Reference:  Speaking to a Mother of the Bride who experienced a wedding at the venue you are considering is always helpful.  There is honor among Mothers of the Bride, and I suspect you will receive an honest and detailed answer to your questions. 

Happy Planning!