Being disc jockeys, we get the opportunity to evaluate many reception facilities while having little or no bias to "sell" one location over another. Most Brides and Grooms know where they will be holding the ceremony before they decide where to have the reception, so we have compiled five observations that can help you when selecting your venue.
Distance - If people have to drive a long way to get from the ceremony to the reception, some will get distracted or decide to do something else. Try to keep the reception within a 15 to 30 minute drive of your ceremony. If it is not possible to get a reception hall close to your ceremony, make a caravan. Have the Bride and Groom lead the parade, and people will follow you to your reception.
Time ? Time is just like the distance issue. If your reception is several hours after the ceremony, people will get busy doing other things and not show up for the reception. Try to start the reception within an hour or two of the ceremony. If you don't want to start your wedding dance at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, have a Meet and Greet mixer before your reception. Serve some punch and get people to mingle. This will be one of the few times that both families will be together. Encourage family members to share stories about your childhoods.
Size - People like their personal space, and they have most likely spent an hour packed into a church for your ceremony. If you let them spread out, they will enjoy themselves more. Make sure your reception hall has plenty of room for your guests. The people renting the location might tell you it holds 200 people, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will hold 200 people comfortably! Make sure to visit the venue before booking.
Climate Control - Having a summer wedding? Is your reception hall air conditioned? If people sweat while just sitting, they won't dance. On the flip side, if they are cold they won't dance either (who wants to dance in a parka?). Also make sure you know who has control of the thermostat so the temperature can be adjusted if needed. Chances are your reception will be warm and stuffy while all the guest are there, but as they trickle out during the night the room will begin to cool down.
Smoking - This is a hot button issue, but if your reception hall is non-smoking, you can fully expect smoker's to leave your reception for 15-30 minutes every hour. If enough of them leave the reception area, you may find a large percentage of your guest just hanging out in the smoking area. This can be a big problem if you have many smokers in your wedding party. You don't have to allow smoking, but it is something you should consider, especially if anyone has any health problems like asthma or allergies that could be triggered by smoke. If you decide not to allow smoking in the reception area, how close is the nearest place for a smoker to go? Is it close enough that you will be able to get needed wedding party members during events like the bouquet toss or garter auction?
Facility coordinators will no doubt bring up several other factors for you to consider when you interview them for your booking, but these are often missed items, especially if they don't favor the potential venue. If you keep the overall picture in mind and work with your wedding planner or event coordinator on the decorating ideas, you will no doubt have an enjoyable and memorable wedding reception.
About the Authors: Tim & Tammy Smith operate by request dj & karaoke company, located in Fargo, North Dakota. They have been providing entertainment for wedding receptions since 1994 and belong to several professional disc jockey organizations.
This article may be reprinted without permission providing all URLs are live links only minor editorial changes are made. Please send an email to by request dj & karaoke company with the name (and url if the resource is on the web) of the publication.
spotless home service Mundelein ..An anniversary gift is the opportunity to show your loved... Read More
As you reach 30 and beyond, you encounter a very... Read More
Your wedding flowers usually tie to your wedding theme. When... Read More
Honor your Emerald Isle heritage with traditions that are romantic,... Read More
Today's tech savvy couples are plugging in and creating unique... Read More
I recall how Mrs. Ingridman taught me invaluable lessons on... Read More
Biologically, a coupling between male and female (with some very... Read More
Thanking your wedding party with special gifts is a favored... Read More
Wedding day is known as the most unforgettable day in... Read More
Why does Co-dependence arise? Well because two or more individuals... Read More
"Couples who've had sex before marriage will inevitably have sexual... Read More
A bridal shower is an excellent way for the bride... Read More
Providing chocolate as a wedding favor has been a time... Read More
Here comes the bride! Walking through the alley confidence holding... Read More
When it comes to your catering services for your wedding,... Read More
Remember the frenzy of the paparazzi when they caught Sarah... Read More
Just as destination weddings are fast growing in popularity, so... Read More
When it comes to response/RSVP cards, the goal is to... Read More
When it comes to placing your new diamond in a... Read More
How do you give thanks and make a lasting impression... Read More
Speculation continues about the break-up of Brad Pitt and Jennifer... Read More
Wedding rings are a symbol of union. A union between... Read More
There are two major events that you have to plan... Read More
Only in Las Vegas can you find everything for your... Read More
If you are actually planning your Las Vegas wedding reception,... Read More
scheduled maid service Mundelein ..My husband had two affairs last year. I am pretty... Read More
Your true love got down on his knees and asked... Read More
The extravagance of weddings is a popular topic. We blame... Read More
Every marriage needs a healthy dose of on-going romance to... Read More
Computer printed labels are a time-saver, but they make the... Read More
Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel and Bookpleasures is pleased... Read More
Celebrating under the attentive care of Bahamas honeymoon resorts, there... Read More
Think creatively and add a personal touch to your special... Read More
A wedding is one of the most special days planned... Read More
Planning as early as possible for your wedding is the... Read More
Here comes the bride! Walking through the alley confidence holding... Read More
With today's economy, and the layoffs occurring as a result... Read More
When people think about great love stories, more often than... Read More
Recently, I stumbled across something on the internet. A particular... Read More
Even though it's a great tradition with a long history,... Read More
Many people believe that weddings have to be costly. But... Read More
You've been engaged for months, you've made it through planning... Read More
I say always register for gifts! You see, people tend... Read More
Let's think about what goes into your wedding budget. Your... Read More
The wedding gown is most important choice for a bride... Read More
Cruising down the river was always deemed by couples the... Read More
Of all the things you need to do, buy and... Read More
Everybody talks about wedding invitations, but what about all the... Read More
Congratulations! You have found the man of your dreams and... Read More
1. Weddings typically can cost you anywhere around $15,000 or... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |