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.
high-end home cleaning Winnetka ..Any marriage counselor will tell you that one of the... Read More
Planning a bridal shower? Maybe a dear friend or even... Read More
There is little doubt that planning a wedding can be... Read More
There are many options available to adorn your flower girl... Read More
Whether we like it or not current trends in engagement... Read More
Creating a wedding budget is one of the first things... Read More
Are you looking for a las Vegas chapel to make... Read More
Speculation continues about the break-up of Brad Pitt and Jennifer... Read More
Let's face it, not many of us have the kind... Read More
A 2005 mother of bride dress tends to have a... Read More
Wish to make that one day in your life really... Read More
The design of the traditional wedding cake has varied greatly... Read More
AttendantsAttendants, include the best man, Bridesmaid, ushers, and groomsmen. Generally... Read More
Let's think about what goes into your wedding budget. Your... Read More
"Presence is more than just being there," states Malcolm S.Forbes.... Read More
The following article can be copied but you must keep... Read More
"Is it better for a woman to marry a man... Read More
Wedding shower favors are a way to extend gratitude from... Read More
Beth and Tom were happily married for over 25 years... Read More
Your lovely fianc?e has chosen her 'maids, and now you're... Read More
Thanking your wedding party with special gifts is a favored... Read More
Communication plays one of the most important roles in any... Read More
According to the Encarta Dictionary, love is an intense feeling... Read More
Ever since Queen Victoria wed in 1840, however, white has... Read More
One of the best benefits of marriage is that you... Read More
full-service cleaning Mundelein ..Believe it or not, there is etiquette on how to... Read More
Have you ever had to give a wedding speech? As... Read More
Would you like to have a stronger, healthier, more enjoyable... Read More
White is traditionally a symbol of purity and as it... Read More
Perhaps the single most important thing that must be accomplished... Read More
There are many things to remember in preparation for your... Read More
1. Start with a nice clean piece of paper (lavender... Read More
Your wedding is quite possibly the most important day of... Read More
The wedding gown is most important choice for a bride... Read More
Planning as early as possible for your wedding is the... Read More
If bar-hopping and male strippers aren't the bride's idea of... Read More
John's cousin, Grace, is getting married in Liverpool, UK and... Read More
Are you in the process of planning that last special... Read More
Beach weddings are popular but they do present "special issues".Failing... Read More
Moissanite is fast becoming the new diamonds. The newest jewelry... Read More
The invitation is the first impression of the type of... Read More
The kids are yelling, the dog is barking, and you... Read More
Hawaii honeymoon vacations could take you to a miracle trip... Read More
The vows you take to become husband and wife are... Read More
Make your upcoming event the most memorable ever by adding... Read More
If you are actually planning your Las Vegas wedding reception,... Read More
Over the past years I have performed at many, many... Read More
Wedding receptions are expensive affairs and can set you back... Read More
Tracking down a wedding officiant can be a little intimidating.... Read More
Have you heard of destination wedding favors? I haven't either,... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |