picking venue -tip
When choosing your wedding location, decide on several issues before signing on the dotted line. Consider: if you want your ceremony and reception at the same place; whether your ceremony will be indoors or outdoors; in a church, synagogue or elsewhere; how many guests you'll be seating; and within what price range you want to stay.
Consider these details when looking for a religious venue:
Call area churches and synagogues and ask if non-members can marry there.
Ask the staff what credentials you need to marry in its church. You may be required to become a member, take religious classes, get an annulment (if this isn't your first marriage) or go for counseling.
Learn about religious law as early as possible, as some religions require a waiting period and a lot of paperwork.
You can get married at your or your fiancé's church, provided your union doesn't violate any of the church's traditions. Above all, have your ceremony in the place that's most special to you as a couple. If the groom's church is where you want to marry, ask what requirements you have to meet and go for it.
Don't limit yourself to the church hall when considering a location for your wedding reception. Be creative and choose a place that reflects you and your fiancé's personalities.
Recreate memories. Think about places you enjoy visiting as a couple, such as a favorite park or your special spot at the beach. Think back to where the two of you met or where you had your first date. Check with local officials about a wedding reception in these types of areas. Find out if there's any special paperwork to be filled out or any specific regulations to meet.
Incorporate the things you love. What are you and your partner passionate about? Do both of you love jazz, art or a certain type of food? The things you love can lead to great reception spots, like a trendy jazz club, a quirky art gallery or your favorite romantic French restaurant.
Consider the resources your family and friends have to offer. Take advantage of the resources friends and families might have available. Does anyone in your family have a house or backyard that would be fabulous for your reception? Maybe you have a friend who owns a farm on several acres with a quaint old barn.
Think about a garden location. If you like the garden idea but don't have the benefit of Aunt Sally's green thumb, consider a botanical garden. This location is perfect for spring or summer receptions because the gardens are planned so they bloom all summer long.
Less expensive ceremony spots are harder to find from May through October. After all, these are the prime wedding months. But don't give up hopes for a July wedding! You still can find ways to work around your budget. Get more bang for your buck by having the ceremony and reception at the same place. Check if these locations offer that option:
Church, synagogue or other house of worship
Museum
Park or other public recreation area
Historical building
Golf club
Community center or clubhouse
University building
Small hotel or bed and breakfast
Restaurant
Backyard
Beach
To save more, consider having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday (rather than Saturday). Also eliminate costs in other areas of your wedding; for example, host a luncheon reception instead of dinner.
Consider these details when looking for a religious venue:
Call area churches and synagogues and ask if non-members can marry there.
Ask the staff what credentials you need to marry in its church. You may be required to become a member, take religious classes, get an annulment (if this isn't your first marriage) or go for counseling.
Learn about religious law as early as possible, as some religions require a waiting period and a lot of paperwork.
You can get married at your or your fiancé's church, provided your union doesn't violate any of the church's traditions. Above all, have your ceremony in the place that's most special to you as a couple. If the groom's church is where you want to marry, ask what requirements you have to meet and go for it.
Don't limit yourself to the church hall when considering a location for your wedding reception. Be creative and choose a place that reflects you and your fiancé's personalities.
Recreate memories. Think about places you enjoy visiting as a couple, such as a favorite park or your special spot at the beach. Think back to where the two of you met or where you had your first date. Check with local officials about a wedding reception in these types of areas. Find out if there's any special paperwork to be filled out or any specific regulations to meet.
Incorporate the things you love. What are you and your partner passionate about? Do both of you love jazz, art or a certain type of food? The things you love can lead to great reception spots, like a trendy jazz club, a quirky art gallery or your favorite romantic French restaurant.
Consider the resources your family and friends have to offer. Take advantage of the resources friends and families might have available. Does anyone in your family have a house or backyard that would be fabulous for your reception? Maybe you have a friend who owns a farm on several acres with a quaint old barn.
Think about a garden location. If you like the garden idea but don't have the benefit of Aunt Sally's green thumb, consider a botanical garden. This location is perfect for spring or summer receptions because the gardens are planned so they bloom all summer long.
Less expensive ceremony spots are harder to find from May through October. After all, these are the prime wedding months. But don't give up hopes for a July wedding! You still can find ways to work around your budget. Get more bang for your buck by having the ceremony and reception at the same place. Check if these locations offer that option:
Church, synagogue or other house of worship
Museum
Park or other public recreation area
Historical building
Golf club
Community center or clubhouse
University building
Small hotel or bed and breakfast
Restaurant
Backyard
Beach
To save more, consider having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday (rather than Saturday). Also eliminate costs in other areas of your wedding; for example, host a luncheon reception instead of dinner.
