Choosing the right ceremony and reception sites is a balancing act between faith, comfort and budget.
WEDDING SECRET #13. PUBLIC PROPERTY BELONGS TO YOU, TOO.
Did you know that many city and state-owned parks, gardens and historical buildings are available for ceremony and reception, at a mere fraction of the cost compared to a hotel or catering hall? The wedding industry keeps this information out of your hands, and public agencies don't promote it because they don't need the hassle. Just an example: the sprawling Greystone Mansion, the largest house in Beverly Hills, California, overlooks Los Angeles and is owned by the city of Beverly Hills. It's available for rent at less than $800.
WEDDING SECRET #14. TWO ISN'T BETTER THAN ONE.
Unless your ceremony site doesn't provide space for a reception, hold them both in the same place. For guests and vendors alike, it means less hassle. For bride and groom, it means less money.
WEDDING SECRET #15. CUT TIME TO SAVE A DIME.
Do you really need to be there for 8 hours? Many hotels and reception facilities charge overtime.
WEDDING SECRET #16. HAVE WEDDING, WON'T TRAVEL.
If you anticipate more than 25% of your guests are out-of-towners, we strongly suggest that you book a full-service hotel for ceremony, reception and group lodging.
WEDDING SECRET #17. DON'T PAY WITHOUT A CONTRACT.
Back in the day, oral contracts and handshakes used to be enough. These days, you can't risk your money on a location without a full contract that stipulates EXACTLY what you're getting. Don't count on unwritten promises.
WEDDING SECRET #18. DON'T COMPETE WITH THE SETTING.
A ceremony / reception site should enhance the mood and theme you seek. Don't make over a downtown hotel ballroom into an English garden. You'll save money by choosing a location that doesn't need much decorating to suit you.
WEDDING SECRET #19. RESEARCH A SITE BEFORE VISITING.
First, use the Internet to access critical information about a site. Contact the event coordinator and request materials and pricing. Is the coordinator responsive? Ask friends and family about the site BEFORE visiting.
WEDDING SECRET #20. ASK TO SEE THE SITE SET-UP FOR A CEREMONY / RECEPTION.
Seeing is believing. Not only will you get a glimpse of another couple's use of the space, it's a chance to observe how the site staff works under real world conditions.
WEDDING SECRET #21. VISIT SITES DURING THE TIME OF DAY YOU PLAN TO BE THERE.
This sounds obvious, but couples often cram site visits into an afternoon when the wedding is planned for an evening. Some ceremony and reception sites discourage visitors during events make arrangements beforehand.
WEDDING SECRET #22. EVENT PLANNERS ARE PEOPLE TOO.
And they like people who are honest, courteous and on-time. Don't hurt your chances at the competitive venues.
WEDDING SECRET #23. BEWARE OF HIDDEN RESTRICTIONS.
Ask about noise, alcohol, smoking ordinances and insurance requirements. Many religious sites mandate the use of their officiant and organist, and prohibit decorations.
WEDDING SECRET #24. IF YOU LOVE THE PLACE, MAKE A DEPOSIT.
Chances are the deposit is a fraction of the cost. If the deposit is prohibitive, ask for a "temporary hold" for a few days so you can reach an informed decision.
WEDDING SECRET #25. CEREMONY / RECEPTION "COMMISSIONS".
Every site has its lists of "preferred vendors." Few mention that they receive handsome kick-back payments for every referral. This doesn't help you locate professional vendors, it fattens the pockets of the site owners.
WEDDING SECRET #26. IF YOU CAN'T BEAT 'EM, JOIN 'EM.
Thinking if a private club or church? Join. Members often receive generous discounts / benefits plus extra attention from staff, because you're "one of them."
WEDDING SECRET #27. PITFALL: YOUR WEDDING MAY BECOME A LOW PRIORITY AT YOUR CHOSEN SITE.
At large hotels, convention halls and "wedding factories," the event department may be focused on the larger event on the same day. Avoid any reception site that caters to more than two weddings in the same 24-hour period.
WEDDING SECRET #28. HOW TO CHOOSE THE FLORIST.
First, choose from florists who design wedding flower arrangements for a living. Specialists know what it takes. Also, pick a florist who actually: 1) owns a flower shop and 2) has the trucks / transportation to get the flowers to the ceremony and reception sites. Pseudo-florists drop the ball because they lack these essentials for ensuring timely delivery and quality.
WEDDING SECRET #29. RECYCLE YOUR FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS / CENTERPIECES.
Save money, use the centerpieces for the ceremony site AND the reception tables. Many churches discourage the use of large floral arrangements and decorations; opt for portable centerpieces and you're all set.
101 WEDDING SECRETS
