How to choose the reception venue for my wedding in 5 steps

It is one of the most important providers of your wedding. Through these 5 steps, we guide you in this adventure to find the reception venue that corresponds to your event!

Finding the reception venue is one of the key points in planning D-Day, if not the most important. Given the multitude of services that depend on it (cocktail, banquet, party…), it will also be the most expensive element of the wedding. And, due to availability, it is necessary to book it first. Through these 5 steps, we guide you in this adventure so that it does not turn into an odyssey.

• Step 1. Location
• Step 2. Infrastructure
• Step 3. Exclusivity
• Step 4. Number of guests
• Step 5. Extras

Step 1. Location

Location and accessibility

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Although many couples choose a reception venue close to their residence, others decide to pack their bags and try their luck across France or abroad. Whatever its geographical location, the place must be easily accessible so that your guests can get there without any problems. Usually, it takes into account all possible means of transport, and sometimes provides vehicles for large groups.

Distance from the ceremony

Make sure the ceremony is not too far from the reception venue. If you are preparing to celebrate a religious wedding, you can go to properties with an adjoining chapel, or a space dedicated to civil weddings. If you prefer to separate the places, take into account the possible modes of travel and state simple instructions, so as not to discourage your guests.

Proximity to hotels

Some guests come from afar, others want to fully enjoy this evening without having to worry about responsibilities, in both cases these guests will need a place to sleep nearby. Then contact the accommodation (guest houses, hotels, etc.) nearby and try to obtain a group price. Rooms offered by some venues may also be a good option.

Step 2. Infrastructure

Total area

How is the location configured? How many meters is it? How many rooms does it have? Is there a garden ? Ask all these questions to find out what you really want and try to get the most out of your chosen venue. The square footage calculation is the key to knowing what you can organize.

Outdoor and indoor spaces

The different rooms can help you determine the highlights of your wedding, from the aperitif to the banquet until your first dance. Quiet corner or atypical place: it’s up to you to decide.

As for the gardens, we know that some weddings require a little greenery, especially if they are celebrated on sunny days. Regardless of the season, take a look at the open spaces to get an idea of what you want and narrow down your search.

Access facility

Taking into account all the guests, find out about the means of access to the different rooms of your reception venue. The elderly or people with reduced mobility, children or strollers sometimes have difficulty accessing certain places. Directions are also essential so that no one gets lost throughout the day.

Place of the ceremony

If you decide to get married in the church, there are spaces with chapels or parishes available. Some reception venues have places specially designed for secular ceremonies. This is the case of La Bastie de la Jonchère in the Drôme, which allows you to organize a beautiful outdoor ceremony in a setting that is both full of history and modernity! Check that the chosen venue considers these possibilities.

Alternatives to bad weather

A capricious weather can ruin a beautiful day if you are not sufficiently foresighted. Don’t trust mother nature and look for a space that offers an alternative in case of bad weather.

Step 3. Exclusivity

Celebration of several marriages

Be careful if within the chosen space, several weddings are taking place at the same time as yours. It is of paramount importance to inquire because the organization of the premises, with the provision of rooms and the garden, must be specified and delimited to avoid disappointments.

Limits and private space

In case you share the same place with other receptions, make sure you have set these limits beforehand in order to benefit from adequate privacy.

Number of hours available

Any reception venue has its schedules, especially if several weddings are organized in the same place. In this case, you must know the time allotted to you.

Step 4. Number of guests

Minimum number of guests required

Many places allow the celebration of all types of weddings, small and large. However, others do not accept very intimate weddings, so they impose a minimum of place settings. And since every wedding depends on the guests, ask for the minimum number of guests required to know if the game is worth the candle, but above all don’t proceed with additional invitations just to fill the space.

Capacity of the place

Likewise, it is also important to know the capacity of the venue, since there are too many weddings that cannot be celebrated anywhere. If you are expecting a large number of people, it is better to ensure the capacity and not eliminate invitations for the space. Your venue should fit your wedding, not the other way around.

Finally, it is also important to learn about the practices of the place in the face of a withdrawal: some do not count the part of an absent guest so do not hesitate to ask before facing the problem.

Deadline

This information will help you finish your guest list. When the response deadline has passed for your guests, you will be able to establish the number of guests present at your reception venue. If you are, however, unsure about the number of guests, turn to a more flexible provider who will be able to include or eliminate guests as you wish.

Step 5. Extras

open bar

Usually it is included in the final price but it is not systematic, so beware! Ask your place about its conditions, to avoid unpleasant surprises at the time of the bill.

Venue decoration and lighting

Very important: does the reception venue take care of the decoration or do you need to find an additional service provider? Keep in mind that many places add it as an ancillary service, so the final price varies depending. Also ask if you can consult your own providers, even if they already have decoration and lighting services. In the event that the space offers you its services and you are satisfied with them, you must know if you can intervene in the process or if you are obliged to accept their directives.

Facility

When setting up the tables and different spaces for the party, make sure you have a wide range of possibilities so that everything is to your liking. Each couple is a world, with their respective families, and you must be able to seat your guests as you wish, although there are always seating limits per table.

Security and parking

Do you want to avoid the intrusion of an unwanted guest? Consult the security services offered by the space, from specialized personnel to installations that limit passage. Also consult the emergency services available on site or the possibility of obtaining them quickly, as well as access to centers that provide security in all areas (hospitals, police stations, firefighters, etc.).

Next, make sure there is enough space to park cars and buses responsible for transferring guests. In case of lack of space, think of a plan B to avoid disorder when the guests arrive.

cancellation insurance

In a marriage, you always have to be pro-active because the expenses are very high. And although we wish you that everything goes well, the vagaries of life sometimes force the cancellation of the celebration. So, check, as a precaution, if the space has a cancellation service that ensures a minimum recovery of the amount advanced. Many places are not resistant to this eventuality, so inform yourself to limit the losses.