Make an appointment with the on-site planner before you show up. Take a list of questions and don't be afraid to be thorough.

Reception Perfection

Great parties start with great locations, so here are tips to find the right site for you

Your wedding reception: Finally, the time to exhale, and have some well-deserved fun with your partner, family and friends. But choosing a venue for your post-nuptial blowout can be as daunting as finding the perfect wedding dress, especially considering receptions account for the single largest wedding expense.

Some popular places to choose from are hotels meeting halls, lodges and restaurants. You may also want to consider some more unique reception locations such as historic sites, waterside venues, ski resorts and botanical gardens. (See our Reception Guide for ideas.)

GREAT EXPECTATIONS
Before you begin calling venues, consider your style and personality, the type of wedding you envision, the number of guests, your budget and the event's date and time. And be sure to examine your own great expectations. Write down some of your wedding fantasies, dating back to when you were a child. And don't forget the groom in all of this planning. Together you can make a list of "must haves" and a list of "must wants" that you can talk over. A wedding planner also can assist with this process.

CHECK FLEXIBILITY
Got a hankering for some personal touches on your wedding day? Do you see yourself swinging to a big band, dressed in full motorcycle regalia or eating cake in historical costumes? Make sure the site is amenable to those plans. Check out the venue's flexibility in other areas, too. Will the chef be open to your food suggestions? Are certain areas of the property off-limits to your guests? If you're planning an outdoor wedding, what is the site's contingency plan? Also, many sites have preferred vendor lists. If you have your heart set on using a vendor not on the property's list, make sure it is okay to do so.

SCHEDULING
Find out how many receptions a day your location books, and whether you will be hurried out after your allotted time is over. You don't want to be hit with exorbitant fees if your reception runs long. Also, don't forget that you'll need a minimum of two hours to set up, so if there's a lunch scheduled before your dinner reception, make sure you have enough time to get everything perfect before your guests arrive.

SPACE
Be certain there is sufficient and appropriate space. Will there be room for dancing at the reception? Even if you celebrate outdoors, is there ample space for food setup? Will other weddings be held at the site at the same time?

SPEND TIME ONSITE
Make an appointment with the on-site planner before you show up and spend time touring the facility. Take a list of questions, and don't be afraid to be thorough. Determine which details the facility will handle for you and which are your responsibility. Try to visit a potential reception site with an actual wedding set up so you can see first-hand how things are done.

PARKING
Find out if you can pay for valet for your guests ahead of time. And, don't forget to check out the parking situation for your vendors. You might need to pay for a parking lot. Or, consider transporting guests to the site via trolley, bus or van. You don't want to worry about logistics on the big day.

When the day arrives, don't worry about trying to control the flow. And don't let a few unexpected moments put a damper on your day.

MIND YOUR MONEY
Be sure to have a realistic budget when interviewing appropriate venues. We know it hurts, so be firm on how much you want to spend. Keep an eye on hidden costs and understand minimum fees. For example, ask if the champagne toast service requires an extra charge, if there are overtime charges for using the rooms, if the gratuity is included in the price, and if setting up and cleaning up are included in the final price.

If you need to cut costs, consider the libations. Eating and drinking may make people merry, but it can be hard on the pocketbook. For example, an open bar can invite guests to go overboard. Also, if your reception site provides sleeping rooms for guests, find out if special rates are available. And take advantage of packages that include a honeymoon suite.

BOOK IT
You've put in the time finding that location so now make sure all the legwork wasn't in vain. Reserve your date and send in your deposit as much as a year in advance so another lucky bride doesn't snap up your spot.

GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING
Reputable venues will send a contract covering the particulars. Read all clauses and fine print and question any area of confusion before you sign on the dotted line. And every time you negotiate a change, get a new price quote. Ask about deposits, refunds and cancellation terms.

WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE
When the day arrives, don't worry about trying to control the flow. And don't let a few unexpected moments put a damper on your day. This is your Big Day. The key is to relax and enjoy this start of your new life!

Be sure to visit our Reception Guide for a list of Alaska's top reception sites.