How to Choose the
perfect site for Your Wedding Story
When:
six months to one year before (or as soon as possible)
Choosing a wedding site that is just right for you
can be a lot of fun. If possible, both the bride and groom should
attend all interviews.
Take with you a note pad and pen to write down important information
and questions that may arise during your interview.
Before you start looking, make a list of all the things you would
like to have at your wedding site ( a piano, a winding staircase,
a gazebo) as well as a list of places. In the end your final choice
will be determined by your budget, your wedding theme, the atmosphere
you want to create at your wedding, your interests, and your guests.
Location will be one of the most important aspects
of your wedding so carefully decide what will make yours a special,
one-of-a-kind wedding event.
There are many options including a do- it- yourself
wedding (with the help of family and friends )Here is a list of ideas
for wedding sites to get you started.
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A do- it- yourself wedding in a home,
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Rent an auditorium, possibly at the college where
you met
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A public or private beach - you may need permit
and or license
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A full service Bed and Breakfast
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A full service Country Club
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A public or private garden.
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A Gazebo makes a wonderful setting for a wedding
ceremony
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House of Worship
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Mansions
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Museums -some museums offer celebration rooms
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Parks, Great for a do- it -yourself wedding
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Ranch - Great for a designation wedding
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Resorts- Again great for a designation wedding
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Stadiums -Great for sport fans, plenty of room.
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Yachts or Cruise Ships - Designation Wedding.
Choose the site that best
meets you and your guests needs and budget but have an alternative
site just in case.
Full Service Wedding
Sites and Facilities
There are many facilities and
Wedding sites that can take care of every little detail regarding
your ceremony and reception. But even with this type of service you'll
still need to attend to your personal needs such as, attire, wedding
accessories and wedding gifts for each other, family, and wedding
attendants.
Sites available on
a rental basis
There are many wedding sites
that are available on a rental basis. Some provide only the space,
while others may provide tables,chairs and possibly linens, tableware,
flatware and glassware as well. Some of these sites may have a working
relationship with selected caterers and may be able to recommend other
wedding service providers and vendors.
Public Sites
Public parks, beaches and gardens
make great wedding sites and are perfect for do it yourself weddings.
They offer you the opportunity to express yourselves in an unconfined
atmosphere. Most are free to use but you'll need to do the majority
of the planning and contracting. Your first step is to find if you
need any permits and or licenses. If you do, obtain them.
Home Wedding
Many apartment complexes, condominums,
mobil home parke and gated communities have club houses for their
residents´ use. So whether you choose to have your wedding in
a home or a club house, you'll need to be in charge. Do recruit your
family and friends and assign them appropriate tasks. Most will be
honored to be asked and excited to be a contributing part of your
wedding.
How to Find Wedding Sites:
Once you have chosen the type of wedding site
you want for your wedding, do the following:
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Ask your family, friends and acqaintances for
recommendations
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Attend bridal shows
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Search the yellow pages under the appropriate
category
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Either call or visit the facility and request
a brochure specific to weddings
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Check the internet for local wedding sites and
go to their websites. Bookmark or add to your favorite list (create
a folder titled "Wedding Sites") the websites that are
agreeable.
When calling or visiting a potential wedding site, ask yourself
these questions, the answers will help you determine whether or
not the site is right for you and your guests:
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Were you greeted cordially?
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Were you able to obtain the information you requested
in a timely manner?
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Were the people you spoke with helpful? Too helpful
and eager?
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Do you like the look and feel of the location?
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Did they provide you with the information you
are looking for?
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Does it show or tell about unique one-of-a-kind
weddings ?
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Did you find a clearly posted name, address, phone
and email contact?
Place the brochures in a folder titled "Wedding Sites"
until you are ready to choose a few favorites.
What to Expect of
the Representative of the Facility:
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A name and contact number of each person you
may be working with within the facility.
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A brochure that explains what is offered and any
exclusions, rules, regulations and options.
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References
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A tour of the facility so you may check their
amenities.
Some questions you
may want to ask about the facility:
*Not all questions will apply to all facilities,
use your own good judgement as to what questions need to be asked.
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Are there bathrooms on the premises?
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Are there garbage recepticles on the premises?
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Are there electric outlets on the premises?
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What are the hours available for a wedding?
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Is there a parking area close by?
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How long have you been accomodating wedding parties
?
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How many wedding clients have you served?
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Do you have an in-house wedding coordinator?
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Do you offer a bridal package?
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What are your rates for the different packages
and what are the options available?
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Can you recommend wedding vendors and service
providers your customers had a good experience with?
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Do you offer any discounts?
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What additional expenses may be charged?
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Do you provide an insured and bonded babysitting
service?
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How much and by when will we need to put down
the deposit?
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What is the latest time frame for making changes?
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Will you provide us with a written contract?
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Does the contract include a 3 day cancellation
clause?
* If you don't plan to include children in your
reception, rather than alienating guests with children you might consider
providing a babysitting service for a certain amount of time.
After you have made your choice, you will need to receive a written
contract signed and dated by the person in charge. The contract
must include all of your responsibilities and all of the responsibilities,
warranties and guarantees offered by the facility. Read each contract
very carefully, even the fine print. Be sure that you understand
it fully and agree with all the terms. If you have questions, concerns,
or are uncertain, be sure to contact the person in charge before
signing anything. Throughout most of the United States you should
have three full days to examine the contract (don't assume this,
ask!) and be able to cancel with no penalties if you need to.
Beauty
tips for the Bride