I believe that the secret of planning a fabulous stress-free reception begins with finding the right venue. Let me offer some advice to help you avoid costly mistakes. As soon as the date is confirmed with the clergy, contact should be made with the manager of preferred venues to check on availability. If you do not have a place in mind, consider options such as hotels, banquet halls, historical sites, parks, art galleries or museums. In choosing the location, the convenience of guests must be kept in mind. By car, the location should not be more than half an hour from the ceremony site. Be sure that the site you have chosen is large enough to comfortably accommodate the number of guests you expect as well as provide the best seating arragements. Check to see how many events will be taking place at a multi-event location or how much time is allotted between events scheduled the same day. Review any restrictions the venue may have regarding the type, volume and duration of the music. Is there a public address system in house or do you need to provide one. Is there an adequate power supply for speakers, instruments and amplifiers? Does the facility provide a coordinator to cue the musicians for the first dance, toasts, cake cutting and the bouquet and garter toss? Just to insure that the details are covered you may wish to appoint a couple as assistant hosts to greet guests and manage the various events so that you and your parents are free to enjoy the party. And if you have seen to these details up front, you will enjoy your evening.
