Planning Your Wedding – Partner with Local Professionals

One of the most important steps in your wedding planning strategy is choosing a ceremony and reception venue. To a certain degree, it is your circumstances and budget requirements that define the location of your wedding . First and foremost, the place should be an environment that fits your desires before you consider the input from family and friends (there will be tons of input!). 

Do not worry too much about tradition, if it isn’t your thing, or what your friends and your family like and say you should do. If you, the bride and groom, pay for everything, you need to be much less concerned with what other people think of your location. If your parents pay for it, your decision should probably be much more democratic.

Most importantly, you’ll want to create an environment that will be unique and memorable for you and your guests. It sounds simple, but it is easier said than done. To be successful, you must be very clear about what you are looking for in a venue. Are you looking for an intimate environment, do you want to get married on a sandy beach, in a five-star hotel, or in your parents’ house you grew up in?

Even though churches are the most common wedding ceremony locations, it is OK to look elsewhere. There is an endless list of possibilities for wedding ceremony locations. You may decide to have your ceremony held at a hotel ballroom, a beautiful house, a clubhouse, a botanical garden, a romantic beach, a park, and the list goes on and on.

It may be beneficial to have the wedding ceremony and the reception in the same physical location. It can simplify logistics such as transportation, and it can potentially save you a lot of money.

Remember, if you select a popular location there will be many other couples interested, so plan ahead and book your venue early. The sooner you start your search the more options you will have.

You should have the following list at hand when considering a wedding reception/ceremony venue:

1. Venue – The cost of the venue and the amount of deposit required often is the most important consideration.
2. Food & Drink – What is your budget per person? Who is going to pay for it?
3. Capacity – You should make sure the facility could accommodate the number of guests you are planning to invite.
4. Cancellation Policy – How much time in advance do you have to cancel in case of emergencies or if you change your mind about a vendor?
5. Music – Are you looking for a DJ or a live band for the ceremony and the reception? is there a noise ordinance at your wedding location that you should be aware of? 
6. Accessibility – Do they have handicap access? Is there public transportation available?

… and the list goes on.

I highly recommend that you take advantage of working with wedding industry professionals. They will consult with you and find the perfect wedding venue, catering, entertainment, florist, make-up/ hair stylists, photographer, officiant for you and save you tons of time and headaches making these all-important choices.

Visit the Savannah Wedding Vendors website and explore a wide range of local vendors who can help you with your planning.