A Few Things a Bride & Groom Should Know when Planning Their Reception

For me, the perfect place would be the one that requires very little money. A dream wedding for me would be a simple garden with lush foliage. It would be outside in the sunshine with young waiters/waitresses serving Champagne in elegant stemware, blooming cared for flowers, a water fountain and lush green grass. Trees to shade and blow in the breeze as an Ivy laced canopy envelopes the couple ready to take on the world. A simple wedding in a family or friends yard can be very special as well. If I had it to do over I probably would do the same thing. My reception was held in my Dad's back yard, in Stockton, CA., surrounded by family and friends that gathered around an inviting swimming pool, (that's another story),HERE As a small band played and cheer for all was to be had.

What to know first: Bride and Groom

When I took on this assignment I thought to myself I can do this. I searched on line for some of the big name places that I knew did wedding receptions and places that I had been to, but in my discoveries I found a lot of them wanted a date, amount of guests, and an appointment to sit down with a consultant, I just wanted a few questions answered so I can give my objective run down and honest opinion. I didn't want someone to call me back or a consultant to arrange my time. I found that some of the big name places were a little disorganized and wanted to take up too much of my time. I felt I got the run around and my questions didn't get answered.

Ryde Hotel

This beautiful Hotel sits on a bank of the Sacramento River with a sweeping view of the river up and down. The Ryde offers several options to customize your event. My Nephew got married here a couple of years ago. They customized their wedding day to include any and all attendees. We were given the choice to spend the night at the Hotel after the reception. The wedding was held in the beautiful garden and the reception just a few steps away gave everyone the chance to engage in a wonderful union. With dining and dancing the entire wedding party enjoyed a day to remember for a lifetime. With all details professionally managed a full service wedding package for 50-300 guests can range from $ 4,000 -$16,000. www.rydehotel.com.

Viaggio Winery

This quaint arrangement of a modern Villa took me to another world. Located west of Lodi on Taddei road, just off Bender rd., about 9 miles off of highway 99, take the Peltier exit and head west. 209)368-1378. This is a very spacious and elaborate experience.

Music is playing as you get out of your car and an acre or two of green lush landscape takes your breath away. A beautiful view of the Mokelumne River, Flowers, shrubs, verandas, covered, bricked patios with rustic furniture. Old world charm in a vineyard setting. I loved this place. Seating for 400 indoors to 600 outdoors. Full service Kitchen, Wedding planners are available to work out all the details. The most beautiful sight for me was their elegant white cement stairways that surround the manicured grounds. The Viaggio Winery has only been open since September of last year and they are working on a new wedding package. The rough estimate given to me to rent the facility for an afternoon in the summer would start out at about $3,000. www.viaggiowinery.com.

Grace Vineyards

Just North of Lodi, in Galt is the Grace Vineyards, simple, yet elegant. 28001 North Nichols Road An outdoor ceremony and reception for 225 people runs about $2,150. A $1,500. Deposit is required with a signed contract. Meals run about $29.00 per person. They have manicured gardens and a balcony to toss the bouquet. www.gracevineyards.net.

Lodi Grape Festival & Harvest Fair (an exceptional Value)

In the heart of Lodi is the user friendly Lodi Grape Festival grounds. 413 East Lockeford Street. Lodi, CA. 95241. Phone 209) 369-9185. I stopped in the office and inquired about using one of the Halls for a wedding reception. Two were offered for a reception that would be perfect for about 100 guests. They extended the use of an open cemented, patio. The halls have their own Kitchenettes and restrooms, along with a bar area. Price to rent the hall is $500.00 for the Burgundy Hall. A $ 250.00 non-refundable deposit and a $350.00 refundable cleaning and damage fee. Two Security Guards are required for $20.00 an hour. The Jackson Hall holds twice as many people for $1,000. Per day. I have been to this event center many times and I have never been disappointed.
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