Choosing a Wedding Location

It's your big day. You're excited. You're thrilled. You have no idea where to begin. Planning a wedding can seem like an overwhelming task and if you're not prepared for what's ahead it very well might be. But it doesn't have to be. After you've settled down a bit and your feet can finally touch the ground again it's time to get started.

First things first, you and your beloved-to-be need to sit down and talk about what's most important to you in regards to the day you will both say "I do." You'll need to establish a budget because without this you'll see lots of pretty things but have no idea whether you can afford them or not. Once you've both sat down and talked and set a budget you're ready to begin the fun stuff, looking for a location.

With so many places to choose from nowadays where do you begin? Well, let's start with the ceremony...in a church or other religious site or not? This will dictate the majority of your site planning as it will determine where the day begins. If you decide you want a church ceremony you should start contacting these places right away. Some churches require you are a member for at least one year prior to making marriage arrangements, other book up over a year in advance while some won't let you book more than nine months ahead of time.

While looking into these facilities also check into their marriage requirements. Do you both have to be of the same faith? Do you have to go through counseling sessions? Are these on site or take place during an "engagement weekend?" Do they have a dress code (no bare shoulders, etc.)? Things like this may greatly influence your decisions.

If you decide to forgo the church ceremony you're probably looking for somewhere that you can have both the ceremony and reception. Luckily there are tons of these. Unfortunately they range in price and grandeur from $25 a person to $250 and over. It is absolutely mind blowing. To make things simpler pick up a regional bridal magazine and they have issues with the top venues for wedding. They break them down in a chart that lists the name of venue, city, it's highlight and things that separate it from other locations, maximum capacity and price range per head. This will quickly eliminate a fair percentage of locations and condense your list. Now it's time to think a little further. Do you want...

Golf Course
Pros: It's always green! There is great scenery, typical fair weather, and it's pleasant. Also it's cheaper than a winery with some of the same outdoor ambiance.
Cons: There may be golfers in the background of your photos and video or someone on a loud speaker/intercom in the middle of your vows. Also, not all golf courses can accommodate really large wedding parties, so if your guest list is over 250 you can look into them but don't be disappointed if they can't accommodate you.

Wineries
Pros: Absolutely gorgeous! Your photos and video are sure to be stunning. Also your guests will enjoy sampling the numerous choices of wine most wineries offer during these delightful occasions. The food's not so bad either! Great for intimate weddings.
Cons: Cost. Wineries are quite expensive. A $100+ a head it adds up real quick. Probably not the place to go if you have a large party.

Banquet Facilities
Pros: Good food, great prices! Banquet facilities can hold a large number of people and are usually set up for djs, dancing and have audio/visual equipment on hand to show those photo montages of you two growing up.
Cons: It needs more decorating to spice it up. Also, not all banquet facilities have ceremony sites.

Hotels
Pros: You have everything in one location; ceremony site, reception and a place to stay for the bride, groom and out of town guests! Hotels are well equipped to host a wedding and reception, they have staff that does nothing but this. Good for large groups.
Cons: More expensive than a banquet facility and still needs some decorating help to make it your own, but less than the previously mentioned.

Private Residences
These are gems. They're tough to come by and when you do find them it's a hit and miss venture. Either you love it, it's perfect, but way out of budget or it's alright, we'd have to cut down the guest list but they do have nice table settings. Like I said, hard to fit. But, when they do, it's a magical experience for all involved. Some residences have private lakes, gardens, lots of trees or treehouses. They're all unique and they'll make your day that much more special. Prices and maximum capacities vary as much as the wind. Be sure to ask about extra costs, hidden fees and incidentals though as these places don't always have their prices set in stone.

Wherever you decide to have you wedding I am sure it will be a wonderful day as long as you enter it will an open mind, great attitude and smile on your face, oh and a little bit of love doesn't hurt either!