Once you get engaged, one of the things that you are going to think about is planning your reception. But it’s hard to choose the right place to have it. It’s going to be one of the biggest costs and a lot of the other things that you decide will also depend on it.
You’ll want it to be perfect, but before you start looking at different venues, you want to think about the fact that there are advantages and disadvantages for each of them. We’re going to look at some of the most popular choices and what each has to offer and what their drawbacks are.
Banquet Hall
This is one of the most popular venues that people choose when it comes to their wedding. But it also comes with many advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- They do a lot of weddings. That means that they are very skilled in putting on a great show for you and your partner.
- There are likely a variety of rooms that you can choose from.
- They are often very large, so it won’t be a matter of how many guests you can invite.
- A lot of them will offer packages that include everything, so you don’t have to worry about a lot of legwork.
Disadvantages:
- This choice isn’t very unique and it can be hard to personalize your wedding so that it fits your style.
- Chances are that you’ll have to handle your own décor, and this can be a big task since a lot of them are pretty boring and bland.
- A lot of times there is a minimum when it comes to drinks and food, so it’s not a good choice for something smaller.
Art Gallery
Art galleries are something that has been added to the wedding venues recently and they can be a fun choice for art loving couples.
Advantages:
- It’s a memorable and unique setting for you as a couple and your guests.
- Since there is gorgeous art around, your décor budget won’t have to be as big.
- It’s going to offer a lot of opportunities for neat photos.
Disadvantages:
- It’s possible you’ll have to give a huge deposit in case any of the art is damaged.
- You may not be able to personalize it a whole lot.
- Based on the gallery, you may not have a lot included, so you’ll probably have to rent your own tables and chairs and arrange for catering by yourself.
Hotel
Hotels are a very popular place to have wedding receptions for a number of reasons.
Advantages:
- You’ll have a place for you, your bridal party, and guests to stay before and after the wedding. You may even get a discount.
- No worries about parking and guest transportation, which can be complicated and a headache.
- A lot of independent, small hotels will let you to rent out the entire place for the wedding weekend.
- It’s possible you’ll have access to more than one space, so you’ll have a place to have your ceremony, your cocktail hour and your reception in different spots, and not have to pay more than one venue fee.
Disadvantages:
- Some of the hotels will require that you’re using the vendors they recommend.
- At the larger chain hotels, you run the risk that you’re not going to be the only huge event or wedding while your wedding is going on. You’ll also be dealing with other guests.
- The space might be bland, requiring a lot of money and work so that you can personalize it.
Backyard
If you’re having a wedding on a budget or you’re not having a big wedding, a backyard wedding is a great choice.
Advantages:
- No fees for renting or any other expenses charged by some venues.
- You will have the most flexibility when it comes to time, date or other types of rules.
- It’s going to have a very intimate and personal feel.
Disadvantages:
- You’ll have to do everything yourself. You will be thinking of all the details, such as parking and porta potties. Think of Father of the Bride with Steve Martin.
- You’ll have to do all of the cleanup, and this isn’t going to be a lot of fun after your wedding.
- You will have to make sure there’s a lot of space to have a tent or, if it rains, that there is ample space indoors for your guests.
Outdoor Venues Like the Beach
Love the outdoors? Then why not have your wedding outside?
Advantages:
- You are going to find some amazing scenery when you have your wedding outside, like in a vineyard, on a hilltop or on a beach.
- You don’t need much décor since it’s going to be outside.
- There won’t be a problem with the amount of space.
Disadvantages:
- Being outside, you are going to be at the mercy of the weather. It’s a good idea to have a back-up place in mind just in case it rains.
- Even when it’s sunny, there’s going to be the problem of bright sunshine blinding you. You also could have a problem with gusts of wind messing up your hair and clothes.
- You may not have a lot of control over what day it is.
Destination
Destination weddings are the thing these days. They are a lot of fun, but they come with drawbacks.
Advantages:
- You get to take a vacation and have your wedding in a gorgeous place.
- Since all the guests are simply there for you, it’s great to plan some group outings and activities before and following the wedding.
- When you’re far away, your day is going to be much more memorable.
- You can have your wedding and honeymoon right there! No traveling after the wedding!
Disadvantages:
- You’re going to be doing your planning from far away, and this can make it very stressful.
- It’s going to exclude the guests who aren’t able to spend the money or time to take the trip.
- Adding hotel and travel costs to the expenses can make the wedding very expensive.
As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to every type of wedding venue. Which one you choose will largely depend on your budget and the type of wedding you want to have.
Contact All Event Party Rental
Planning a wedding or other outdoor family party in Naples, Bonita Springs or Marco Island? We can help you celebrate outside with a family gathering under a tent. Rely on our professional staff for tables, chairs and beautiful linens to complete the celebration.
