Where To Get Married?
Posted on May 02, 2008 under Uncategorized |
Resorts- Are a great place to have a wedding ceremony and reception. It is convenient for out-of-town guests who can stay at the resort. Ask for groups rates if you are reserving multiple rooms. Most resorts will usually throw in a complimentary nights stay for the Bride & Groom. Most resorts will comp the banquet room depending on the head count for dinner. Resorts can be very pricy and tough to book on certain dates. The key is to plan way ahead and be flexible. “Off -Days” can save you a lot of money as well as “Off-Months”. Resorts have better availability on days other than Saturday and “Off-Peak” months. Most resorts are now requiring the vendors to be insured (certificate of liability insurance). Remember, you must use their food and beverage, but you don’t have to use their A/V. Read your contract before you sign and let them know if you plan to use another A/V company. You can save literally thousands of dollars by out-sourcing any sound, stage, lighting, projectors and/or entertainment.
Country Clubs- Many golf courses have a country club with a banquet room and offer great outdoor scenic spots for the ceremony. Like resorts you usually have to use their food & beverage. Be aware that Country Clubs come in a variety of, Private, Semi-Private or Open to the Public.
If you are a member (Private) you should have use of the banquet room at no charge. If you are a member of a “semi-private” (membership not required) you should have use of the facilities and a reduced rate.
Wedding Venues- Designed exclusively for events (weddings, holiday/birthday/anniversary parties) Most of these venues will allow you to use your own catering company and give you much more flexibility than resorts and country clubs and are considerably less expensive. Some wedding venues will have a preferred list of vendors from which to choose from. Some wedding venues, due to their location, have restrictions on the sound level of the entertainment and usually will have a limitation on the duration of your event.
Halls- Usually someone needs to be a member in order for you to rent or use the banquet room. Most halls will allow you to use outside catering companies and might have time restraints.
Types of Venues
Church Halls- Usually someone needs to be a member in order for you to rent or use the banquet room. Some place restrictions on alcoholic beverages and entertainment. There are usually time constraints.
Restaurants/Bars- Having your reception here can save big bucks. Seldom will you pay for the room. You will be required to use their beverages in exchange for the free room. Some will require to use their food but not many. The entertainment (especially if at a bar/nightclub that has their own sound system and DJ) can save you hundreds of dollars alone. Usually they will charge $50-$100/hour for the DJ. (that’s $200-$500 versus $1200 for a DJ company)There are, however, restrictions on days and times when holding your wedding reception at a bar or restaurant.
Outdoor Events-Parks, Beaches and Backyards. There is nothing more exotic and romantic than getting married by a stream or at the beach but remember… You are at the mercy of Mother Nature.