How to choose a venue:

1.  Do you plan to marry in a church or synagogue, and then move somewhere else for the reception?  Or do you prefer the convenience of having the wedding ceremony and reception all under one roof?  Factors such as ease of transport from service to reception will be important when planning your church wedding.

2. Make a list of all possibilities, and then call them to check the availability on the day you and your beloved have decided to wed. This will narrow down your search, as venues tend to book up quickly and some may not even be available on your desired date.  It’s a good idea to reserve your venue from six months to a year before your actual wedding. If you have your heart set on a particular venue, you may have to be flexible about the date.

3. Put together a tentative guest list of family and friends you think will be at the wedding.  Then, look only for venues that can accommodate that number of guest. If you plan on inviting the whole town, you’ll need a large hall that fits all those hundreds of people. If you plan on having a smaller affair, you can choose something more cozy.  Find out when the venue of choice needs to have a head count.

4. Discuss your wedding budget with your spouse-to-be, and decide how much money you can devote to the wedding venue. Some venues charges a flat fee, while others charge per hour. Some provide special packages that you may be able to work into your budget. You should als0 find out whether they offer discounts on certain days, like a Thursday or Sunday. Once you decide on a venue, make sure to find out when deposits and payments are due.

5. Ask the wedding venue director what items are included in the price. Some venues offer tables, linens, chairs, and even decorations, while other venues offer only the space that you will need to fill. Be sure to find out if a set-up or clean-up fee is included in the price, and how much time before and after the wedding will be needed to do so.

6. Find out whether the venue offers only in-house catering or if they allow outside caterers.  If you and your fiance have dietary needs, or have your hearts set on a particular menu, this will play a part in your decision.  If the catering is in-house, inquire whether it is also included in the price.

7. Do you want to be married outdoors? Look for a place that will host an outdoors wedding ceremony and/or reception, but make sure they have a provisional space in case of bad weather, too. Also, find out if the venue offers changing rooms for the bridal party and groomsmen.

8. If you and your spouse-to-be plan on serving alcohol, discuss any rules or restrictions they may have. Some venues allow you to bring in your own liquor, while others make you use their own in-house bar and bartender.

9. Bands and other forms entertainment can take up a large amount of space, as can a dance floor, so decide when and where you want the entertainment to take place, and check that there will be enough space available.

10. Parking may be a consideration for your guests. Some venues offer valet parking (which you can choose to cover) while others offer adequate-sized parking lots for all of your guests.

Types of Venues:

Your perfect wedding can take place just about anywhere you want it to, but here are some of the most popular choices, brought to you by WeddingPath.

Historic wedding reception venue. Castles, country houses and stately homes are among the locations many dream of for their big day. If your budget can stretch to it, this offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy the use of a stunning building.

Hotel wedding reception. There are so many different types of hotel that there’s likely to be something for everyone, from traditional to ultra-modern. Having accommodation on the spot is, of course, a big plus.

Marquee wedding reception. If you have access to spacious gardens or other outdoor space, a marquee, or tent, could be worth considering. Many people are surprised at how pricey it can be to hire a marquee for their wedding, but the plus side is that you can take control of wedding catering and could save a considerable amount by providing your own alcohol.

Sports or social club wedding reception. Different types of club premises can be perfect for a wedding reception. Do plenty of research and you could find one that’s in a stunning location, too. For example, some sailing or rowing clubs have picturesque waterside views, and can often be hired at a reasonable price, certainly compared to other popular wedding venues.
Restaurant or pub wedding reception. Food and drink are among the main ingredients for a successful wedding reception, so where better to head than to a lovely restaurant or pub? Bear in mind that you’re more likely to find a good match if your wedding party is smaller, and if you’re lucky you might even be able to escape the heavy costs that are often quoted as soon as you mention the ‘w’ word!

Things to watch out for!

Wedding prices. Don’t fall for over-inflated prices. Whether it’s sky-high drinks or hidden costs in the small print, you don’t want to feel exploited, so vote with your feet if you feel it’s not worth it.

Wedding venue staff. Do they seem experienced and professional? Are they flexible and willing to adapt to your needs? This will be a major factor in how smoothly your day runs.

Wedding venue facilities. Is the venue accessible for guests with a disability? Is there appropriate seating for the elderly and/or young children?

Wedding guest accommodation. Is there a reasonable range of accommodation (hotels, guest houses, etc) within easy access of the venue?

Wedding transport. Is there enough parking for guests who drive, and decent transport links for those who don’t?

Wedding venue restrictions. Does the venue impose limitations that could put a damper on your celebration? Some stipulate no loud music after a certain time, others don’t like confetti or candles, and certain (usually historical) venues forbid high-heeled shoes for fear of their flooring being damaged.

Wedding photography. Plenty of natural light in your venue will mean better pictures. You might also want to check that there are plenty of appealing outdoor spots close at hand.

Wedding decoration. Are table linen, flowers, place cards and other decorations included in the quoted price, or will you have to provide your own?

Wedding extras. Check the availability of extras such as a cake stand and cake knife. Many wedding venues will lend you these, but having to hire them separately adds to your hassle and your wedding expenses.

Photo from countymarquees.com

Not to keep rubbing it in… but with the barrage of news stories like these, what can you expect!?

Although some may say weddings are “recession-proof” (we can hope!) these headlines seem to differ….

Wine-country weddings, recession style

Budget-minded brides seek out thrifty elegance

Brides make mad dash for discounted wedding dresses

Budget Brides: Planning a wedding during a recession

10 Ways to have a Frugal but Fabulous Wedding

So we know all about the recession, the layoffs, the foreclosures. What it all means for couples getting married is that shelling out tens of thousands for a one-day event probably isn’t the smartest investment. According to the Press Democrat, a recent study published in the Wedding Report, said the average spending on weddings fell by 24 percent in 2008, to about $22,000. “Everyone is looking to save a little,” said Santa Rosa caterer Rob Gronbach, who’s been doing local and “destination” weddings for 19 years. “There’s a lot of apprehension, a lot of foot-dragging.”

So now, brides and grooms are opting for a more basic wedding that leaves them with money for a down payment, a new car, or just to tuck away as a nest egg. Brides and grooms are shopping around for the best deals, cutting costs wherever they can, and trying to plan as far in advance as possible. Here are still more ideas on how to have a Frugal but Fabulous Wedding, from Boston.com.

1.What Matters the Most?

You may want to pick one or two things to make really special, rather than spread your money around and do everything minimally, advises Linda Matzkin, owner of Hopple Popple Inc. event planners in Newton. She suggests putting in order what matters most to you, such as food, music, flowers, keepsake album, and so on. Then you’ll know which vendors to splurge on and where to economize.

2. Say No to Third Cousins

Inviting every distant relative and co-worker is really what makes budgets balloon, according to Samantha Goldberg, a television personality and celebrity event designer in New Jersey. “Just include your nearest and dearest.”

3. Forgo that Saturday night June wedding

Avoiding Saturdays or considering off-season months can save bundles. A Friday night during peak periods or a weekend in January, February, or March can sometimes save almost 25 percent, says Daniel Briones, president of the National Association of Catering Executives. “And winter weddings,” he adds, “can be quite beautiful.”

4. Get Thee to a Wedding Planner

It may sound odd to economize by hiring someone to do things you could do yourself, but wedding planners save you more than just time. “You’ve never done this before. How do you know you’re getting the best value without an expert?” asks Briones, who’s also director of catering at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia. Wedding planners know vendors in every price range and can also spare you from making costly mistakes in contract negotiations. And couples on a small budget shouldn’t be intimidated about calling for an appointment, she adds. “Many companies like ours work on labor and consultation fees, not a percentage of the overall cost. We have no vested interest in how much someone spends,” she says. At the very least, she suggests buying Mindy Weiss’s The Wedding Book: The Big Book for Your Big Day, published last spring, for tips on planning and economizing: “It’s the best I’ve read.”

5. Dine early, Dine for less

The timing of your meal can save you money!  “A meal during the day is less expensive than a dinner, and people consume less alcohol,” Briones explains. Consider a late Saturday afternoon lunch or a Sunday brunch.  Regarding buffets, it’s a mistake to think it will cost less than a served meal because it requires less staffing. Not only do buffets require more food to be displayed, but “people tend to serve themselves more than they’re possibly going to eat.”

6. Surprise me! Saving on centerpieces

Rather than picking the type of flowers, pick a talented florist who can design something spectacular with what’s readily available. Special orders are what drive up the prices of centerpieces and bouquets, while “stock” flowers — in-store your wedding week — tend to be quite reasonable. Or, Goldberg suggests, buy wide-diameter bark or pillar candles and sprinkle rose petals around them on the table. You get romantic lighting and a bargain centerpiece all in one.

7. Dim the lights

And speaking of mood lighting, Goldberg maintains it can totally transform any space inexpensively. “It re-creates everything and really impacts your photos.” Dimmed chandeliers, flickering candles, and amber-tinted bulbs can be directed on the table linens and guests’ faces to make the room positively glow, she says. “The venue can have the ugliest carpeting, and with the right lighting, no one will ever notice.”

8. Choose Rings With a Past

That gorgeous diamond you covet might be a bargain at an antiques store or estate sale. Another option: Visit the website IDoNowIDont.com, where people sell their new and vintage diamond rings (certified, and often with a fun history) with payments not processed until you’re satisfied. The site claims you can find rings up to half off their original price.

9. Go the Distance

Exchanging vows on an exotic island can actually lower your wedding budget. “First, the couple is already in their honeymoon destination,” says Susan Biemans, co-owner of the Bucuti Beach Resort in Aruba, named last year as one of the top 10 romantic resorts in the world by TripAdvisors. Other reasons, according to Biemans: Resorts see weddings as a draw to fill hotel rooms, so they reduce catering and service fees; fewer guests are willing to travel, which cuts down your list; and when the backdrop is a sunset over the ocean, even a simple, inexpensive arch with flowing linens and a few flowers looks amazing.

10. Avoid an outrageous registry

Sure you can register for a pricey china pattern you otherwise couldn’t afford, but in this economy, how many will you actually receive? Take advantage of today’s mix-and-match trend, says Sheri Singer, registry manager at Bloomingdale’s. A basic white china pattern can be transformed when combined with an exquisite charger and salad plate. Or mix dramatic champagne flutes with less expensive glasses, made even more glamorous if all are tinted different colors.

1. Determine a Date

Choosing a wedding date can be tougher than you’d think. There are a few things to consider:

• How much time will you need to prepare for your wedding?
• Do any loved ones having a conflicting graduation, vacation, or pregnancy due date?
• Availability of a particular place, caterer, band, or photographer.If you have your heart set on any of these crucial vendors, that may also play a large part in your decision.
• Try to avoid dates of big conventions or other events that draw large crowds, since that might make it harder for out-of-town guests to get hotel rooms. Find out more wedding dates to avoid here

2. Set a Timetable

Consider is how long your engagement will be.  A typical engagement lasts anywhere from six months to a year and a half or more. If you got engaged during the holidays but always wanted a summer wedding, make sure you’ve got enough time to plan without making yourselves wedding-crazy, and keep in mind that many vendors and reception sites book a year or more in advance.

3. Envision the Style

Your wedding style will be reflected first and foremost in the location, whether it’s a luxe ballroom or an intimate backyard reception. Discuss with your fiance where your wedding will take place (in one of your hometowns or in the city where you currently live, for example), and then start scouting sites that can accommodate your wedding style.

4. Set Your Budget

In the end, dollars, not dreams, are a main determining factor for the size and style of your wedding. So, what affects the price tag?

• Formality: In general, the more formal the reception, the more expensive, considering you’ll have to match the site, food, and decor to the overall upscale tone.
• Date and time: Saturdays, summer months, and evenings tend to be the most costly times to have a reception.
• Location: In many cases, a wedding in a major metropolitan area is simply more expensive than in a smaller town.

5. Announce Your Engagement

Call your local newspaper, your alumni magazine, and anywhere else you want your engagement announcement to appear. Find out the name of the appropriate editor or department and ask for the writer’s guidelines or a standardized form, if available. Also, ask if there’s a fee for publication. You can also broadcast the news on your blog, by email, or by creating a wedding web page.

6. Choose Your Attendants

Although not mandatory, some like to honor their closest friends and family members by including them in the wedding parties. Remember, the earlier you ask, the sooner you can enlist their help.  Usually members of the wedding party are agreeing to spend their hard-earned money and donate their precious time, so be considerate and kind, keep them informed, and make sure they know how much you appreciate them.

7. Make a Guest List

Location and budget will have a big influence on the size of your guest list.  If you have a particular ceremony or reception site in mind, for instance, you’re going to be limited by how many people it can accommodate (you can’t squeeze 300 people into a lighthouse). And more guests you invite means a bigger bill, as catering costs are generally calculated on a per-head basis. So figure out how many people you can accommodate, and then work on filling it in with those nearest and dearest to you.

8. Consider a Consultant

If you’re a super-busy couple, hire a full-time wedding consultant to help you prepare your entire event, from the announcement to the honeymoon. You can also hire a part-time planner to devise a wedding blueprint — including budget, schedule, and lists of good vendor and site choices — before you launch solo into the preparations. Another option is a day-of coordinator, who will make sure everything goes as planned on your wedding day so you can relax and enjoy yourself.

9. Start Gown Shopping

It’s never too early to begin thinking about your wedding dress. Start by figuring out which style will look best on you. Learn the lingo by reading up on silhouettes, necklines, trains, and hues that might flatter you. Season will also affect your choice. Summer gowns are made with lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, linen, or organza. A winter wedding calls for brocade, faux fur, and velvet fabrics to keep you warm. Satin, shantung, silk, and tulle are perfect year-round.

Hopefully these tips will be helpful to you as you start planning for your big day! We wish you only happiness as you plan your wedding and prepare for the marriage that comes after it! Congratulations!

• Trim the guest list. Invite only the people you feel close to. “You really don’t need to invite everyone you know or have a party of 20 bridesmaids,” says Maria McBride, an editor at Brides magazine.

• Do-it-yourself invitations. “Paper is cheap and most people have a computer, word processing software and a decent printer already at home, which makes invitations an easy way to save some cash and be creative,” says the owner of DIYBride.com.

• Be your own DJ.Creating your own iPod playlist for the evening saves cash and makes sure you won’t hear the “Funky Chicken” for the third time.

• Make it a brunch or a cocktail party. If you want a cheaper menu, switch up the time of day or stick to finger food. (Note that a buffet isn’t always cheaper than a sit-down meal.)

   

   

• Raise the bar. An open bar is a big expense, even though most guests will stick to champagne and wine. Instead, create a specialty cocktail or two and choose a mid-level wine. Try to work out a deal to return any wine your guests don’t drink.

   

   

• Use simple flowers. Maria McBride, author of “Party Basics for New Nesters,” suggests spreading an affordable flower like daisies or babies breath everywhere, creating foliage-only centerpieces, or putting small plants into an affordable clay or glazed pot. Or make your own vase out of recycled tin cans or wine bottles.

   

   

• Create your own centerpieces. Candles or fruit can save money and look pretty in batches. “Mass out votives everywhere, cluster them in groups of 10 — it enhances the mood and it offers the most affordable bang for the buck,” McBride says.

   

   

• Think rustic. Decor that looks cheap in a hotel ballroom can be charming in a backyard, farm or vineyard. Just pick a spot that specializes in special events, or you’ll be saddled with unfortunate extras, like port-a-potties.

   

   

• Forget the favors. It may seem like a small expense, but even cheap trinkets add up when you have a lot of guests. Odds are, there will be no complaints if you skip the favor entirely. Who needs another place-card picture frame or heart-shaped soaps? (If you still want a favor, try something edible like homemade cookies baked by your bridesmaids!)
  

1) Name the city I’m living in now.

2) Name at least two of my closest friends.

3) Name my current employer and my past employer.

4) Do I have any kids?

5) Do you know the name of my fiancé? Bonus question: Where and when did we meet?

6) Do you know where my parents are and whether they are still alive?

7) Name at least two of my hobbies.

How old am I?

9) Where did I go to college?

10) Name my last boyfriend before this engagement. Bonus question: if you can name the last two and why we broke up. If you get the bonus question right, that might automatically get you in.

Audry Irvine claims that this is a tactic she’d love to use to weed out unwanted wedding guests. Anyone who answered less than half the questions right would not be invited to the wedding.

Humorous of not, you don’t really need a silly quiz like that to decide who to invite to your wedding.  Making a guest list should not be all that confusing or burdensome. Remember, it’s about having those near and dear to you share the most special day of your life! If they are NOT near or dear, don’t invite them! If you posses a little delicacy and common sense, you’ll do jut fine.  I’d suggest asking YOURSELF the following questions:

1. Who do I love the most? This one’s easy! If the thought of your old college roommate makes you smile, even if you haven’t spoken to her in years (and she may not know the name of your employer or your past boyfriends) invite her!

2. Who am I obligated to invite? This generally includes family members, even the ones you don’t know well or don’t really like.  And yes, you do have to invite your dad, even though he lives in Alaska and never even sends you a holiday card. That’s called RESPECT.

3. Talk to your parents about a few close friends they want to invite. (Key word is “few,” unless your parents are helping you pay for the wedding.) Even though it is your day, your parents are proud of you and what to share your big day with their closest friends too. This goes for in-laws’ friends as well. Unless you like being completely selfish, this is the right thing to do.

“Behind the Wedding Scenes” blog suggests removing entire categories to help keep the guests to a minimum. “Decide no kids, no work-related people, no relations beyond first cousins, no dates for singles, no redheads.”

If you find that even with all this trimming and cutting you still have too many people on your list, consider cutting something else. Maybe you can skip the wedding favors or reduce the amount of flowers. Use a DJ instead of hiring a band.  Search the web for many more ways to cut wedding costs and do-if-yourself options, and put the money saved toward expanding your guest list.

“Behind the Wedding Scenes” also suggest making it hard for a large number of people to attend:

• Hold the wedding in the middle of the week.
• Hold the wedding at a distant location.
• Require formal attire or elaborate, expensive costumes.
• Hold the wedding at an inconvenient time (6am).

And a little more helpful advice:

• Send out the invitation six to eight weeks before the event. As you get negative responses, send out your “B list” invitations to people who didn’t make the cut. Stop sending invitations out a month before the wedding date; last-minute invitees will realize their status and be insulted.
• Manage expectations among potential guests. Let it be known that you plan on a small wedding so that no one is really expecting to be invited. If an invitation arrives, the invitee will be deeply flattered, but those who are not invited will not be hurt–at least that’s the theory.
• You are expected to include spouses, fiances or long-term live-in companions of your guests. If a guest is only casually dating, you are not obliged to extend an invitation to his date.
• If you forget to invite someone, the next time you see them act annoyed with them for not sending back the RSVP card.