Many factors will play a role in determining the best venue for your wedding reception, including your personal style, the size of your guest list and what you have planned for the ceremony. Will your nuptials be formal or casual? Do you prefer a formal ceremony and a more relaxed reception? How far are you willing to travel from the ceremony location to the reception location? Are lodging accommodations for out-of-town guests are requirement? All of these questions should be considered when making your rough list of venue options.

Once you have generated a rough draft of possible reception options, the next step is to acutally visit the locations on your list. Whether it's you unclue's backyard or the regional country club, the only way you'll truly be able to see if it's a viable option is to scope it out yourself. A lot of information can be gathered from yur first impressions.

If you are visiting a location that offers wedding packages or has a menu of on-site options, come prepared with the following questions. Pay attention to how the staff treats you on that first visit, as it may be an indication of how smoothly things will go on your wedding day.

• What are the different types of wedding packages you offer and what details are included?
  
  
• Is your facility availiable for my timeline?
  
  
• Will there be any other receptions held during my timeline?
  
  
• What do you anticipate your server to guest ratio to be for my event?
  
  
• Do you offer on-site catering and/ or wedding planners, and can you provide the cake as well?
  
  
• If I choose your venue, approximately how many hours will be included in the booking?
  
  
• Is there an additional fee to hold the ceremony at your locations, as well as the reception?
  
  
• What kind of lodging options can you provide for the wedding party and any out-of-town guests?
  
  
• What additional fees may not be included in your package price? Valet parking, open bar, etc?

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