Wedding

5 Things to Look For When Choosing a Wedding Reception Hall

“Will you marry me?”

The following 48 hours after getting a “yes” is one of the most blissful periods you’ll ever experience. That enthusiasm will soon shift to the demanding task of planning the wedding ceremony and atlanta wedding reception dj

The wedding services industry is worth more than $57 billion and growing. Many soon-to-be newlyweds spend a large portion of their wedding budget on the venue. 

If you’re asking, “How can I find the best reception halls near me?”, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should know about choosing a suitable reception hall. 

1. Choose the Best Size

Narrow down your guest list before anything else. This gives you a ballpark figure of how many people will attend. Once you have this number, you can start touring venues with enough space. 

Most venues have a maximum number of guests and some layout options. You need plenty of space for guests to dine, dance, and appreciate everything from the wedding party’s grand entrance to cutting the cake. 

2. Find Out the Wedding Venue Availability

Availability is everything when booking a reception venue. You’ll find that banquet halls book up quickly, particularly during spring and summer. 

Most reception halls take bookings a year out from the date. Start your search at least two weeks before that. This allows you time to eliminate options and choose your ideal venue.

Have some backup plans in place in case your favorite venue gets booked.

3. Browse and Taste the Food Menu

The food is a deciding factor when choosing the best venue. Most wedding halls have in-house catering that they either require or prefer you to use. 

Note the differences in price if you have to provide an outside catering service. 

Browse the food menu no matter which type you go with. Schedule tastings so that you can try a few entrees and appetizers. Ask if the venue also bakes wedding cakes so that you can take some samples home with you. 

4. Ask About Alcohol Service

Determine if you’re planning to serve alcohol at your reception. If so, learn the models the venue works under. 

They may give you the option of serving a full bar, cash bar, or consumption bar. Buying a full bar means you pay a heftier price upfront for unlimited drinks flowing all night. With a cash bar, guests are responsible for their own drinks. 

Consumption bars split the difference and allow you to only pay for what your guests drink. Work with the venue to make sure you also take the proper steps for getting your liquor license. 

5. Choose the Best Aesthetics and Lighting Setup

Always consider the overall presentation of the venue. Go with venues that fit your theme and the colors of your bridal shower. 

Take a tour to see what kind of lighting the venue offers and how this will affect your photos and video. You also need to consider the acoustics so that music and speeches come through loud and clear. 

Find a Great Reception Hall

These points will help you when you’re searching for the ideal reception hall. Narrow down your list to about five different selections. Stay within your budget, and start with these guidelines to guide your decision. 

Check out our other articles related to wedding planning, marriage, and relationships.