Helpful Tips: What To Look for in a Reception Hall

Picking out a reception hall is a huge part of the wedding planning process. Thinking back to when I planned my husband and I's wedding, choosing our reception hall was the first thing that was checked off the many to-do's. (photos from our wedding courtesy of Harrison Studio, formerly Ben Harrison Photography.)

We chose Wallinwood Springs Golf Club for a few reasons:
1. We wanted an outdoor ceremony and a backup location if it did rain. (They adjust the reception room's layout for an indoor ceremony if the weather doesn't cooperate. Thankfully it was beautiful and we had an outdoor ceremony).
2. We wanted the ceremony and reception site to be at the same location.
3. We wanted a venue that had in-house catering so we wouldn't have to find a caterer.
4. We fell in love with the tree-lined driveway, which made for gorgeous photos.
5. The location was very close to my parents house, so if we forgot anything it wasn't a big deal to run back to pick things up.
6. The staff was great! They did a lot of the set-up for us and helped with tear-down as well.
7. It just felt right being there. It was beautiful, but not "up-tight." I wanted casual elegance and we got that at Wallinwood.
8. I liked all the natural light from the windows in the room.
9. I knew I wanted to use chair covers, and they had normal banquet chairs that were compatible.

With all these questions, you have to weigh what is most important to you. The convenience factor, as well as having an outdoor ceremony site, and a venue with standard banquet chairs were important to us so even though the blue walls in the banquet room didn't go with our pink/brown theme, we still went with Wallinwood (and are very happy we did!).

Here are a few things to consider when deciding what will work best for you and your soon-to-be spouse, courtesy of about.com:
1. What's the decor like? Does it fit your style and wedding colors? Will you have to spend a lot of money on flowers and decorations to make it beautiful?
2. Do they have an in-house caterer, and do you like that food? (While an in-house caterer can be easier and cheaper, sometimes the food is not as beautiful as the room. So make sure you taste it!) Do they have a limitation on which outside caterers you can use?
3. Do they have adequate coat check and bathroom facilities?
4. Is the wedding venue wheelchair accessible? If not, are there many stairs to climb? How close is the parking to the ceremony and reception rooms?
5. What's the cancellation policy?
6. Is there a payment schedule? What kinds of deposits are required?
7. Are there any hidden costs? (Before you sign the contract, read it carefully.)
8. What are the overtime charges?
9. Do they have a liquor license? Will they allow you to bring your own liquor?
10. Is there room in the wedding venue for a band and/or dancing?
11. Does the wedding venue already own a sound system with adequate speakers or will that need to be rented?
12. Is there a space for the bride and groom to change and/or relax?
13. Where will you take photographs? Is there a park nearby, or do the coordinators have recommended spots on the grounds?
14. Who will be supervising and troubleshooting before the day of your wedding? Who will be supervising and troubleshooting on the day of your wedding? Can you meet them now?
15. Where can your guests park? Are there extra fees for parking? Do they have valet parking?
16. Is the wedding venue convenient to public transportation, especially in big cities? How long will it take your guests to get there?
17. Especially in museums or private clubs, are there limitations on decorations? Do they limit food and drinks to only certain areas of the wedding venue?
18. Are candles or other open flames allowed?
19. If its an outdoor location, do they have any backup plans for rain or other inclement weather? If not, is there a place that you can put up a tent?

When Looking at Separate Wedding Reception Venues and Ceremony Locations
1. How far is it from one location to the other?
2. Do the two places have the same level of formality and a coordinating style?
3. Do they both accommodate about the same number of guests?
4. Does the wedding reception venue have any experience with weddings from your ceremony location?

When Looking for Wedding Venues for Both Ceremony and Reception
1. Do they own enough chairs for the ceremony, or will they need to be rented?
2. Does the wedding venue have an entirely separate area for the ceremony? (It is not uncommon that while the guests are at the cocktail hour, the caterers will transform the ceremony room into the dining room and/or dance floor.)
3. If not, how long does it typically take for the staff to change over the room?