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TIME
&
FLEXIBILITY
The secret to a
fabulous reception is careful planning, attention to detail, and the company of
the people you love. Not to mention plenty of time and flexibility because if
you don't have one, you'll need plenty of the other!
Whether
you're planning a gala event for 300 people or an afternoon gathering for 25,
the key to finding the right location is time and flexibility - - if you don't
have one, you'll need plenty of the other!
Try to
book at least a year in advance - for the most popular places, a year and a
half or even two years is not too early. Since many of the most popular sites
are booked as far as two years in advance - many brides reserve their reception
hall even before their church - time plays a major role in a successful
selection.
The most
popular wedding months traditionally fall between May and October. If you plan
to marry during these peak times, you'll need to keep an open mind about the
date and the time of day since your first choice may be taken.
FLEXIBILITY
You found
the site you’ve always imagined but can’t afford that perfect June wedding?
Choosing the site of your dreams can still be within your budget if you are
willing to be a bit flexible with your dates and wedding time.
Selecting
a wedding date that’s “off season” can bring about substantial savings and less
competition for your preferred dates. Marrying in a month other than June,
August, September, or October may increase your chances of locking-in the site
you want.
T.G.I.F.
Hosting a
reception on a Friday evening or Sunday afternoon could allow you to have your
party at your most desired site with a considerable reduction in costs - - and
that’s money you can spend on the honeymoon, the new home, or to splurge in
other areas! A candlelit Friday evening or a Sunday afternoon can make for a
luxurious wedding. And many facilities are willing to work with the bride and
offer special packages.
Friday
receptions are popular with couples having a lot of out-of-town guests since
guests can enjoy the remainder of the weekend at their leisure.
In
addition, ask about cancellations and be ready to take a
sooner-than-anticipated date. If you can pull it all together on short notice,
you may be able to have a truly lavish affair, at a significantly reduced
price.
LET’S
DO BRUNCH
Meet with
reception site coordinators to discuss other less expensive options. Instead of
an elaborate evening event with a lavish sit-down dinner, consider a
sophisticated morning brunch reception or an elegant afternoon tea. These more
intimate types of receptions means a pared-down guest list, but allow for a
much more manageable event, giving you more time to actually interact with your
guests. By being creative with a mid-day affair, you will be able to offer your
guests a truly stylish and charming event.
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