One of the first decisions you will need to make when planning your wedding is where to host your ceremony and reception. Do you want to have an outdoor or indoor wedding? Do you want to be near water or close to the mountains? Do you prefer to have the ceremony and reception at the same location? You should make a venue decision a year before your wedding to insure that you get the venue of your dreams.
Another decision you will need to make before looking for a ceremony venue is if you want to have a civil or religious ceremony.
If you have no strong religious views a civil ceremony may be the right option for you. A civil ceremony will allow an unconventional ceremony and gives you the option to pick any desired location for your ceremony.
However if you have strong religious views a religious ceremony in a house of worship might suit you best. A religious ceremony can also on occasion be held at another location if you desire and can almost always incorporate the traditions and customs of your faith.
Your reception will potentially be the most extravagant event you will host or plan. With two types of venue options, indoor or outdoor you will be able to bring your dreams to life. Before you start looking for a reception venue you will want to know approximately how many guests you will have as this can help you in eliminating a few venues choices.
The first option is to host your reception at a hotel, golf course or another indoor venue. These types of venues host many events within a year and therefore will supply you with tables, chairs as well as most reception venues can supply you with a basic linen to cover your tables. Picking an indoor venue will allow you to make fewer choices such as which caterer to use, as they will most likely supply you and your guests with a plated or buffet meal.
If you decide to have a tent or backyard wedding there are a lot more decisions involved. You will need to decide who you want to cater your dinner, what type of linen and décor you want as well as finding a suitable dance floor just to name a few.
If finding a venue in your city or out of town sounds daunting there is always the option of hiring a wedding planner who knows the area and can make this decision less stressful.
