Many factors need to be considered when selecting a location for your wedding reception.It is important to first decide on the style of reception you would like and then determine your total wedding budget. The wishes of both the bride and groom need to be considered, and the blending of your two personalities should be present at the wedding ceremony and reception. There is only one rule that should prevail as you plan your reception ... make it your own!
The Capital District offers many interesting and historic locations that can be rented for your reception. These sites offer you the ability to provide a caterer of your choice. A professional caterer can provide a list of popular scenic and/or historic sites at which to hold your reception.
These "off-premise" locations need to be contracted for by the bride and groom, and this is done directly with each of the locations. When shopping for an off-premise location, it is important to compare the cost of renting the facility, the length of time your rental provides, and if any rental equipment is included. Rental equipment needed for an event includes things such as tables and chairs, linens, china, and glassware, as well as catering equipment such as cook tent and kitchen work tables.
An off-premise location provides the ability to customize your reception and have more control over the individual details of your day, but in most cases is a bit more costly than selecting a reception location that is managed by the caterer. It is very important to select an experienced caterer who can guide you through the details of planning your reception. The off-premise catering locations can usually provide you with a list of caterers who have worked at their facility. It is also suggested to ask for two or three references from each of the caterers you are considering.
The other option available to brides is to select a facility that is owned and operated by a professional catering firm. Throughout the Capital District, Saratoga Springs and Lake George Regions are many fine hotels, restaurants and catering halls, each of which provide a range of services as well as wedding packages. A packaged reception often offers the best value, while at the same time handling many extraneous details such as cake, flowers, place cards, etc. The primary advantage of selecting a facility that provides it's own catering, is the ease of planning for the bride and groom. Most facilities provide a wedding professional who will guide you through the planning of each aspect of your reception.
It is suggested that you begin planning as soon as you become engaged. The prime dates at the most popular locations may begin booking as early as two years in advance. If you can be flexible with your date and do not require a Saturday evening reception, there are great values available to you. Many facilities offer discounted package prices for Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and Sunday receptions. Also, inquire about discounts offered for "same year" receptions . . . value-priced packages for currently available 2000 wedding dates. Terrific savings are also possible on receptions booked in January, February and March. There are definitely benefits of booking an "off-peak" date or time.
Once you have narrowed your selections, it is important to have a face-to-face meeting with the wedding professional at each of the catering or reception facilities you are considering. An essential element in the enjoyment of your wedding reception planning is feeling comfortable with the wedding professional who will guide you through the details of your special day. You will want to select a location, menu, and special details that represent your personal style. Once you have decided what you want, sit back and enjoy. Let the wedding professional create your special day!
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