Availability
Book your chosen reception site quickly. If it's possible, sign a contract at least a year ahead of time, particularly if it's a popular setting or if your wedding date falls at or near a major holiday.

Guest Count
You should decide early many guests you plan to invite. A setting appropriate for 100 people won't work if your plans envision 250 guests. Know Your Budget. Your reception will take up about half of your entire wedding budget. If you commit, for example, to a menu of beef Wellington and lobster tails, a 24-piece band, and a champagne fountain of Dom Perignon without crunching numbers, you could face a rude and painful surprise.

Set a Style
Think about the mood and atmosphere you want to present. If you want cozy and comfortable, a spacious ballroom with formal place settings and crystal won't work. And remember, the style you choose extends to bridal attire, flowers and decorations, the ceremony and almost every other aspect of your celebration.

On-Site vs. Off-Site
If your reception choice is a full-service hotel, country club, restaurant, or banquet hall, you tailor your plans to meet the site's limitations and requirements. But if your perfect celebration is on a cliff overlooking the ocean, the beach where you first met or some other unusual setting, we suggest a full-service caterer. Such professionals often can provide tables and chairs, place settings, tents, dance floors, bartenders and servers, the menu of your choice, and much more.

Outdoor Insurance
If you select an outdoor setting for your reception, take weather into account. Have a backup location established or consider using tents or secured canopies.

Wet or Dry
Although alcohol consumption is a common feature at wedding receptions, it's still your option. Check with your site to see if there are limitations or if a special license is required. Some caterers and sites offer just full-service bars, while others provide only bartenders and servers, leaving the purchase of beverages to you.

Personalized Place
Find out how much control you have over the site's appearance. At many historical sites, for example, there are restrictions on allowable changes and decorations. See how much flexibility you will have.

Questions to Ask
There are many things to consider when you pick your reception site. Here are some of the other questions to ask before you commit to a particular setting:

• What is the flat fee for use of the space?
• What are my payment options?
• Is it less expensive to hold my event on an off-day rather than the traditional Saturday?
• Must I use your in-house caterer or can I contract with an off-premise service?
• Does your site charge a per-head catering charge and, if so, how much is it?
• How long is the site mine to use, is there a minimum occupancy requirement, and are there overtime fees?
• What server-to-guest ratio does you supply? Can you ensure adequate security?
• Are any other events scheduled at the same time or on the same date?
• Do you provide parking and what, if any, fees are required?
• Do you have restrictions on photography, smoking, alcohol or decorating?
• What are your deposit and cancellation policies?

– Caroline Cameron-St. John