March 8, 2010 By Jocelyn Cates
Venues with Ceremony Sites
It is increasingly popular for engaged couples to want the ease of having their ceremony and reception in the same location rather than opting for a church wedding followed by the reception. This can be a wonderful alternative option for you if you want it to be easy and convenient! Often brides are looking for the convenience in planning and the ease of transportation for their guests. Even though there are many lovely ceremony site options connected to popular venues, there are several things you should consider before making this decision to be sure it fits in with your ideal wedding day.
What will I need?
If you are hosting your ceremony at your reception venue, most likely you will have to do very little! These venues are set up to be easy for you and inclusive of the things you’ll need for your vow exchange. More times than not, you will have a wedding specialist or organizer that you will relay all your plans to. It is important to ask questions up front about the level of services they will provide for you. The ceremony should never be an afterthought to the reception, so be sure all your details are communicated well!
Mom and Dad want a church wedding but I don’t!
Compromise is the name of the game! You have to think about your parents wishes because this is a very special day for them too. Key factors when weighing options are; who’s paying? Are you flexible on other details with Mom and Dad? How strongly do you feel about not being in a church? I’m not saying if Mom and Dad are paying they get to choose everything, but the ceremony is something they often feel strongly about. Parents think of their baby girl walking down the aisle more than they think about a signature cocktail at your reception….so maybe in this case you can bend a little for them. To persuade them your way, consider having them come along to all your possible ceremony sites so they can see first hand it can be very similar to what they always imagined for you!
Is the commute really an issue?
A lot of brides choose to have a ceremony in the same location because of worry that their guests will get lost after the ceremony or think it may be a pain to travel between the two spots. Don’t let this be your only motivation. Keep in mind that no matter what, the people who love you will be there and be thrilled for you and your happiness. It can also be nice for guests to have travel time between the ceremony and reception to reflect on your beautiful ceremony and vows, while you have some time with your groom for pictures together as husband and wife. So, as long as you have well written invitations and directions, travel should not be a main concern for you!
What about a rehearsal?
Ask upfront when booking your ceremony at your reception site about your rehearsal. Most venues will give you an hour the night before. However, be specific! You can run into issues with other weddings being hosted on a Friday or even Thursdays, so you may have to be very flexible with your rehearsal dinner plans. If you can, solidify a time slot for your rehearsal right away so you can plan accordingly!
These are just a few considerations. Lucky for you, there is no shortage of options for your special day! It’s all about your vision. Leave questions or comment on your thoughts! Wedding experts and other brides are here to help.
