2 RECEPTIONS Choosing a wedding venue may seem like an intimidating decision right now. You need a place that fits your budget, accommodates your guests, and most of all, suits your wedding style. But rest assured: whether you’re a nature lover, a modernist, or a hopeless romantic, Northeast Ohio has the perfect wedding venue for you. Where do I begin? One of the best ways to begin is by figuring out your style and asking yourself what kind of atmosphere you want to create for your big day. Do you want something totally casual or incredibly elegant? Come up with two to three words that describe what you’re envisioning. Additionally, you and your fiancé can better determine your style by paying attention to your daily life. What’s the style of your home decor? What do you like to do in your spare time? There is no reason to give up what you love on your big day; in fact, you should be cele- brating it! The small touches that make the wedding all about the two of you will also make the wedding memorable for your guests. Take some time to discuss your vision with your fiancé and write out your wants and needs. Once you have an idea of what style works for you both, you’ll be able to find a venue to match. How do we prepare for venue tours? Ultimately, knowing how many people you want to in- vite is crucial when picking a location. It’s also helpful to have some idea of the details your reception will in- clude; a spot that normally works for 150, for example, might only fit 100 if you want to have a large dance floor and/or a band. Then, you’ll need to determine your budget. Ven- ues typically charge per guest, so prepare a draft of your guest list and determine how much money you reasonably want to spend on each guest. Remember that you’ll spend around 50 percent of your wedding budget on your reception. Once you have an idea of your budget and the number of guests, you’ll be able to focus on venues that fit your parameters. Finally, please do yourself a favor and take the time to compare the sites in-person. Simply calling a possi- ble reception site for a price quote does not show you what you’re getting for your money. Walking through the venue with your fiancé will help you visualize the details of your dream wedding coming together in the perfect setting. How many should we look at? Your reception venue needs to do so much: repre- sent your style, be available when you need it, and fit your budget. But even with those restrictions, you will 1 Trust your instincts! First impressions are very telling. Like finding your perfect dress, you’ll know when you find your venue. 50 | TODAY’S BRIDE READ MORE AT TODAYSBRIDE.COM