You’ve said “I Do”, so congratulations are in order. You’re about to set a date, but have no idea where to have your reception. What newly engaged couples need to realize is that deciding on where to have your wedding is probably the most difficult decision you will have to make with regards to your special day. Hopefully, the following checklist will help!

The following questions are a good guideline which will help include and eliminate venues. Before answering any of these, make your own “must have” checklist which will narrow down your possibilities.

1. Will the ceremony be at a Church/Temple/Other or on the venue's property?
2. How large must the venue be - for 50 people or for 500?
3. Will it sit at least 30-40% of that number comfortably for the ceremony?
4. Do you want everything in one place to greatly diminish the need to drive?
5. Does the venue have guest accommodations for your out of town guests?
6. Do you want an early wedding to be able to have more time in the evening to yourselves?
7. Do you want an evening wedding to be able to have more time to prepare during the day?
8. Does the venue have a place for guests to be able to retreat away from the festivities to be able to sit and talk? Do you even want that?
9. Does the venue have its own caterers, or are you able to bring in your own?
10. Does it supply the wedding cake? What else does it include?

Of course, if you are possibly having a destination wedding, then you have to apply the same checklist to that specific location. But please remember, the customs of different countrys, varies, so be aware when you are speaking to your destination wedding planner. Always check and double check the above list if your wedding is out of the country. The miles between you and your wedding venue can cause for some last minute upsets.

And obviously, don't forget to stay within your budget. It doesn't matter how beautiful the place is, if you cannot afford it and will spend years paying it off, it just isn't worth it. And also, remember to enjoy the process. It goes by so quickly, that sometimes we forget, these are the most memorable moments of our lives.