Sizing Up Sites

Which Space Will Work Best For You

a ) Historic Mansion: Degree of Difficulty: Many stately homes that rent party space also offer on-site catering, and/or can provide you with a list of recommended vendors. Can be a no hassle location.  Overall Cost:   How high the price depends on the level of grandeur, time of year, day of week, and size of the reception. Use of the grounds may cost extra. ( Can you take on a night job ? )  Style Quotient: The architecture, both inside and out, and the landscaped gardens give a party instant elegance and add a true sense of festivity. Keep in Mind: You can't alter the furnishings or artwork; red wine may be banned ( it stains ). Some rooms or areas may be off-limits and djs may not be allowed ( due to noise restrictions ).

b) Beach:  Degree of Difficulty: Wind, sand, weather unpredictability, and lack of infrastructure create stress. A smart solution: ceremony on the beach, reception indoors. ( Prepare to work your butt off ). Overall Cost: It costs a few dollars ( or nothing ) for a ceremony permit, but dressing up the reception venue (beach club, crab shack ) may add up.  No sticker shock here. Style Quotient: The sun, sand, and sky provides a gorgeous setting. Dress the part with flowing gown, flowers instead of a tiara, and lots of skin. Keep in Mind:  A contingency plan, in case of bad weather, is mandatory. Set aside man power ( and money ) to dress up a last minute indoor ceremony space.

c) Ballroom:  Degree of Difficulty:You get everything you want in one assembled package. The banquet manager acts as your consultant and can refer you to reliable vendors.( A no hassle location) . Overall Cost: It depends. A five star hotel is expensive; banquet facilities and catering halls are often more affordable. No sticker shock here. Style Quotient: Even an upscale hotel ballroom can look generic; consider it a blank canvas that you can stamp with your own style. I has a look, but it is your look. Keep In Mind: You may have to use the house vendors ( florists, bakers). Observe how worn the furnishings look. If the ballroom must be partitioned, ask to see the dividers before committing.

d) Backyard:-  Degree of Difficulty: This takes serious planning. You need to rent or borrow everything, including a tent (in case of rain, or heat ), portable toilets, chairs and tableware.(  Prepare to work your butt )off. Overall Cost: Even if you make the meal potluck, rentals beef up the bottom line, as does staff to help park cars, tend bar, refresh platters, and clean up. No sticker shock here. Style Quotient: Whether it's a casual cookout or a formal gale, a home wedding reflects your family's personality and style. It has a look, but it is your look. Keep In Mind: Give the house a mini makeover by planting shrubs, hanging lights, even painting, if need be. Don't forget the inside - guests will invariably trek through.

e) Vineyard:   - Degree of Difficulty: This is a fuss-free place to plenty of the venue is set up for a crowd. That means parking and cooking facilities, public restrooms, and a dining space. A no hassle location. Overall Cost: Vineyards aren't as common as banquet halls, so they're pricey. Ask, if there's a minimum spending on wine. ( Can you take on a night job) .  Style Quotient: The ambience varies from rustic to sophisticated. Terraces, trellises, and stunning backdrops make fro fabulous photos. It has a look but it is your look. Keep In Mind: As with mansions, if the vineyard is in a residential area - or if it's harvest season - you may face time and/or noise restrictions, and in some cases blackout periods will apply.

f) Country Club: Degree of Difficulty:  Since it's a full service establishment, you'll have everything you need, from the food to the furnishings to the staff, in one convenient spot.  ( A no hassle location ). Overall Cost: The posher the place, the higher the price. There's usually not a site fee, but, unless your a member, you'll have to be sponsored. ( No sticker shock here ).  Style Quotient:  Some have lots of charming details; others are more generic. But whether it's on a golf course or at a marina, the setting will be pretty. ( It has a look but it is your look ). Keep In Mind: The menu may be limited, the food average, and the facilities not completely private - you may find yourself passing golf toting members on their way to the locker room.

g) Church Hall:  Degree of Difficulty: The infrastructure (bathrooms, parking) will be in place, but the ambience may be missing in action - plan on decorating with a capital D. (You'll be busy, but not berserk ). Overall Cost: The space is basically free ( except for a small donation ).Your menu (simple buffet ?). and decorations (daisies ?) can be as budget friendly as you like. (What a bargain). Style Quotient: Get chummy with a glue gun and you can create a charming atmosphere. Skip the balloons and crepe paper for a more sophisticated look.  ( Lots of room to add your own style ).  Keep In Mind: You'll need to be a member of the congregation. Depending on the religion, you may have to deal with restrictions on alcohol, music and perhaps even on dancing.

h) Public Park or Garden:  Degree of Difficulty: You'll have to deal with Mother Nature's surprises. Some parks only offer grills, other boast kitchens and lodgelike rooms you can rent. ( You'll be busy, but not berserk ).  Overall Cost: Permits are general inexpensive, but rentals, (tables, chairs, dishes, glassware ) will kick up the cost. ( No sticker shock here ). Style Quotient: With nature as your decorator, you can't go wrong. If you use indoor facilities, you'll have your work cut out for you.  ( We're talking gorgeous ). Keep In Mind: Have incent repellent and sunscreen on hand, and a rain plan in mind. Older or handicapped guests may find a rustic location difficult to navigate.

i) Restaurant: Degree of Difficulty: Restaurants are pros at hosting big functions. The manager may be able to recommend a dj, a videographer, and even a lighting designer. Overall Cost: It depends on whether you're taking over the entire restaurant for a few hours (expensive) or using a private-party room ( moderate).  ( No sticker shock here ). Style Quotient: Most eateries are fully decorated with a specific style. If you have a certain look in mind, you can most likely find it. ( We're talking gorgeous ). Keep In Mind: There may be space limitations, which will affect the size of your band (or even whether you have one ), The dance floor, and the seating arrangements. In addition, some restaurants don't allow adequate time to add or change some of the decor.