Choice #1 is a reception site that includes all food and beverage services, which we will call the “all inclusive option”. On the plus side of the ‘all inclusive’, you get a price per person that includes the facility, food, tables, silverware, china, linens, liquor service, etc. You don’t have to worry about getting appropriate licenses, or all the work with arranging caterers, liquor service, etc. On the down side, you will be limited to the type of china and linens they can provide, and the menu choices they can provide. Facilities that typically have this type of service are hotels, restaurants, clubs, etc.

You will have to check with this type of facility to see if the restrictions really do exist—the competition for wedding business has made many hotels much more responsive to the unique needs of brides. Many hotels (for an additional cost, of course) will bring in colour linens or create special menu items for you. That is why we have the checklist so you can ask the questions that are important to what you want to create for your wedding.

Choice #2 is a reception site, like a community hall, that has kitchen facilities for the caterer that you hire. We will call this option the ‘rental option’ because you will rent the facility, which provides tables, chairs, china, silverware, linens, bar stations, etc. If you choose this option, you will have to hire a caterer, arrange for a liquor license, and hire someone to purchase the liquor and oversee the running of the bar (unless the caterer will do it).

Click here to read more about “Reception Site Options” or sign up to become a member to view the videos, download the wedding planning checklists, join in our coaching calls, or share in the members’ forum. See you inside!