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Local Churches
Wedding magic often arises from where you're speaking your vows.
Outdoor weddings feel different from indoor ones, and small
intimate churches are very different from backyards or cathedrals.
Each unique wedding site, though, has unique challenges. Choose
your site, and then plan well.
If it's popular, book it now. Busy venues that do events besides
weddings must be booked early. Parks and beaches often require
permits; contact the park department in your area to find out.
Do they allow it? Not everyone allows a marriage ceremony on their
facilities; if you are booking the reception, make sure you can
have the wedding there too. Be creative; if they say no, ask about
a wedding in their garden or if they can offer a suggestion for a
nearby site. And give them the information you have for
scheduling, ceremony type, and number of guests at any event
you're planning to have at their location.
Ask about restrictions. Smoking, food, alcohol (especially in
public parks, churches and beaches), music, photography - any or
all of these may be restricted. Historical locations often don't
like photos. Aquariums and zoos don't like anything that disturbs
the animals. And you may have to use a caterer they've signed a
contract with, especially for more public venues like convention
centers or public museums.
You should be prepared for anything. Many sites require
insurance.
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If it's an outdoor wedding, make just-in-case
plans. What if it rains? Have an indoor emergency venue waiting as
a standby, rather than have your wedding ruined.
Ask what they'll provide and what you must
bring. This goes down to tables and chairs. Draw a map of where
you want things to be situated: for the wedding, your registry,
seats for guests, where the bride enters, decorations, smoking
area, child-emergency area, and anything else you can think of.
And for the reception, all tables and chairs, tables for gifts and
for food, bride and groom's table.
Everyone forgets the bathrooms. Visit the location before booking
the wedding and look for access issues for older or handicapped
guests, adequate smoking areas, diaper changing areas, bathrooms
that are large enough and have mirrors, and ask about power. You
may have to supply some of your own amenities, depending on what's
available. Ask about heating and A/C, as appropriate for your time
of year. Do windows open? Do they have a kitchen? Is there space
for a buffet? Get it settled in advance and you won't be stuck
with inadequate facilities.
You'll find even more great ideas for making your ceremony the
magical occasion it should be when speaking with our Wedding
Planning. Don't be scared of the planning; help us guide you
through creating the perfect wedding you always dreamed of.
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