The reception costs comprise about 35 percent of your total wedding bill. Therefore, this phase of preparation requires the utmost attention to detail, so as to maximize your dollar. Most importantly, book your reception site as early as possible. Prime sites might be reserved as early as 1 to 2 years before the occasion in the larger cities (namely, Chicago!)
Ask yourself the following questions: Is this facility large enough to accommodate all of my guests? How is the location? Are there sufficient parking facilities? Can this facility accommodate all of my scheduled activities? What is and what is not included in the facility’s standard contract? What do I have to provide, and what is provided for me? Are there any restrictions involved in the use of this facility (e.g. food and beverage, outside catering, kosher preparation, etc.)? Is the reception manager easy to work with? Is he/she receptive to my needs?
