From me Friday: Finding the perfect venue is like finding a home...

Although we don't have nearly as many actual weddings this time of year as we do in May, June, September and October, we are still working on weddings for 2010. Last week, we helped four of our 2010 clients locate the perfect place for their wedding receptions. The winners were the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati; Wetherington Country Club; the Schuster Center; and the Dayton Art Institute. Four completely different places, four completely different locations, four completely different styles. So how do you find the perfect location?

During these trips, I almost feel like I'm in the television show "Property Virgins." I ask the questions "what do you like, what don't you like?" Deducing what you like, your price range, and style before we even start looking for venues will help me to narrow down where to take you (and not take you). Questions to ask yourself before you call any venues:

1) How many guests will be attending your event?
2) Do you want a ballroom feel; downtown feel; unique feel; intimate feel
3) What price range PER PERSON do you want to stay in? Keep in mind this should include space rental; food; beverage; gratuity. Some facilities include chair covers, linens, centerpieces, cake, rentals, etc., some don't.
4) What kind of curb appeal would you like your guests to see when they arrive?
5) Do you want to have guest rooms on site or nearby? If so, how many?
6) Do you offer a contract agreement? What is your cancellation policy?
7) Will your ceremony also be taking place there? If so, how will the transition between ceremony and reception go? Where will the two events take place?
8) Is there a charge for parking? (Count on it if it's downtown!)

Each bride that we took around last week visited 4 locations -- each. Each knew as soon as they walked on the property (even though they saw photos ahead of time) knew right away whether they liked it or not. Always go with your gut instinct once you've determined the place is within your budget. You can do this long before you visit the facility by calling their event sales representative. Popular seasons and dates will book up fast and you don't want to miss the chance to get your favorite spot by pondering it over too long. (Okay, now I feel like the For Rent show! Can you tell I watch HGTV?)