Your reception can be a smashing success, whether it's held at a hotel, restaurant, garden, church, or a catering hall that specializes in weddings. Making the most appropriate choice is up to you and so is the advance planning that will make things run smoothly on the big day. Determine how early your wedding party may arrive at the catering hall for dressing and picture taking. Try to allow enough time for both wedding party and guests to get from place to place throughout the day without rushing.

BE A TOUGH CUSTOMER

Catering halls are well aware of what their competition charges. No quoted price is set in stone, and there's always room for reasonable negotiation, depending on the time of year, the day of the week, and how heavily booked the facility is during a given period. Shop around carefully, make second and third visits, and don't be afraid to quote a competitor's price when negotiating with the facility of your choice. When you book the catering hall the suits you best, the owner or manager may offer references for an array of services that you will need for your wedding day: band, DJ, limousines, photographer, florist, and so on. Keep in mind that the providers of these services almost always give a kickback to the total price of their service, usually 10 to 20 percent, in return for the referral. If you decide to use all the services offered via referral by the reception facility, you may request that the kickback be deducted from you total cost; the catering hall may not agree to do so, but it can't hurt to ask. (Just asking shows you have some insider knowledge – a point in your favor when negotiating!) Don't presume anything; get everything in writing; and don't be afraid to be choosy and demanding. Its your money, and your once in-a-lifetime party!

WHAT ABOUT COSTS? Saturday evening weddings in the springtime, June in particular, are the most expensive. Consider having a Friday evening wedding for a few good reasons:

(1) It is the most inexpensive evening on which to have your wedding reception.

 (2) It is the first wedding of the week, so the catering hall is most prepared for all you needs.

 (3) The food is at its freshest. If you are on a really tight budget, consider having a Friday evening wedding in the wintertime. Winter weddings are becoming very popular, and are more affordable than weddings in the spring and summer.