When it comes to wedding planning, a fair amount of your time and your energy should go into the reception. While people will “ooh” and “ah” over the wedding venue, a great reception can keep people talking for years. However, if you have even a little bit of space, you might start wondering whether you should host your reception yourself. The truth is that there are pros and cons for both cases, and it is a good idea to be aware of them before you proceed.
Should I Rent?
Renting a reception venue is by far the more common option, but you should not think that it is your only choice. It all depends on what your situation is. For example, if you are short on cash, remember that renting a reception venue will always be more expensive across the board. Another thing to consider, however, is that when you rent a venue, most things are taken care of for you. You do not need to worry about catering, and you do not need to think about whether the venue is suited for dancing or entertainment.
You will also find that there is a wide variety of options when you rent. You can choose the size and shape of the venue, and for large weddings especially, this can be quite important.
Should I Host?
Another thing for you to consider is whether you want to hold the reception on your own property. This can make for a one-of-a-kind experience, but you also might be concerned about it turning into something that looks half-planned or shoddy. While its true that DIY receptions are often quite unique, you can keep things professional by looking ahead to what you can do with the space. Renting portable stages for your band or DJ is one way to make excellent use of the space you have while creating both an entertainment area and emphasizing the entertainers you’ve paid good money for.
On top of that, when you host, you get full control over what happens at your reception. This allows you to really get creative and to have it your way. Given all of the professional services out there you can rent, from stages to tents to photo booth machines, why not host and get a reception that is perfect for you?
Finding the right option for your reception can take a lot of time, but remember that in the end, all it has to do is be right for you!
Informational Credit to The Stage Depot