Your wedding reception in California can be anything from a small, casual affair to an all-out feast for hundreds of friends and family. It is difficult to choose between the many wonderful places California's varied landscape has to offer as your dream reception site, so use this guide to get answers to some basic but important questions about your wedding reception location.
Practical Questions about Wedding Reception Sites
Choosing a wedding reception site comes along with some practical concerns. Depending on where you've chosen in California to hold your
wedding ceremony, it is also wise to keep the reception site close to the ceremony site, if not in the same place, so that you and your guests don't have to travel far to continue the festivities. If your reception site is at another location than your ceremony, consider whether you would like to hire
limousine services to transport you and your groom between locations, and perhaps hire an additional limousine for your wedding party.
If you suspect ahead of time that your California reception will be a lavish and lively occasion, inquire about
accommodations, perhaps within walking distance or inside the same hotel, so that your guests need not worry about drinking too much champagne before going off to bed. Often, California hotels will have large reception halls and banquet areas where you and your guests can mingle until it's time to retire to your discounted, bulk-rate hotel rooms. Whatever type of location you choose, make sure to ask what services, both inclusive and at extra cost, are included with the rental of the venue. And of course, affordability and availability are important considerations for your budget and schedule, but you'll also want to check the reputation of the site by looking at their prior experience with similar-sized wedding receptions.
Wedding Reception Sites with California Style
Depending on your style and budget, California has a wide array of wedding reception sites to offer couples-to-be. Depending on what region of California you'll be in, you may choose from desert country clubs and posh golf courses, or an outdoor reception at a winery. Spoil your guests with a country feast at a rustic Sierra Nevada mountain lodge or cool your toes at your private beach house reception along the spectacular California coastline. There are scores of
tasty California restaurants to choose from that already specialize in receptions and catering, and most large California hotels rent
beautifully decorated banquet rooms and halls of various sizes. Consider whether a large, sit-down dinner with several courses suits your style and budget or if you'd rather opt for a buffet-style meal that allows your guests to mingle more freely than assigned seating. Many California wedding guests have had the privilege of attending a reception at a large ranch-style home or orchard owned by someone within the bride or groom's family, which also serves to keep your reception budget low.
Having a Ball at Your Wedding Reception
With so many ceremonies to perform at your wedding reception, time will fly by an in instant, so make sure your reception photographer is on their toes catching some of the greatest moments of your lifetime. Giving out disposable cameras on your reception tables will encourage your guests to take additional candid photos that will bring you a sense of having been omnipresent at your reception. This is the time to enjoy your friends, cry with your family (waterproof mascara recommended!), eat a big meal in your daringly white dress, and allow everyone to offer their toasts to your future happiness. Take just a few moments during this dream of a day and look around your reception -- what a beautiful way to show your commitment to each other by bringing together the ones you care for to celebrate your decision with a joyous reception party in sunny California!
