Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/127001
"A reception venue should echo the overall style of the wedding . . . an ser ca their love, and what is important to them as far as their union is concerned. "The officiant's style of presentation — tone of voice, use of words, etc. — is also key in setting the tone of the matrimony. I recommend meeting with the officiant and checking over previous ceremony programs to ensure there is a real match," she says. Check your wish list As far as choosing a reception venue, says Lavin, it's important to consider how much work you want to take on. "A reception venue should echo the overall style of the wedding, but most importantly it should offer great service and catering facilities," says Lavin. But, she adds, "we've set up the perfect reception in the middle of a jungle — we had to bring every single detail in to create a temporary structure — but for that couple it was a dream reception venue." "Choosing a venue can be one of the more challenging steps in the planning process because a bride will often have a long list of wants, not realizing how difficult it will be to find one venue that can check all her boxes," says McNally, whose thorough list of boxes includes checking the venue's flexibility in bringing in outside vendors like caterers, or supplying your own alcohol; its aesthetic appeal and whether it requires a lot of décor enhancements and upgrades; the presence of a contingency plan in case of rain if the ceremony is held outside; and if there's ample power available on site to accommodate the 24 real weddings SPRing / SUMMER 2013 p22-27_RealAdvice-Venue.indd 24 13-04-22 10:28 AM