Tuesday Tip from Wedding Reception Venues in Utah – Your Guest List

Wedding Reception Venues in Utah Tip about Your Guests

After you have set a date, the number of guests you anticipate inviting is your next quandary.  You must have a rough idea of your guest list so that as you research and visit the many wedding reception venues in Utah, you’ll make a wise choose that will accommodate your needs.  Depending on what type of event you are envisioning, will depend on how much room you’ll need.  If you want a simple sit down dinner with close family and friends, typically you should plan on about 25-30 square feet per person.  This allows you plenty of space for the dance floor, tables & chairs, cake display, set up for a band, etc.  As you visit the many Utah venues, be sure you inquire how many people they can accommodate for sit-down meals.

sit down dinners at salt lake wedding venues
Sit-down meals are usually a small additional fee to an already booked event at a reception center.

If you are envisioning a flow-through reception, you can invite many more guests.  But still you’ll need to inquire about the capacity of the venue.  Consider parking for you and your guests and the flow of the room and space.  If your venue has a wise event planner, they will be able to make suggestions to you about how to stagger guests arrival as to avoid congestion in the line.

Utah reception centers with flow-through style wedding events
Flow-through style reception line

Many couples are now choosing to wander around the reception venues in Utah rather than stand in a line.  This is a new popular trend that allows the youthful couple to spend more time with their dear friends and family and allows their parents to spend more time with their close friends and family. Every event is different and you can make yours uniquely your own. It’s your day so plan it the way you want!

brides at wedding venues salt lake city
Bride and Groom may wander through their guests at their leisure

Some wedding venues in Utah, like Atrium Weddings at Western Gardens in Sandy, have hosted hundreds of events over the years and are so happy to share tips with you to help you save frustration, time and money.  But no matter the venue you choose, be sure to have in mind before you begin your venue quest a rough estimate of how many guests you anticipate.  Have your guest list in hand and ask about the capacity details.

guest enjoying meal at Utah wedding venue
Your guests will love your event because they love you!

Wedding Planners and Utah Wedding Venues

utah wedding venues with wedding planner helping ceremony
A wedding planner and host can help with the little challenges at the moment

Weddings are celebrations filled with anticipation, excitement, and beauty.  However, they can cause a lot of stress and pressure to the bride and her family.  She dreams of having a wedding that is “perfect” and will tirelessly work to achieve that goal.  A wise bride will get others involved to help her, especially by soliciting help from a wedding planner.  Often, Utah wedding venues have in-house wedding planners that come with the booking, but some charge extra for this service.  One way to ensure that you can fully enjoy your beautiful day and minimize your stress and hassle of the preparation, organizing and coordinating the day itself, is to use the wedding planner.  It will be well worth your time and efforts.  Here are some specific reasons why.

Be in two places at the same time. There seems to always be little issues that pop up at the last minute that need attention by someone in charge.  You will be getting yourself all beautified for the day and don’t need the stress of dealing with those last minute tasks.  You can’t be in two places at the same time, especially when you should be walking down the isle!  The wedding planner will take care of little things that can stress you out such as a missing bouquet, a tear in the bridal gown or a stain on the flower girl’s dress. Remember Jennifer Lopez in the movie The Wedding Planner?  A good wedding planner and a good wedding venue will be ready with their own emergency kit.  Also, if you already have employment, you will soon discover that planning a wedding can become a full time job. A wedding planner will ease a lot of these demands. This way, you can even have time to pamper yourself before your big day.

Save money by going with a wedding planner. Even though you may pay a little more for a professional wedding planner, you could be saving money in the long run.  He or she has already established relationships with wedding providers such as wedding reception venues, florists, cake designers, and photographers. If she is already part of the booking fee at a venue, that is a bonus savings for you.  Wedding planners may possibly be able to get discounts on your behalf. A planner with integrity will have her bride’s best interest at heart and only recommend professionals that offer great product for a good value.

wedding reception venues in Utah buffet dinners
Your wedding celebration will uniquely reflect your style and taste!

Save time with a wedding planner. Researching potential wedding providers can be time-consuming. Imagine the time it takes for you to choose the right florist, baker or caterer. With a wedding planner, you can already narrow down your choices as wedding planners have already proven these providers throughout their time in the business. Wedding planners also know where to find sources for  items you want included in your wedding – that means less time required for you to search out where to get that centerpiece you want or that cake topper you saw in a magazine.

outdoor wedding venues in Utah with indoor dinner hall
Planners can show you many options to fit into your budget and style.

Benefit from the knowledge provided by the wedding planner. Wedding planners can provide you with valuable input as you decide on important parts of the wedding. They have experienced hundreds of wedding events so they are already aware of what can possibly happen so that you can prepare for contingencies. Will a particular flower last the entire ceremony? How can you set up your wedding venue in Utah in case it rains? These are some of the things that a wedding planner can give their advice on.

Wedding planners have time-tested methods. If you are willing to admit that you’re not the most organized person, a wedding planner is essential. After all, they are making a living out of being organized – they have their own methods to ensure that things are planned and implemented well. Aside from these, wedding planners are also in the know with regards to the latest wedding fashions.

reception centers in Utah with bride's room
Enjoy YOUR day!

You can hire a professional wedding planner separately or you can work with the wedding planner provided by many Utah wedding reception venues.  Booking your wedding celebrations at a venue that includes a wedding planner can mean savings for you.

Aside from an in-house wedding coordinator, Atrium Weddings, a premiere reception center in Utah, provides a full complement of wedding-related amenities such as a bride’s dressing room, buffet tables, tables and chairs for guests, an overall ambiance that’s romantic and also practical and much more.

Wedding venues in Utah that help a bride relax for her big day
Don’t run yourself ragged on your wedding day. Stop and enjoy the memories with friends and loved ones.

Think ahead!  Don’t run yourself ragged and look stressed and tense up to the day of your wedding. Let a Utah wedding venues wedding planner worry about all those things.  Your wedding day is your day – you deserve to enjoy it to the fullest.

Wedding Venues in Utah Can Help Cut Your Wedding Budget

Wedding Venues in Utah help with wedding budgets
Simple & Romantic flowers can help you stay within your budget

The most common challenge for most wedding couples is how to plan the celebration of their dreams while working within a tight budget.  There are a few Utah wedding venues that can actually be very budget friendly.  The following are some tips on how to cut your budget, including some ideas on what to look for before you choose your wedding venue.

  1. Don’t fight it!  Your budget can be viewed as a challenge to be met.  Make it a game!  It will not seem so overwhelming.
  2. Give and take with the choices that come before you.  Sometimes a little flexibility here and there will help you still achieve what you want, but for a little less money.
  3. Most wedding venues in Utah should provide you with a consultant for your celebration.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice.  A wedding planner has been involved with huge budget weddings and small budgets.  She can give you a lot of ideas, if you choose.

    salt lake wedding reception venues with no-charge beverage servers
    Does your venue include beverage servers or do those cost extra?
  4. Your wedding venue is the first big cost you’ll spend.  Be sure to look for a venue that includes as much as possible for a reasonable price.  Some locations rent only the space and then add set up, tables, linens, chairs, etc. to your ticket.  In contrast, the receptions centers at Western Garden Centers, include just about everything a bride needs for a beautiful event in their venue – a lot of tables, linens, chairs, set up, and even beautiful and stylish centerpieces are included.
  5. Remember who this party is for…..YOU!  If you continually remind yourself of this, it can save funds for other things you really want for your celebration.

    TJ Romero photos at reception centers Utah  7-21-12
    Who are the most important people you must invite?
  6. Now it is time to check your guest list.  Invite only your closest relatives and friends.  If you can cut the number of guests, you’ll be cutting your costs for food, flowers for tables, guest favors, invitations, and even the size of your cake.  In the past, some brides and grooms have tried to please their parents and invite the whole world.  It’s okay to keep it intimate, especially if you have to work within a tight budget.
  7. There are a lot of little details that can be done personally by you or by close family and friends.  Labor is one of the biggest expenses for wedding events.  Remember that you have a Maid of Honor and that is her job, to help you with whatever she can for your beautiful day.  You can create your own wedding favors, menu cards, table signs, Our Story banners, etc.  Again, labor is usually the biggest cost, so get your family and bridesmaids helping you!

    salt lake wedding venues to fit a wedding budget
    Having your Ceremony at the same location as your reception or dinner, can save you money and time!
  8. Booking your wedding ceremony and reception at the same wedding location will help cut your costs.  Some venues simply add a minimal cost to add on a ceremony to your already booked reception or dinner.  Be sure to find out what that same-day ceremony includes – additional hours, set-up, etc.

    wedding cake at slc wedding venue
    Slimming your wedding cake to only two tiers is a good idea. Simple can be elegant. Then order a sheet cake for the guests!
  9. Another great idea is to save on your wedding cake budget by ordering a smaller two tier cake.  The more tiers, the bigger expense.  Consider purchasing a sheet cake to serve your guests.

    wedding reception venues in salt lake city
    Fresh fruits are less expensive than a main course meal
  10. Your food menu is another place you can spend wisely.  Finger foods and appetizers typically are less money.  Also, a handful of venues allow for self-catering.  With today’s options at warehouse stores, this has been a viable option for many wedding parties.  Does your venue allow for self-catering?  Can you bring in your own caterer?  Many venues require you to use their caterers, cake designers, and florists.  Seek a venue that gives you more leeway in these areas.

    wedding venues salt lake city with outdoor waterfall for bridal portraits copy
    Beautiful bridal bouquet with roses and lilies tied with satin ribbon
  11. Last but not least, your flowers can be inexpensive if you are willing.  Simple flowers can have a stunning effect on your guests.  I remember one bride who used only red roses.  It was stunning and very romantic.  Even her bridal bouquet was a dozen red roses and white baby’s breath bound with white satin ribbon.  Using greenery and flowers that are in season can also cut costs.  Some wedding venues in Utah offer candle lit centerpieces that do not require any additional flowers.  Some brides have simply used rose petals scattered around an elegant candle centerpiece.

Wedding budgets can be scary but they don’t have to be.  Face it head on and meet the challenge.  Prioritizing the items that are most important to you, will help you see where you can trim and cut.  Your biggest challenge can be to find a venue that is a good value with many of the trimmings you would have to add yourself if at another venue.  Atrium Weddings and Ivy House Weddings are two wedding reception venues in Utah that include a lot of beauty for an affordable rental price.

Questions to ask Utah Reception Centers Before You Book

Outdoor weddings in Utah at Atrium Weddings
Ask the right questions to find the venue just for you!

The man of your dreams asked, you answered, and now your wedding celebration adventure begins.  After you decide on a date or a couple of dates, you will want to begin your search the many reception centers in Utah for the perfect wedding location that matches your style and budget.   Begin your quest now, so you can book what you want and don’t have to “settle” for a venue that happens to be available for your date.  These are important questions to ask your Salt Lake City wedding venues as you search on the web and visit in person.

1. The first question a bride should ask a reception center is the availability of your chosen date or possible dates.  Save yourself pain by not falling in love with a venue that is not available.

2. What is the maximum number of guests can the venue handle?  If you are planning a sit-down dinner for 150 people, you need to first seek those venues that can host that many.

Breathtaking linens at Western Gardens reception venues in salt lake city3.  What do wedding reception places in Utah provide and what will you need to provide?  Make sure you know what is included for the price you will pay.  Many venues include a lot, some charge for their space only.  Find out!

4. How will you be able to decorate the venue to give it a touch of your own style?  How many color choices will you have to choose from for your linens?  Do they offer stylish centerpieces? Can you hang items from the ceiling? 

5. Do you have to use the venue’s own caterers, or can you bring in your own caterer?  Can you self-cater?  Does the venue offer good recommendations for other wedding vendors in a wide range of costs?

Preferred caterer at wedding venues in salt lake city6. What does the facility itself offer?  Does it have a dance floor, bride’s room, groom’s room, children’s room, good sound system, piano, food preparation room, ice machine, and so forth?

7. Does the venue offer a wedding specialist for help in planning and a wedding host for the event itself? Some centers only furnish the space only and offer limited help and guidance as you plan.

Bride at wedding reception centers in salt lake city8. What parking is available for you and your guests?  Does it cost more?  Is it close to the entrance of the reception center?

9.  Does the venue have an alcohol policy?  What is it?  Some Utah wedding locations do not allow alcohol except for champagne.  

10. Venue restrictions – Are there any and what are they?  Some venues can not allow open flames.  Are there any city ordinances on time restraints?  Noise restrictions?

There are so many reception centers Utah offers to Utah brides.  Be sure to find the one that will fit your needs and will aid, not deter from, your beautiful wedding day.

Sparkler send off from indoor & outdoor wedding venues in utah