Admittedly this may be self-serving, but I will try to be as dispassionate and fair as I can… This is an article I was asked to write a few years ago but it may be even more relevant today.

The main job of a reception center is to assure that you and your guests have an extraordinarily, fun and safe event. As much as you are concerned about the right venue to fit your personality, you should also seriously weigh the choice of a particular venue from your guests’ point of view! Here are some points to ponder –

I was just thinking… we rarely book a reception for the first daughter of a family to be married, but we almost always book the reception for the second daughter. Why? Because most parents believe they will save money by doing it themselves. Funny how that attitude changes when time rolls around for the next daughter!

So, if you have a wedding in your future, there’s no need to lower expectations just because of the economy. Wonderful wedding receptions can be done on a budget. There are many ways to save money and still have a fantastic event.

Photography is important at any wedding or reception – very important! But, can I just offer a little advice from watching guests come and go here at The Manor? There is one thing that can put a crimp in your wedding quicker than any other, that is a photographer that is only interested in money – their money.

At wedding receptions, I have witnessed brides brought to tears by photographers. Your photographer should never dictate how and when you can cut the cake or dance just to meet their schedule. There are plenty of great photographers out there who will stay the whole night. Besides, the candid photos are the best and those opportunities happen throughout the event.