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When it comes to your wedding reception, the venue is undeniably the most important piece of the planning puzzle. No other element can reflect a desired mood or style quite like the setting in which the event is held. The wedding venue should be the first major decision in your planning process. Once you have selected your site, you will find that everything else begins to fall into place.

Daunted by the task? Do not be. While you should approach future selection with care, a little pre-planning will help narrow down the options. Before meeting with the first facility manager, consider three factors to determine the type of venue that is perfect for you.

1. Determine the Theme and Style of Your Event –

Different types of wedding venues set the stage for specific styles of wedding reception. Before deciding, determine the type of affair you would like to host.

Today's wedding receptions are about personality and creativity. Consider your personal style. Do you want your wedding to be a reflection or a departure from that? Just because you tend to be more city-chic does not mean you can not throw a country-style foot stomping hoe down of a wedding (it can be done in an equally fabulous manner).

Put some thought into this, and envision your perfect wedding reception. The theme and style you wish to reflect will help dictate the type of wedding venue you choose. Remember that options abound beyond hotel ballrooms, banquet halls and country clubs. Also consider mansions and historic sites, museums or parks. The sky is the limit!

2. Decide on Geographic Location –

Where do you want to get married? In your hometown? In your fiance's home town? In the town where you currently live? How about a Caribbean island? With today's jet-set couples, the possibilities really are endless. Do not be afraid to consider something different or unexpected. Perhaps the style or theme of your wedding will dictate the location-a tiki-style hut by the beach, a rustic farmhouse in the country, a posh ballroom overlooking a metropolitan cityscape. You get the idea …

3. Estimate the Number of Guests –

OK-so you have decided to get married in an historic mansion near your hometown. Great-you're almost there! But before you get in your car and start touring wedding venues, there is one final criteria to consider – capacity. No matter how beautiful a place may be, if you expect a guest list of 300, cramming them into a facility that seats 150 will quickly turn an elegant affair into a mob of angry guests. Most reception sites make setting capacity information readily available. If not, give a quick call to the general phone number and find out. Make sure to differentiate the capacities for the type of wedding reception you envision (appointed dinner, buffet, cocktail reception etc.) There may also be different capacities based on the setting with or without a dance floor.

4. Now Find Your Site! –

Find as many seasons that meet these initial criteria as you can. You can search a national directory to find wedding venues and services in your area that meet your needs, and narrow down your list. Then schedule appointments to tour each venue and meet with the manager. After that-it's decision making time!

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Source by Cori Russell