Selecting your reception location can be a long process -- unless you’re one of the lucky few, expect to visit several halls, parks and gardens before you find “the one.” Here are some things to think about as you mull over prospective reception sites.

Style of Wedding
What type of wedding are you planning? Your location should be able to match the formality of your wedding. Grand halls complement formal cathedral weddings. On the other hand, moving from an intimate garden ceremony to a large, ornate hall might feel disjointed. If you’re looking at a large hall but planning a smallish wedding, ask whether the room can be partitioned into a smaller room to fit the size of your party. If you’re planning a formal ceremony but want an outdoor reception, decorate your tent like a large reception hall. Tents can be embellished with chandeliers, windowed sides and lots of candles and grand centerpieces to make them feel like formal banquet halls.

Indoor or Outdoor?
If you’re willing to take a chance on the weather and want an outdoor reception, you’ll find lots of options in Southern Maryland. Some have indoor alternatives if it rains, but not all of them have indoor spaces large enough. If you’re not a risk-taker, choose one of Southern Maryland’s lovely banquet halls, restaurants or historic mansions.

Size of Wedding
Make sure your reception location can handle the size of your guest list. This goes both ways -- a large party will feel cramped in a small space, and small parties will be dwarfed by an oversized space.

Setting
Think about the setting you envision for your wedding. Are you looking for history? Consider one of the many mansions and historic sites in Southern Maryland. Want to be on the water? Head toward the hotels and restaurants on the Chesapeake Bay. You’ll also find luxurious banquet halls that need little embellishment or halls that are blank slates just waiting to be decorated. Many historic sites and mansions have beautiful gardens that can be used for ceremonies and receptions.

Photographs
Your reception site is going to figure prominently in your photographs. Choose someplace that has lots of opportunity for beautiful pictures -- and someplace you won’t mind looking at in 25 years.

Some Questions to Ask
When you meet with representatives from the reception sites you’re interested in, be prepared with a list of questions. Here are a few things you’ll want to ask:

• What is the maximum number of guests allowed?
• What is the site fee? What does that include?
• Is there a cake-cutting fee? A bartending fee?
• How much time is given for the reception?
• Are there any restrictions: music, alcohol, etc.
• Are tables, linens or decorations available?
• Does the fee include a dance floor?
• Are kitchen facilities available for caterers?
• Are outside caterers allowed?
• What is the payment policy?
• Ask about parking availability and fees.