Here are some ideas for the Best Man when giving his toast:
• Story relating to his friendship with the groom
• Congratulations to the happy couple
• Story relating to the bride
• Comment on how great the bridesmaids were today
• Toast the couple
• Comments/advice for the happy couple or the groom or the bride
1. Budget: First and foremost come up with a budget. This will be the dollar figure that you can not under any circumstance exceed. You can use a budget calculator to see how you will allocate your budget, or allow your wedding planner to do this for you. I have seen couples choose a venue that takes up more than half their budget and their left wondering how to pay for everything else in the wedding. You must choose a venue according to your budget.
2. Put together a guest list.:You don't want to choose a venue that is too large or too small to accommodate your guests. A general rule of thumb is that 20% of the people you
invite will decline.
3.
What the cost includes: If you have $10,000 to spend and the venue charges $200 per person, you
won’t be able to invite many guests. When it comes to the venue, you
want to get the most for your money. Gather sample contracts from each
site you visit and use them in considering your options. What, exactly,
is included in their wedding package? Cake cutting, champagne toast,
gratuities? Get a breakdown of everything in writing before you sign.
4. Season: Consider the time of the year and what the weather will be like. If you choose an outdoor venue, pick a time of the year when you and your guests will not suffer in the cold or heat.
5. Theme: Have a general idea of the theme,
color scheme and/or tone of your wedding before choosing a venue. If
you’re throwing a nautical-themed wedding, a harbor is probably a better
location than a ski resort. If your theme is “rustic chic” a renovated
barn is a better bet than a banquet hall.
5. Non Traditional Location: Your childhood backyard may seem like the perfect place to get
married, but if you have to bring in everything from silverware to food
to generators for the band, it may not be worth it. A tented wedding is
romantic, but very pricey. This is an important point if you are considering a wedding in a
barn, a field or some other rustic venue that doesn’t have facilities.
There are such things as luxury porta-potties these days, but they can
be pricey.
6. Transportation/Parking: If the ceremony and
reception are taking place at different ends of town (or state),
transportation is a factor. If you have to bus people from the hotel to
the church and then the reception, this will add on to your budget. Keep
this in mind when choosing your venue.
If you’re having a formal wedding, the venue should have valet
parking available, as well as luxury passenger vans for guests without
cars. If the wedding is more informal, guests can certainly park
themselves in a nearby lot or field. Make sure there is ample and
convenient parking at the venue. Even better, it should be free.
7. View: Look for a great view, there may be great photo ops right
outside your venue.
8. Plan B: If your “dream” venue is booked or out of
your price range, ain’t no shame in looking elsewhere. Choose a venue
that makes the most logistical and financial sense. With the money
saved, you can deck it out with gorgeous decor and a top shelf bar! No one will notice that this was your second choice venue.
9. Wedding halls/Event Centers: Your friends may snub
their noses at traditional wedding halls, calling them cookie-cutter, but always take a look. A wedding is a party, and if the event center is giving you a good deal and it’s one location for
ceremony, cocktail hour and reception, it just might trump that
over-priced country club you’ve been dreaming about since you were a
little girl.
