Reception Location

No matter where you want your reception to be there are many things that ought to be considered before the final decision is made. Here are just a few:

• Cost: Is it too expensive? What if you have to use their caterer or have to bring in a lot of decorations, lighting, seating, fans, heaters, or furry animals? (That last one was just to see if you were paying attention.)  Add up all the costs together before you see which place is cheaper.
• Location: Is it centrally located to many of your guests? Can you explain it to your guests who may not have a GPS built into their phone? 
•  Weather: Is it outdoors? If so weather will definitely be a concern. If it's not outside, weather could still impact your choice. Is it at the top of a steep, rarely plowed road? That could be a problem in case there is a freak snowstorm, in July. Just think about it.
• Parking: If you are having your reception at a ward house or stake center, then parking is generally not a problem. However, I have been to many a reception in a beautiful backyard, where I am forced to trek half a mile in high heels, carting four children and a gift in 95-degree weather, because no neighborhood is built to allow for three hundred cars at one single house. Solutions exist, they just might take some imagination. Also, sometimes a reception center is located in a city where parking is difficult and guests may even have to pay to park.

There are several beautiful venues out there, just be sure you've thought through the options. A good rule of thumb could be to put yourself in your guests shoes. Sometimes, literally, it may make you rethink that pretty cobblestone pathway!