Gone are the days when planning a wedding reception required only a couple of questions- How's the food?  How much will it cost? Brides and Grooms are faced with a myriad of decisions: some simple and others require out of the box thinking.

Invite your group to the right facility:

You will be asking you friends and relatives to spend all day with you.  Although you will be the focal point of the event, consider the needs and comfort of your guests too.  Will they be able to park close to the reception site?  Does it offer easy access for older attendees or those with special needs?  A reception at a hotel will be convenient for yourself and your guests staying there, but at what cost? What about a shuttle service and how about others who drive in for just the day?  Will they find convenient parking?
Consider the restroom facilities.  Will they accommodate the number of guests you are planning on inviting?  You don't want your friends and brand new in-laws spending their time standing in a line other than the one to dance with the bride or groom.
As a bride or groom, will you have a designated room where you can escape for a few minutes to freshen up or store valuables or take your shoes off and relax out of the view of your guests?
At what time of day will your church service take place?  Does your reception facilities have the flexibility to accommodate your guests immediately after the ceremony?  Can your friends and relatives enjoy a beautiful and friendly atmosphere while waiting for your arrival?

The cost:

The reception is a major investment.  Make sure to ask the right questions and read the fine print before making any commitments.  Who will do the decorating?  Is there a room rental or set-up fee?  Is the dance floor big enough?  If you want to offer your guests free liquor, beer, and soda, is there a minimum that has to be spent at the bar?  Do you have to pay for ice, condiments, and an hourly rate for bartenders?  What is included in the price of the meal?  Tax?  Gratuity?  Will those be additional charges?  Will there be enough servers for the meal?  Do you have to pay for additional help?
Don't assume that something is included without asking about it.  Additional charges accumulate very fast.  It will pay to educate yourself before meeting with your prospective reception facilities.  They will be very helpful in determining the proper fit for your needs.

Some things to ask about when planning your reception:

What is the room capacity?
What is the room rental fee?
What is the room set up fee?
Is there a clean up fee?
Do they offer cake Cutting service?
Is there a cutting fee?
Are there decorating packages available?
Is there a bar set up fee?
What are dollars spent (minimum)?
Are wash, condiments, & ice included in bottled liquor pricing?
Is there a bartender hourly rate or minimum?
Are there additional bartender/ server gratuities added?
Is there a shuttle service available?
At what cost?
What are the hotel rooms specials?
Minimum rooms rented fee?