There are few things more exciting than getting married to the love of your life, and wedding receptions are often the most memorable part of the wedding experience. The perfect reception requires the perfect event venue, so it's important to choose your location wisely. Here's what you should keep in mind when deciding on a wedding reception venue.

Plan a Realistic Budget

While it can be tempting to spend all of your life's savings on an extravagant reception, it's important to be practical and have plenty of money saved up for the rest of your married life. According to ValuePenguin, you should spend approximately 45% of your wedding budget on your venue. It's easy for expenses to add up as you add more features to your reception, so be sure to be mindful of how much you're spending.

Keep It Close to the Wedding Venue

Neither you nor your guests will want to travel a long distance from the wedding ceremony to the reception. The more time you spend in transit, the less time you'll have to celebrate. Be sure to choose a venue within easy driving distance and consider providing some form of transportation for your guests.

Make Sure There's Enough Space for Everyone

The more guests you invite to your wedding reception, the more space you'll need to hold them all. However, too much space can feel cold and lonely. Try to find a happy medium with a venue that provides just enough room for everyone to mingle and dance.

Go With Your Gut

At the end of the day, a wedding reception is all about the atmosphere. If you and your partner have a good feeling about a venue, that's a good sign that you've found the right place. Conversely, if a venue gives you a bad feeling, you won't want to spend the happiest day of your life there. 

If you're looking for a highly versatile event venue in Champaign, IL, look no further than The City Center. Our banquet hall provides plenty of space for guests, and our helpful staff can ensure that your wedding reception is a smash hit. Fill out our event request form to get started on planning your reception.