Hudson Valley Reception Hall Tips Before Booking

If you’re searching for a Hudson Valley reception hall, we’re here to help! The Hill is a spacious historic estate with horse pastures, woods, fields, and stunning views. With our outdoor and indoor choices, you’re sure to plan a wedding in Hudson Valley that’s remembered for years to come. 

But before you sign on any dotted lines, we know you want to be fully confident in your decision. After all, you’ll spend so much time, money, and energy on this celebration — it should be perfect! And not every Hudson Valley reception hall is the same.

Unfortunately, deciding on a Hudson Valley wedding venue can be stressful. So if you’re wondering where to start, take a look at the tips below!

Finalize your budget

Hudson Valley weddings come in all shapes and sizes. So before you decide on a reception hall, you must consider your budget. Venue tours are fun, but the last thing you want is to fall in love with a spot only to realize you can’t make it work financially. 

Sit down with your partner (and any loved ones contributing) to create a solid spending plan. What are you willing to spend in total? And how much of that will go toward your Hudson Valley reception hall? Consider your must-haves and non-negotiables first, so they can receive a majority of your budget. Since most wedding venues are typically 30% of the overall budget, allow this number to serve as a starting point.

Map out your guest list

Once you’ve finalized your budget, it’s time to move on to your guest list! Booking a Hudson Valley wedding venue without knowing how many guests will be dancing the night away only sets you up for disappointment – especially if you’re dreaming of a 200+ person celebration. 

Or, on the flip side, if your dream wedding in Hudson Valley is small and intimate, you won’t want to go with a venue that feels massive and difficult to get around. Though you won’t need an exact number until a few weeks before, an overall estimate will help you find a Hudson Valley reception hall that brings your vision to life. 

Consider any upgrades

Many venues come with standard amenities. But if you’re looking for the best Hudson Valley wedding venue, consider asking about what’s not included in your initial booking. Things like lighting, suites, and onsite accommodations are add-ons worth incorporating into your budget if you’ll save money in the long run. 

Search for local events

Though many couples ask questions about their particular venue, few consider asking about the Hudson Valley area in general. For example, are there any events taking place nearby that might disrupt the flow of your day? The last thing you want is for guests to travel near and far only to spend their afternoon dealing with traffic and detours! 

Races, conventions, and other nearby weddings might impact your celebration, so it’s best to chat with each Hudson Valley reception hall about what’s happening inside the community on your big day. Once you know, you can plan accordingly. 

Talk about a backup plan

It’s not always fun to think about, but having a backup plan for your big day will give you peace of mind! With a plan B, you can rest easy knowing everything will be okay should something go awry.

Those planning a wedding in Hudson Valley will want to account for weather changes. However, the best venues also have plans for power outages, no-show vendors, and other emergencies. When it comes to your wedding, it’s better to be safe than sorry! So sit down and think about how your day will shake out should something alter your original timeline. 

Ask about vendors

When it comes to vendors, it all depends on the Hudson Valley reception hall you choose. Some allow you to pick your own, while others prefer you use one of their choices. So, ask your venue about their vendor requirements before handing over your credit card! And, if you need help in your search, your venue should be able to provide recommendations you can trust.

Comb through reviews

Your Hudson Valley wedding venue might not be afraid to toot its own horn, but to get a feel for its client experience, it’s best to look at the words of those they’ve worked with before. Read through reviews on Google, WeddingWire, and The Knot to learn more about what couples had to say about their special day. Respectful communication and coordination are two things to note!

Your dream Hudson Valley reception hall is waiting for you!

The entire team at The Hill cannot wait to learn more about your wedding day vision and how we can help you bring it to life. Reach out today so we can start planning your dream Hudson Valley wedding!