Before you go:

• Consider the season, consider your guest list, do you want an indoor or an outdoor "I do?"
• If you are a member of a church, will your worship space fit your crowd and your vision of the day?
• If you are religious, but not a member of a church, most Triangle-area churches are reluctant to host non-member weddings. You may however have an "in" if you are a regular on Sunday. Contact your church secretary for more information.
• The Triangle area also has several unique locations that are sought-after ceremony spots. These renovated historic churches offer a more traditional look for your ceremony without any religious affiliation.
• If you are looking for outdoor ceremony locations, consider local and state parks, gardens and historic homes. But remember, these spaces are usually short on three things: a roof, chairs and restrooms.
• If you are looking for an indoor ceremony location, many of your chosen reception spots also offer a covered patio, auditorium or smaller ballroom that will easily fit the bill.

Questions to ask:

• Is your space big enough to handle not only your guests as witness, but your wedding party at the altar?
• Are chairs or seating included in the site or rental fees?
• How many events does your site host in one day or one weekend? If several other brides are vying for the same space, how does that effect timing for your set-up, break-down and the ceremony itself?
• Are there any time restrictions on photographs taken after the ceremony?
• How much guest parking is available? Is that enough?
• Are there any restrictions on music, live or recorded, prior to and during the ceremony?
• How are the acoustics? Will your guests be able to hear you say "I do?"
• Are there any restrictions on the photographer or where or what they can shoot?
• If it is a secular location, are there any restrictions on your officiant? Does the site provide one?
• Are there rooms available for the bride and groom to dress?

• Whether the weather cooperates or not, always have a plan "B" for outdoor events. Consider tenting or alternate locations, even if they don't exactly create the picture perfect scene, it's better than being all wet.
• Keep all payment balance, deadline and contract information in one, easy to find place. And remember, no site is yours unless you have a signed contract in your hands.
• Ask for everything in writing. If during the sales process, the site coordinator  promises any extras or cost-cutting deals, make sure you can easily refer to that in an email, letter or contract. It is not uncommon for some sites to have a high staff turnover and that information may not necessarily be on file for your big event.

• If you are not sold on a Saturday evening event, some sites offer discounts on weddings earlier in the day or earlier in the week. Opting for a Saturday afternoon, Friday or Sunday event is a great way to save.
• Shifting seasons is also an easy way to lower your overall budget. In the Triangle, the busy season runs from late-April through mid-October. Many sites offer discounts on weddings in the off-season when it is harder to fill the calendar.
• Consider hosting your ceremony and your reception at the same site. Reducing the number of vendors involved in your wedding is one of the easiest ways to save.
• And, while your ceremony provides the meaning to the day, it is not where you will spend most of your time. Many non-denominational ceremonies take as little as 20 minutes including the processional and recessional. Consider this when budgeting for florals and other decorations at your ceremony site.
• Many churches require that altar arrangements provided by your florist be donated to the church after the ceremony. If not, make a place for those flowers at your reception. Altar pieces are great decorations for entrance and food tables.