Theme: Wedding site basics

Modern wedding reception sites today are breaking tradition when it comes to creativity and special settings.

There are basically two general types of locations. The first is on-site, which means that the place can provide services such as food, drinks, wait staff, tables, linens, china, maybe even flowers, music and the wedding cake. Some favorite on-site places include:

Hotels
Restaurants
Clubs
Catering halls
Church and community centers
Corporate centers
Inns or bed-and-breakfast establishments

The other location type is off-site: There are no services offered. You have your own space or pay a rental fee for one and bring in everything yourself, from seats to spoons. The good news? You can have it all your way. Here are some popular off-site places:

Yachts
Mansions
Botanical gardens
Wineries
Museums
Historic buildings
Movie theaters
College compuses
Amusement parks
Wildlife preserves and zoos
Racetracks
On the beach

Wherever you choose, book your site as far in advance as possible. Visit the site while another wedding is taking place to see how the staff runs the affair. Sample the food, inspect the kitchen and check the restrooms.

If space allows, an at-home wedding can be the perfect alternative to renting a location. Just know what you're getting into. Logistics may pose a problem if electrical, toilet and parking facilities are inadequate for the number of guests attending. For outdoor weddings, a tent is recommended in case of rain. If you're determined to be wed at home, an experienced caterer or party planner may get you over the larger hurdles.

For those extra special places, the search may be become more involved. Here's how to go about it:

Naturally, the web is a sure bet for tons of leads. If you haven't already, do a search for "wedding locations" and watch what's revealed. You'll turn up websites that deal with specific regions of the country and others that offer helpful links.

Check with a caterer or party planner in your vicinity. They know where the best spots can be found.

Next, contact your local Chamber of Commerce, parks commission, historical society or National Register of Historic Trusts to find out about specific sites.

Traditions
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and a Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe. This good luck saying dates back to Victorian times and many brides try to arrange their wedding attire accordingly.

Something Old represents the link with the brides family and the past. Many brides choose to wear a piece of antique family jewelry or a mothers or grandmothers wedding gown.

Something New represents good fortune and success in the brides new life. The wedding gown is often chosen as the new item.

Something Borrowed is to remind the bride that friends and family will be there for her when help is needed. The borrowed object might be something such as a lace handkerchief.

Something Blue is the symbol of faithfulness and loyalty. Often the blue item is the garter.

Silver Sixpence in her Shoe is to wish the bride wealth.

Flowers and their Symbols
Rose is Love, White Daisy is Purity, Gardenia is Joy, Orchard is Beauty, Carnation is Distinction, Blue Violet is Constancy, Forget-me-not is True Love, Red Chrysanthemum is Sharing, Lily of the Valley is Happiness, White Lilac is Youthful Innocence.