The type of reception venue you choose will depend on whether you are getting married in church, register office or in one of the many approved buildings licensed for civil weddings.

Your next considerations could be whether it suits the style or theme of your wedding; its proximity to your church or register office; the number of guests you wish to invite and finally, but most importantly, your budget. You may have in mind the kind of affair you would like, but if it's not financially possible, forget it. It really isnt worth the worry.

Whether you decide to hold your reception in a hotel, stately home, hall, pub, restaurant, racecourse or on a river cruiser, you must book well in advance, especially if its to be on a Saturday in the summer. If you have set your heart on a particular venue, but the Saturday is booked, consider a weekday or Sunday wedding, it could work out considerably cheaper too.

Make sure your chosen venue suits all your requirements: car parking, cloakrooms, special arrangements for small children, wheelchair access. Plus, find out how late they can serve drinks and play music.

You may also need an attractive location for photographs, particularly if one was not available at your church or register office.

Wherever you choose, always check exactly what is included in the price. If it's a "package deal" with other services included, such as flowers and entertainment, are you committed to use those services, or will it be flexible to your needs? Are there any additional costs such as service charges, VAT, a "corkage" charge if you buy your own wines?

Always confirm your booking in writing with as much detail as possible and get a receipt for deposits and the date to settle the bill.

It is a good idea to ask someone to visit the venue on the morning of your wedding to check that all your arrangements have been carried out.

These are venues which are approved and licensed to conduct civil weddings. They could also host your reception. Even if accommodation is not available, usually a room is set aside for the Bride and Groom.

Only you and your guests will occupy the venue, or part of it, for a certain amount of time, this could for a day or, if accommodation is available, over a weekend. If booking an historic building or a grand house, check to see if all the rooms will be available to you on the day. Chances are, where rooms contain priceless works of art, some will be cordoned off.

Ensure you have access to areas where you particularly want to be photographed.

Hotels are the most popular choice as there is usually a wedding co-ordinator to help arrange your day. Most hotels offer "all-inclusive" wedding packages which include food, drinks and a master of ceremonies, plus a room for the bride and groom to freshen up in. Many hotels also offer discounted accommodation rates for you or your guests. It may also have a "bridal suite" included in the price.

Dependent on the number of guests, your budget, and any other requirements, make a short list of possible venues, check the availability on your wedding date and have a meal at each to judge the quality of the food and the service you receive.

When you have made your choice, meet with the wedding co-ordinator and discuss menu options. If possible, sample food and "house wines".

Don't underestimate the amount of time and preparation involved - help from friends and relatives will be essential. Your home will be a hive of activity on the morning of the wedding and chances are there will be people popping in upsetting even the best made plans. Recruit someone to tidy up the place after you have left and to have the kettle boiling when you return.

The average home will accommodate a maximum of 50 people, even so you may need to think about moving furniture and borrowing chairs and crockery from neighbours.