• Five hot spots for a wedding

One of the most complicated elements of planning a wedding is the reception. Couples face a myriad of choices in locations and food.

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation (ENLARGE)
Guests at receptions held at Rhodes Hall are sure to enjoy exploring the stone mansion that once was a home.
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But putting together the perfect celebration isn't as daunting as it sounds if couples are willing to do some serious math first.

"The key question is 'What is your budget?' " said Cynthia Gomes, vice president of sales and marketing for the Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, N.C. "We want our couples to be happy, but it's important that they stick to the budget."

After the numbers have been crunched, Gomes asks the bride what her dream wedding is. From there, they start whittling.

"We can tell them exactly what to expect," Gomes said. "We can give averages and food and beverage minimums. We know what rental charges will be. From there, you can go anywhere with upgrades."

Meal choices and optional items, including elegant linens and lavish florals, can add up quickly.

"So you may want to consider doing three courses or five, whether or not to have passed hors d'oeuvres before dinner or whether to have an open bar or just beer and wine," Gomes said.

Tony Conway, owner of A Legendary Event, a catering and special events business in Atlanta, advises couples to base their budgets on the number of guests.

"Start by listing how many people you're going to have," he said. "If it's 100 or 500, it makes a big difference in what you're going to spend. From there, you can come up with guest lists from both sides of the family and start making cuts to fit your budget."

Location can hike the cost of a wedding. A ceremony in Hawaii may bring fewer guests than a weekend in Savannah but may cost more in terms of facilities and transportation.

"Having a destination wedding can really make the numbers fluctuate," Gomes said.

Destination weddings also raise other logistical questions: How will guests get from their hotels to the site? Will more be attending the rehearsal dinner the night before?

"People can be spread out and staying at different places, so we often arrange for large vans to transport guests," Gomes said. "But this is a good example of when it's helpful to hire a professional wedding planner. They can be a real advantage in negotiating hotel contracts, arranging for guests to stay and getting everyone where they need to be."

Once location and numbers have been established, couples can tackle the smorgasbord of menu options. The three-course, sit-down dinner is no longer a must.

"Five or six chef-attended stations as part of a buffet are very big right now," Conway said. "Ethnic menus influenced by the heritage of the families are also big. We're seeing more wine pairings with the courses and better brands of champagne being poured."

Coffee bars at receptions also are fun. Guests can order cappuccinos, lattes and espressos to suit their tastes.

And brides shouldn't forget their vegetarian guests. "There should be at least one option that's vegetarian — and not just a plate of vegetables," Conway said.

Whether it's a sit-down meal, a buffet, an afternoon tea or a cocktail reception, couples demand excellent food, Conway said.

"They expect restaurant-quality food coming right from the kitchen to the table, whether they're in a museum or in a tent in a field," he said. "Our clients are more restaurant-savvy, and they really want the food to be great. And there's really no reason why it shouldn't be."

FIVE HOT SPOTS TO HOLD A WEDDING

Walking down the aisle doesn't always mean heading to a church or synagogue. Metro Atlanta has many buildings, parks, landmarks and other facilities that make great backgrounds for saying "I do." Here are five popular ones:

The High Museum of Art (1280 Peachtree St., 404-733-4536, www.high.org)

The newly renovated museum in the heart of Midtown has two stunning areas. The 5,000-square-foot Robinson Atrium, lit by a four-story wall of curved windows, holds up to 800 guests for a standing reception. The 6,800-square-foot Wieland Grand Lobby features floor-to-ceiling windows and 18-foot coffered ceilings. It holds up to 625. Both spaces are perfect for taking photos to add to your permanent collection.

The Atlanta History Center (130 West Paces Ferry Road, 404-814-4091, www.atlhist.org)

For a destination that links a couple's future with the past, check out the Atlanta History Center. The facility has several areas that can be reserved. The most popular is the elegant garden of the Swan Coach House, where a reception for 800 can be staged. Another outdoor area is the Tullie Smith Farm, with space for 350. Inside, the Grand Overlook Ballroom provides an elegant backdrop for up to 750 at a reception. The museum holds up to 400. In McElreath Hall, a separate building, standing receptions can hold 400.

Rhodes Hall (1516 Peachtree St., 404-885-7800, www.georgiatrust.org)

Satisfy your taste for history with an event at Rhodes Hall. This imposing stone mansion in Midtown was once a private home, but today it houses the offices of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. The main floor is available to rent and includes a beautiful curved staircase lined with stained-glass windows. The home holds up to 175 people, with the option of adding tents on the lawn or tables on the front porch. Something else guests will remember: free parking.

Fox Theatre (660 Peachtree St., 404-881-2100, www.foxtheatre.org)

Long to see your name in lights? Would the marquee of the Fox do? Fabulous! That's one perk of having a ceremony at this 75-year-old Atlanta landmark. Behind the scenes are two unusual spaces that are perfect for celebrations: the Egyptian Ballroom, where faces of pharaohs and scarab beetles peer down from the walls, and the Grand Salon, which features a stained-glass ceiling and French doors opening to the rooftop terrace. If it fits your bill, entertain 1,200 guests.

Atlanta Botanical Garden (1345 Piedmont Ave., 404-876-5859, www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org)

At the Botanical Garden, nature is the perfect backdrop for any event. Imagine having your photo taken amid a mass of flowering roses with the city skyline in the background or under the glass of the Fuqua Orchid Center. What a nice arrangement! Among the areas available to reserve are the Rose Garden, the Trustees' Garden, the Robinson Gazebo, the Japanese Garden and the Fragrance Garden. Indoors, Day Hall accommodates 300 guests for dinner. The Exhibit Hall has room for up to 90, and the Fuqua Orchid Center can accommodate 250 people.