If you're planning for your wedding, the reception centre will probably be high on the list of things to get just right. You'll want to be sure you have a great venue, quality catering and plenty of space. However, planning that perfect wedding reception in Brisbane can seem difficult at times.

After all, there are lots of different reception locations out there. Some cater, others don't. Some are traditional banquet halls, while others are restaurants, antique homes, golf clubs and hotels. If you haven't already gotten an idea of what you want out of your wedding, the huge range of Brisbane reception venues can make things even more confusing.

The best thing to do is start with a list, and work out your budget well in advance. Don't let your heart make the decisions, either. When faced with a beautiful but pricey venue, it could end up making a bad choice.

Practicality might not feel romantic, but when it comes to finding a place for a wedding reception in Brisbane, it's an important factor. You'll need to assess what each venue has to offer, how much it costs, and how many it can seat comfortably. Don't just go by the official numbers, either - envision your guests seated in the space available to prevent anyone being stuck in a corner or down a narrow hall.

If you're wondering how to create that list, there are a number of different ways to get started. Talking to co-workers, family and friends is one good way to get a sample of local reception venues as well as information about what using them is like. You'll find out where your friends had their wedding receptions and what they thought of the location and service.

The down side of using this method to compile your list is that there are many different reception venues you'll never find out about, simply because no one you know has ever used them. The benefit is that you'll be able to find out which Brisbane venues look great, but have terrible service, and which ones are secret gems.

If you want to cast a wider net, there's always an Internet search or taking a look through the local telephone directory. That'll get you the biggest selection, though you won't find out much about the individual venues before you try them. You'll also have to sort out which Internet results are really local.

Also on the Internet are wedding directories like True Bride. We have the ability to give you something of both worlds, using a local search method. You'll be able to find local reception venues, and find out a little more about them by looking at user ratings. Some of the most popular options around Brisbane include the Pacific Golf Club and Goodearth Hotel.

Once you've compiled your list, it's time to go look at the venues. Talk to the staff and find out what packages are available, as well as how many people can be accommodated. See how a reception venue feels to you, and whether it'll go with the theme of your wedding.

Choosing a venue for your wedding reception in Brisbane is important, so be sure to do it early. No one wants to lose the perfect venue or have to change their wedding date due to a conflict. However, it can be quite easy to get the perfect place for your wedding reception - just take the time to look.