Sure, the venue is free—until you need to replace the entire electrical system to accommodate the caterer’s request or re-landscape the backyard to match the Bride’s color scheme. Still, there is a lot to be said for a home wedding. Hosting a wedding where the bride grew up provides a warm, personal backdrop and a welcome understated tone. The size of the home dictates the number of guests in a way that is helpful to whoever is paying for the wedding. Most of us don’t have houses that can accommodate two hundred and fifty guests. But we can tent the backyard for one hundred family and friends. (My favorite-size wedding.) If you can swing this, I love a home wedding. And bonus, after the guests have gone, your house will be in its best shape in years.

• Somebody Else’s Home

An increasingly popular venue choice: a spectacular rental house that can accommodate large events in a desirable destination. Like your home, only much, much better. I’ve covered rental home weddings in Cape Cod, Jackson Hole, and Austin as well as other trendy locations. Costs vary, but don’t expect bargains and do expect to secure at least a year in advance for some choice locations. Bonus, family can stay in the rental house. Don’t think of it as a cost savings, because these places can rent for fifty thousand plus for the weekend. But at least there’s someplace to stash Grandma or other guests who might not be as mobile. Said with love always.

• Country Clubs/Private Clubs

A venerable standby for a reason: The experienced event staff makes the wedding a plug-and-play situation. The menu choices are limited to what the kitchen offers. The best table layout is already established. The staff knows how to get guests in, served, dancing, and out in a well-regulated manner. Personalization limited to table decor, flowers, and first-dance song, but it will be a smooth, lovely, expensive event. Note: Many private clubs have a no-jeans policy. Make sure your vendors and guests are aware of it. I’ve witnessed the FOB lend the wedding photographer a suit minutes before the ceremony.

• Local Hotels or Destination Resorts