Once you’ve narrowed your choices online to six or fewer venues, you’re ready to see them for yourself. Noelle Gissante, general manager of The Estate at Florentine Gardens in River Vale (201-666-0444; www.florentinegardens.com), told us what to expect. “We try to give our clients the feeling they’re coming into our home. So when a bride arrives, we first offer her a seat and a beverage, followed by an extensive tour and answers to her questions.” Make sure you see the rooms set up for a wedding, so you can picture how it will look for yours.

It’s always best to have a second opinion, so bring along your fiancé or a friend. Consider also inviting a sister or mom who’s planned events before and knows which questions to ask. According to Gissante, your number-one question should be: How many events (not just how many weddings) do you hold simultaneously? Many brides prefer an exclusive venue, though it may be pricier. “When you’re talking dollars and cents, compare apples to apples,” cautions Gissante. “Insist on a detailed quote of what’s included.”

Michael Subarsky, director of business development at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park (973-377-2235; www.brooklakecc.com), outlines four major reasons to select a wedding location: 1) You like the way it looks; 2) Its location is convenient for your guests; 3) It fits within your budget; and 4) You trust the staff there to pull off a wonderful party. You’re searching for a venue that fulfills all four.

For some brides, location is key. “Our beauty is on the outside,” general manager Fred Koechlin of the Channel Club in Monmouth Beach (732-229-3131) tells us. “We’re all windows, with commanding views of the marina and waterfront.” Brides can arrive by boat and sashay right into the open-air cocktail hour. Koechlin advises brides to preview with the same people who will run your reception.

“Choose the spot that suits your style best,” advises Danielle Colombaris, senior account executive for New Jersey Marriott properties, with hotels in Bridgewater, East Hanover, Newark International Airport, Park Ridge, Princeton, and the Seaview Resort and Spa in Galloway. “If you’re athletic, overlook a golf course. If you want to feel like a princess, find an elegant mansion or castle.” But Colombaris also cautions that “every venue has its compromises. To rate your top five choices clearly, make a pro and con list.”