Reception Planning
Reception planning
Planning your wedding reception can require a lot of effort as there is much to consider. Have as much fun with it as you can so it becomes more enjoyable, the less stressed you feel the more ideas will be able to flow. Here is a step by step guide to help you successfully plan your reception.
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Setting a date:
Before you start searching for your reception location, bare in mind that many sites are booked sometimes years in advance. You may need to base your date decision on the availability of your desired location or be prepared to change to different reception venue.
Indoor or outdoor?
You will need to decide whether to have your event indoors or out. If you plan for outdoors then you will need to think about potential rain, unless you are in a location where rain would be next to impossible. If there is a chance of rain then have a backup plan ready. The season you have your wedding is incredibly significant, if you are on a tight budget you could save money by planning a reception in the winter. Some days of the week can also be less expensive than others.
Budgeting:
The importance of budgeting was mentioned in the mistakes chapter. Your wedding reception will bring the biggest expense so you will need to budget before planning. You will need to provide an approximate figure of how many guests you are likely to have. An important part of any wedding involves working out who will be at the reception, this will bring an estimation of costs per head.
Type of reception:
A sit down meal or a cocktail party are the two main reception options people choose from, but some go for something different such as a beach reception, simple cake cutting or a picnic.
A sit down meal is traditional and works well for speeches, not to mention your guests will appreciate it. It can also be the most expensive option.
Cocktail receptions are modern and enjoyed by many guests, but can feel slightly disorganized. They are not as easy for toasts, cake cutting and gaining the attention of your guests.
A beach reception could be a lot of fun and is great for beautiful photos, but some might find it too informal, not to mention sand and water could get everywhere.
Simple cake cutting is ideal for those who are planning to have a low-key celebration with a small party, cake cutting is a nice way to finish off the occasion with family or good friends.
Picnic receptions are great for couples who love nature, it can be easy enough to arrange but with outdoor receptions there is a risk of rain. Some people also find picnics too informal for a wedding.
Whatever location you choose for your reception stay true to yourself and trust in your vision for it. All marrying couples would love their guests to have a great day at their wedding, but it doesn't always matter what people initially think. It is your wedding, your day, and if you trust your instincts with what will and will not work, everything should run smoothly enough.
Other things to take into consideration:
If you are planning a sit down dinner then you will need to work out a seating plan. Consider using place cards to help people find their seat.
When choosing food consider people with dietary restrictions, ask your guests in advance for advice concerning allergies. A cocktail reception will usually have a selection of food to pick from so ensure there are vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Will you want any music playing in the background whilst eating?
When planning your reception you should also decide when the dancing will take place. Most people choose to dance after all food courses are finished rather than dancing between courses. Besides from your special song, take into consideration the songs you choose to play so that people will want to dance. Songs that only suit a few people could leave you with most people sitting down or not getting very involved.
You will also need to organize your photography, photos at the reception are just as important as the ones at the actual ceremony. Think about how you will organize pictures with friends and family, in groups or at tables, think about where and when you would like them to be taken. Some people like their guests to take photos too, you could set up a wedding email specifically for the purpose of guests sending their photos of the occasion.
You will also need to choose where your cake will be placed and when it will be cut. Will you want your guests to have a piece of the cake as a part of the desert or take some home, maybe both? Do you want the photographer to take a photo of you cutting your cake?
Think about other ceremonial aspects you would like to include such as what you would like to do with your bouquet.
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