Organizing a Wedding Reception

Plan a reception that you will remember fondly for years to come.

Meticulous planning for your wedding day does not stop with the wedding. Your reception also requires organization and attention to details in order to be successful. Creating a checklist of issues to attend to will allow you to verify that everything that you want to include, monitor and address will not be forgotten.

Instructions

1. Construct or purchase a binder with dividers. Having a section for each aspect of your reception allows you to easily access specific information and keep organized notes about progress and what still needs to be done in each area.

2. Budget how much money you can honestly afford to spend on a reception. Giving yourself this guideline will assist you in making wise decisions about the items and services that you seek out and secure.

3. Scout out locations for the reception. Knowing details about the venue that you will use will assist you in choosing other items and details for the event.

4. Put together a menu. Whether you enlist the services of a professional caterer or if you decide to prepare the food yourself, planning needs to be done. Consider the number of guests that will be in attendance, foods that are in season and an special dietary needs and requirements of your guests. Included in your food planning should also be your wedding cake and any bartending, alcohol needs and expenses.

5. Plan for decorations. Whether you plan to decorate yourself or hire a professional, you should decide on a theme, color scheme and the specific items such as flowers, lights and table coverings that you will use.

6. Book your entertainment. Live bands and disc jockeys are popular choices for reception entertainment. Whatever form of entertainment you want to have, you should attempt to audition and book them as soon as possible.

7. Hire a photographer and videographer to capture special moments from the reception. If the person that you hired to photograph or film your wedding ceremony included the reception in your package or quote, then this will not be an issue. If the reception is not included, you will need to make arrangements to have it documented.

Tips & Warnings

• When securing professional services, always understand their policy on deposits, refunds guarantees and cancellation terms before signing any official contracts or agreements.

References

• My Wedding Checklist: Wedding Reception Checklist
• eleGALA.com: Wedding Receptions

Resources

• The Knot: Reception Ideas