Things You'll Need:
- Reception decoration stores
- Banquet hall
- Caterers
- Time and planning skills
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Step 1
Choose your reception theme and start thinking about decorating ideas before you choose your venue. This is because some venues won't offer the space or ability to decorate the way you want to.
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Step 2
Once you have a theme start hunting for a venue. A good place to start is the yellow pages under banquet halls, restaurants and reception halls. Call each one and ask them what type of arrangements they make for receptions. What size rooms do they have and how many can they seat, also do they offer on site catering, a kitchen for your own caterer and decorations?
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Step 3
Start gathering your guest list and make a projection for the number of guests you will have. Give yourself some breathing room, estimate within 25 guests for medium sized receptions.
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Step 4
Order your reception decorations. Choose a lot of ribbons, bows and decor that can be used for multiple purposes. This gives you more options in case other decorating ideas fall through. Keep with your theme but only buy enough themed decorations to make the reception unique. Everything doesn't have to be fairytale oriented if that's your theme, but most of the decorations should be related to this topic.
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Step 5
Start early on decorating ideas, and visit the venue if possible to see the space and get a visual on how it can be decorated. This will help you choose the right reception decorations.
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Step 6
Contact caterers, DJs and other entertainers once you have the time and place established. Then book them as soon as you can. Always have a back up in case they cancel. Call someone and ask if they would be available if your current act backs out or if there is a problem.
