How to Set Up a Wedding Reception for Capacity
The amount of detail that goes into planning, preparing and setting up for your wedding reception may seem daunting, especially when you are at maximum capacity. A wedding reception for capacity refers to the number of guests that the venue space can safely and legally -- not to mention comfortably -- hold. Use the responses you receive back from invitees to confirm the final guest count, and compare this total to your venue space's maximum capacity limits to make sure you are still within the boundaries. Then, continue using this number for the rest of your set-up details.
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Instructions
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Work on the layout of the reception space. When you are at capacity, you do not have a lot of flexibility with how the tables can be arranged, but you may be able to choose whether you want tables of six, eight or ten, and round versus rectangular tables. Play around with your options by drawing diagrams on paper that detail the room layout and all of the table possibilities. Don't forget to include areas for your dance floor, DJ or band, buffet tables or food stations, and cake table.
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Situate the DJ or band in a centralized spot in the room. If your wedding is at capacity, a poorly situated DJ or band can cause some of your guests to hear the music too well, and others not well enough. Create a balance in the sound by keeping your musical entertainment as centrally located as possible.
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Set up the gift table and guest registry in an area that is separate from the reception room. Put the tables in the space where you are having cocktail hour or even at the ceremony site. Since you are at capacity, a gift and registry table inside the reception space will take up precious room that could be used for something else. Not to mention these tables cause lines and crowds to form around them.
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Select smaller chairs for your reception tables. Large chairs take up more room at the table and more space in general. If you are at capacity, you need all the extra space you can find. Consider the fact that servers will need to have easy access to the tables and each guest, and the space between the tables grows smaller and smaller with a capacity wedding. As such, use chiavari, garden or folding chairs that conserve more space than banquet chairs.
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Keep additional structures to a minimum. When at capacity, it is disadvantageous to bring in extra structures, such as decorative columns, canopies, hefty light fixtures or other things that take up space. Instead, decorate your tables and embellish the structures that are already part of the reception room.
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References
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