Checklist for a Wedding Reception & Ceremony
Before you delve into wedding planning, you may think there are only a few basic steps and tasks to accomplish in preparation for your big day. Once you are in the midst of the planning, however, you will quickly find just how much goes into throwing a wedding. By creating a checklist for the reception and ceremony, you can stay organized and focus on throwing the wedding of your dreams.
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Venue
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The venue is the most vital aspect of the wedding planning, as it can impact nearly every other aspect of your big day. Have a date or a time frame in mind as you visit possible venue sites. Decide if you prefer to have the wedding reception and ceremony at the same place or if you will need two separate locations. If you choose two separate locations, you will also need to arrange transportation for yourself and the bridal party from the ceremony to the reception. Some reception sites will supply the food themselves, while others may require you to hire caterers. Some venues have a list of preferred vendors they suggest you use and will charge extra fees if you bring in outside vendors. Thus, once you have secured a venue, many other wedding details may fall into place.
Dress
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The dress is a focal point of the wedding. Many of the guests will be wondering what the bride is wearing, adding to their anticipation for the grand entrance. The gown style can be influenced by the wedding date and location, so keep in mind the wedding setting as well as the season when choosing your gown. You may want the gown to coordinate with the dresses of the bridesmaids, which will likewise help form the wedding color palette.
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Flowers
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The flowers will form a large amount of the wedding decor. Consult with a florist regarding the feel you are pursuing for the wedding, such as tropical, vintage, rustic or modern. The feel of the venue and style of the dress will influence this, so utilize their style for inspiration. You will likely need flowers for the bridal and bridesmaid bouquets, the flower girl, mother of the bride and groom, boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen, wedding ceremony decoration, reception centerpieces, and for accents on the place card table, buffet tables and wedding cake tables. Calculate exactly where you want flowers, what colors from your wedding color palette you will utilize and the types of flowers you prefer.
Entertainment
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The entertainment for the wedding is what keeps the party motivated and thriving. Consider whether you want music to play while guests find their seats for the ceremony and what music, stereo or live, you want for the bridal procession. Some DJs require extra fees for a "double set-up," where they need to set up speakers for the ceremony in addition to the reception, so clarify this up front when you are interviewing DJs. Choose music for the cocktail hour, dinner and dance portion of the reception, in addition to the ceremony music and the special dances, such as the father/daughter dance and the first dance of the bridal couple.
Stationery
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The stationery you choose, from the save-the-date cards and invitations to the ceremony programs, place cards and reception menus, will all coordinate with each other. Choose a theme and color palette that complements the wedding color palette and style so that the stationery helps coordinate all aspects of the wedding.
Guests
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Remember to thank each guest for attending your special day by giving them a wedding favor. The wedding favor is a small gift or token that is typically given to guests at the wedding reception. The wedding place cards can double as favors, or the favors can be left at the place settings of the guests.
Bridal Party
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Coordinate the attire of the bridal party to the wedding color palette, or vice versa. The ties and/or vests of the groomsmen will typically match the color of the bridesmaid dresses. Give each member of your bridal party a gift at the bachelor/bachelorette parties or at the rehearsal dinner as a thank you for their time and participation in your big day.
Food
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Decide on your choices for hors d'oeuvres and what style dinner you will serve, if any. In order to save on the wedding budget, many couples opt for cocktail party or dessert receptions, where in lieu of a formal sit-down dinner they offer guests cocktails and a dessert buffet or passed hors d'oeuvres and desserts. If you are serving dinner, you will choose between a seated dinner or buffet style. Choose a wedding cake that coordinates with your wedding theme. Offer guests either a cash bar for drinks, a cocktail hour or an open bar.
Performing the Ceremony
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Whether you are having a religious ceremony or a non-denominational ceremony, you will need to book someone to perform the ceremony. This could be a priest, a rabbi, a minister or even a justice of the peace, depending on the preference and lifestyle of the bridal couple. Review the script of the ceremony to make sure it reflects the love shared between you and your future spouse.
Photographer
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Hire a wedding photographer and/or a videographer to capture the special moments of your big day. Discuss with the photographer whether you will need one or two photographers at your wedding, the time frame you want them there and what shots are important to you. Some couples may want the photographer present while they get ready for the wedding, while others may prefer she capture just the wedding ceremony and reception. Discuss your desires for the wedding photography as well as your budget to come to an arrangement that makes you happy.
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References
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