A Guide to Planning the Perfect Wedding Reception
According to experts, on average, it can take up to one year to plan a wedding. While picking out the perfect dress and or choosing your cake design are exciting parts of the planning process, nailing the wedding reception is perhaps most important. The reception involves everything from food and beverage to live music and dancing.
After all, wedding reception planning takes the bulk of your budget and efforts. And in the end, this is the part of the event your friends and family will talk about for years to come.
But how do you begin the wedding reception planning process? What are the key wedding reception checklist items you can’t miss? Read on to discover how you can plan the perfect event after saying “I do.”
Consider Your Guests
While your wedding may be the most important day of your life, you can’t forget about your guests’ needs. For example, will a destination wedding deter family members from coming? Does your dream venue have too many steps or hills for elderly guests?
Does your music list or live band appeal to all tastes? And don’t forget to account for guests’ special dietary restrictions.
Choose the Right Venue
Understanding your guest’s needs will help you choose the right venue to host your wedding reception. The right venue should match your personal style and wedding vision but it should also be practical and account for unforeseen events.
For example, an outdoor tent wedding may seem dreamy.
But if you live in an area prone to storms, this choice could prove disastrous. Consider your budget and what the venue is willing to include in your package. A sparse venue could be a blank canvas but you may have to shell out extra money to bring in tables, cutlery, flowers, and more.
Design a Wedding Reception Floor Plan
A wedding reception floor plan helps organize your event. If you plan on having a dance floor, you’ll need to dedicate space and arrange tables in a particular pattern. For example, these folding chairs would work with a variety of floor plans.
Create an Event Timeline
The best way to prepare for a wedding reception is to plan your event down to the minute. Start by envisioning what events you want to take place at the reception. For example, do you want a champagne toast?
Will the dinner be a sit-down or buffet service? Will you have live music or dancing? Create a list of these events and an accompanying timeline.
Consider Help When Needed
Even the most organized couples may need the help of experts. If your budget allows, consider hiring a planner or day-of-coordinator to manage the reception.
This will allow you to spend more time with guests and enjoy the event. Leave the details and any last-minute stressors to the professionals.
Proper Wedding Reception Planning Can Make Your Event Unforgettable
Your wedding reception can be one of the most precious and important events of your life. Don’t leave anything up to chance. If you consider your guests’ needs and choose a venue that is practical and accessible you can set yourself up for success.
And don’t forget to streamline the event timeline and organize the small details in advance. If you are still feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring help. Did you find this information helpful? Then check out our other wedding stories.
