Planning a wedding isn't the easiest task in the world. You have to start as early as possible and know what you want ahead of time. Organization is key, which is why we have a step-by-step guide to help you stay on task. You'll have the wedding reception of your dreams in no time!
Set The Date
Setting the date for your wedding is the first thing you should do. Then you can start browsing through potential reception locations to find the perfect one for your big day. If the date is set-in-stone, then make sure you're flexible with the reception location so you don't get overwhelmed. If the date is flexible and you have a specific venue in mind, then go for it!
What's Your Budget?
It's important that you know what your budget is before you start considering reception venues. The last thing you want to do is get your hopes up and find out later that the venue you were planning on is far too expensive. Once you've confirmed your budget, you can start looking at locations in your price range. Make sure you ask each place what their occupancy is and if they have different price points for different wedding sizes.
Decide On Key Elements
Once you've secured a reception location, the next step is to sit down with your spouse and decide on a few key elements. Would you both prefer a sit-down dinner, cocktail hour, or luncheon? Do you want to include a receiving line? How would you like to be announced when entering? What kind of exit would you like to have? These are just a few questions you can ask yourselves while you're nailing down the details of your reception.
Choose Seating Arrangements
The next big task-at-hand is arranging your guests. Some couples prefer to let their guests choose their seats instead of having assigned seating, and that is a great choice for those that prefer less-fuss during the planning process. If you do want to assign seating for your guests, start with your bridal party. Will they sit next to you and your spouse or will they have a specific table? Once that's set, work on your family's seating locations. We recommend putting immediate families together, with extended family in surrounding tables, so everyone is close to people they are familiar with. Lastly, choose seating locations for invited friends, keeping those that know each other as close as possible so everyone is comfortable and can have fun!
Decide On Food & Drinks
The last thing to do is choose what food and drinks will be available. Decide on whether you will offer a menu that your guests can order from, set up a buffet so that there are lots of options, or just provide snacks for everyone to munch on. Then you can choose what kind of food you would like to have at your reception. It's always a good idea to offer as wide a variety as possible. If you haven't thought about your wedding cake yet, consider ordering from a local bakery. Set up a special place for your wedding cake that has enough room for all your guests to gather around and watch you and your spouse cut your cake!
This step-by-step guide will help you plan the perfect wedding reception. Stay organized and on task and enjoy your big day!
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