The wedding reception will be the first time that you receive your relatives and friends as a married couple. It can be one of the most joyous parties that you and your spouse will ever host.
Because your reception can be held nearly anywhere, your first consideration in choosing a site is accommodating the number of people you are inviting. Your church or house of worship may have a suitable area, or you may want to rent a hall, a country club, a vineyard, a restaurant, or even a yacht. Anywhere goes that makes you comfortable and that suits your style.
If you are being married in a season and locale noted for good, reliable weather, there may be a lovely garden or arboretum available that can be tented. You may also want to consider a restored historical mansion; they make for a delightful fairy tale backdrop for a wedding feast.
Once you’ve decided the setting, the estimated number of guests, and your budget, you’re ready to begin interviewing reception sites and caterers. Remember that the services of a professional banquet facility or caterer can enhance and expedite the planning of your reception. Reserve your choice well in advance and promptly pay any necessart deposit.
Visit the reception site and map out how you would like it arranged. Plan the receiving line if you are having one and decide whether it will be formal or semi-formal. Also, consider grouping furniture so that people can move around easily conversing with as many guests as possible.
Seating arrangements for the bride and groom table are : bridal couple in the centre, maid of honour at the groom’s left, best man at the bride’s right. Other attendants, alternating men and women are seated as space allows. Or you can choose to have a sweetheart table just for you and your spouse. It’s entirely up to you how you choose to party!
At a sit-down dinner, the order of service should be bride, groom, maid of honour, best man, other attendants, parents and guests. Once all have been served, the best man presents the traditional toast to the bridal couple.
Cake-cutting comes after dinner. The couple cuts the first slice and shares it. Then, the caterer finishes serving while the newlyweds visit with guests. Should the bride and groom decide to toss the bouquet and throw the garter, it is done before they leave. Some couples stay for the entire evening and continue partying into the wee hours of the mornign with their closest friends.
