How many times in your life have you volunteered to plan a party for 150 or more of your closest friends with you as the guest of honour?
Your wedding day is likely the only time you’ll be in charge of such a momentous event. Follow a few guidelines and you’ll avoid many inadvertent and untimely gaffes invited by a lack of planning.
First and foremost, ask to visit your reception facility during another wedding so that you can observe an actual wedding taking place.
Choose the site and the food for your reception according to the time of the year your wedding takes place. Serve food that is appropriate for the time of day as well as the season.
Include an RSVP card in your invitation so you can provide an accurate guest count to the reception facility. Plan to do this two weeks before your wedding, even though you may be updating this list often.
Discuss seating arrangements with your banquet coordinator at the reception site. You can seat your guests however you wish; there are no hard and fast rules. Prepare for any surprise guests and last minute changes.
Making your guests work doesn’t necessarily mean you’re saving yourself any money. Buffet service often costs more than a sit-down meal. A greater variety of dishes are typically offered to start with, and platters constantly need to be replenished.
If you are having a master of ceremonies, be sure they are clear on what their role is and what you want to be announced. Discuss these important details in advance.
Mike Kovaliv Photography
Have the musicians or DJ play a variety of music so that everyone can enjoy dancing at your reception. Discuss special requests and dances in advance.
Do not require your guests to pay for their own drinks. If you decide against an open bar, consider serving only wine, champagne, mineral water or soft drinks.
Do not allow bartenders to put out tip jars. Whoever is paying for the reception should handle the gratuities.
Assign a friend or family member to transport gifts from the reception to your residence. Gifts and money should be placed in a secure room at the reception to prevent loss or theft.
Chalet Studio Photography
Keep any photo sessions brief- your guests will notice any conspicuous absence.
Instead of numbering your tables, try naming them. For example, an avid reader marrying an outdoor enthusiast might have tables named “Grisham & Golfing Table” and “Hemingway and Hiking Table.”
Provide a map showing locations of guest hotels, parents’ homes, rehearsal dinner and reception facilities as well as the ceremony site is an absolute necessity for your guest.
Emphasize well-marked main routes; indicate available parking areas. Include maps with invitations and have additional copies available at the ceremony.
Have a beautiful day!
