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Top 10 Things Every Bride Needs to Know About Her Wedding Reception

Planning your reception can be exciting, stressful, romantic, thrilling, scary and dreamy – all at the same time! On top of all the unique ideas you surely have to make your wedding one-of-a-kind, there are a host of logistical considerations that will also come into play. To help you make the most of your reception, we’ve put together a comprehensive list you can use as a guide when planning your reception!

10. Seasonal Situation

Have you always dreamt of a candle lit winter wedding? Or have you been picturing yourself holding hands in a blooming garden? Start with our dreams – and then take steps to turn them into reality! Some brides will take whatever season they can get as long as it’s at a certain venue. Others want a fall wedding no matter what – and will arrange their venue around that! Consider how important the season and temperature are to you. Seasonal considerations might also include travel precautions, school holidays, army leaves of absence, and special dates.

9. Location, Location!

You’ve found the perfect chapel. You’ve found the perfect reception site. Unfortunately, they’re three hours apart. It’s time to compromise! It’s important that your reception venue is reasonably close to where your guests will be staying, and that parking won’t be too much of an issue (if it will be, consider offering a shuttle service). It is also wise to include a map of your location in your invitations, or on your wedding website.

8. Logistics

It’s easy to be swept off your feet by a beautiful location. But what if it’s not wheelchair accessible? Or it only holds 75 people – and you’ve got a guest list of 150? When you visit a site, take lots of notes and ask lots of questions. Find out how long your reception can be, what time the bar runs until, and what sort of restrictions there are in terms of scents and open flames. Will there be other weddings or events taking place at the same time? Can you replace those chairs with the ones you’ve rented? Make a list of questions before you go, and take lots of notes – once you’ve seen four places in one day they may all blur together.

7. Style & Theme

Before you choose your venue, you should have a good idea of the sort of style you are going for with your reception. A modern wedding can be held at a non-traditional venue, such as an old theater or a rooftop terrace. A renaissance-style wedding might be better suited to an old castle or mansion. Have fun pairing your theme to your venue, then weaving them together to create a style that is uniquely yours!

6. Make a Plan

It’s important to set up an itinerary for your reception. Write it down – and give copies to the major players! What time will the bride and groom enter? What speeches will be made, and in what order? What time will dinner be served, and when will the cake be presented? It might be hard to stick to your plan, but having one will at least give you a general idea of how the evening will play out!

5. Get a Contract

It’s important to have all aspects of your reception in writing! Bring copies of your contracts to your reception just in case (this can be left in the hands of your Maid of Honor so it is one less thing you need to worry about). You should be aware of all the financial policies of your venue, as well as the details of your contract with your DJ, florist, baker, caterer, and any other professionals you have signed on with for your big day!

4. It’s All About the Details!

Weddings are about love, celebration, and romance. But they’re also about budgets, details, and details, details, details! It’s not enough to know that you’ve ordered a cake. You also need to know how it will be transported to your event, when it will be served, where it will be presented, the cost for cutting it, and the ceremony that will take place around it (and will there be special lighting, music, and photography?). This is just an example. For each element of your wedding, plan out the details!

4. It’s All About the Couple

Don’t let others dictate how your special day will play out! If you want roses but Mom loves peonies…. Guess what? You get to have roses! Your wedding day is a reflection of you as a couple; so let your personal style shine through!

3. Be Prepared

On your wedding day, be prepared! Bring a “Bridal Survival Package” to your site, including extra bobby pins, clear nail polish, a granola bar, Tylenol, and other day-of necessities. Try to make sure things start on time, and have an attendant be responsible for your “Survival Package” so if you suddenly need something, it’s easily accessible! Before the day of your wedding, call all vendors to make sure your expectations about timing and deliverables are clear.

2. Keep It Simple

When in doubt, remember that less is more! You’ll be giving a gift to your budget, and it will be far less headaches for you if you avoid too-elaborate plans. If your ideas are out-of-this world (a fire work display and an arch made entirely of roses?) it might be wise to hire a wedding planner, who can take care of everything!

1. Enjoy!

At your wedding reception, it’s time to relax and bask in your fresh marriage, and the love of all your family and friends! If something goes wrong, don’t worry about it. Just sit back, laugh, and enjoy the evening!