When you are planning your wedding, one of the most important aspects is your reception. After all of your loved ones have taken the time and spent the money to be there on your special day, you want to make sure you throw a party that they will never forget. However, party planning is a skill that not all of us have, and if you aren’t familiar with all the ins-and-outs that go into wedding reception planning, you may be feeling quite panicked at this point. It’s okay! Take a couple of deep breaths and read these blogs for a step-by-step guide to planning your reception.
How to Plan A Wedding Reception, Part One
How to Plan A Wedding Reception, Part One
Step One: Set the Date
Many people who are new to wedding planning are quite shocked to learn how far in advance they need to book their venue. Avoid disappointment by setting your wedding date before you start looking into reception locations. If you have your heart set on a particular location, have a few dates set aside as options.
If you are concerned about your budget, it is wise to consider the time of year. The availability and pricing of venues will be subject to the popularity of that season. Peak wedding season is in early summer and early fall, so if you are concerned, plan for a winter wedding. Additionally, Saturday is the most common day for a wedding, so choosing a different day such as Sunday could save you money as well.
Step Two: Set Your Budget
After setting your date, the budget is your next step. Venues may carry a minimum, so make sure to inquire about that when you are researching your options. You will also need to provide an estimated guest number, which will also help you with budgeting your total cost.
Step Three: Pick What’s Important
- When planning your reception, it’s crucial to consider what you want this party to look like. Here are some elements to mull over:
- Do you want your reception to be indoors or outdoors? If you choose outdoors, keep in mind that you will need a backup plan in the event of inclement weather.
- What type of reception do you want? People often go for the sit-down dinner, but you could also do a brunch, cocktail hour, lunch, or afternoon tea.
- Do you want a receiving line? This tradition can be a great way to greet every guest, but at the same time, it is quite time-consuming.
- Are you going to have toasts? Toasts can create wonderful memories for you and your guests, but they can be time-consuming as well. If you do toasts, keep them short and sweet and limit them to two or three at a time.
- What traditions do you want to have at your reception? Will you be doing a bouquet or garter toss? You will want to consider space if that’s the case.
- What type of photos do you want? If there are certain photos you want at your reception, you will want to keep them in mind when picking your location.
This is only some of the steps you must take when planning your reception. Keep an eye out for our next blog for more information, and in the meantime, when you need wedding catering in Livonia, contact Thomas’s Catering!