The wedding ceremony is the most important aspect of any nuptial celebration. However, the wedding reception is of equal importance for the success of your event. This is because it is during the reception where guests and the newlyweds get to interact and bond with each other. Not just that, guests are also able to bring home a lot of fun memories from the reception. If you are about to tie the knot soon, then here are some reception aspects that require your attention.
Budget and Venue. Budget is often the primary concern in planning any event. Couples who want to stretch their funds can time the wedding during off peak season to get better rates. But if money is not a concern then finding the perfect venue should be easy for you. Ideally, the venue for a wedding reception should be near the church or where the ceremony was held. There are wedding venues that offer separate areas for the ceremony and reception which can be convenient for the couple and their guests. Aside from the budget, location, size and amenities are foremost considerations in choosing a reception venue.
Reception Program and Wedding Rituals. It’s not just a party, it’s a wedding celebration. As such, the reception calls for a program that can accommodate toasts and rituals without boring the guests. Traditionally, the newlyweds and the wedding entourage welcome the guests in a receiving line at the entrance. However, this can be time consuming so modern couples simply opt for a table visit to receive well wishes. It is also tradition for the newlyweds to be officially announced as they enter the wedding reception. Toasts from family and friends, cake cutting, first dance, bouquet and garter toss, are also common rituals observed during the reception. Just be careful not to spend too much time on the rituals or your guests may become restless.
Food and Drinks. What’s a party without food and drinks? The type of reception that you choose will dictate the menu for your wedding party. Sit down receptions would entail a full course meal, while cocktails or afternoon tea receptions only require finger foods, sandwiches, or light snacks. Just remember to have enough food variety to address possible diet restrictions i.e. vegetarians, nut allergy, etc.
Music and Entertainment. One way to keep the guests happy throughout the reception is through music and entertainment. You can hire a DJ or live band to take care of both music and entertainment for the party. If you want to add some personal touch, then you can flash some photos of the couple with the guests as the music plays in the background. Talented friends or family members can also render their talents during the reception program if the couple approves of it.
Seating Arrangements. The last thing you want is to make your guests uncomfortable throughout the reception. This makes assigning the seating arrangements crucial in planning a wedding reception. It is recommended to sit guests together with people they are likely to get along with. You may also want to have a separate table to kids and teens so their parents can also enjoy the celebrations. Another consideration is the table location for guests with special needs. The elderly would usually prefer to sit away from the speakers and have easy access to restrooms.
Pictures and Souvenirs. Aside from a memorable event, you can also give your guests a little token from your wedding. It can be photo souvenirs from the event or any token that best represents the newlywed.
Planning a wedding reception is indeed a meticulous task, which is why most people hire wedding planners to handle it. Then again, any challenge becomes easier to tackle when you are able to work together as a couple.
