The Reception
When choosing a wedding venue, consider what type of wedding you will be having. Is the venue exactly what you want, does it feel like the one? Your venue is a big part of your wedding day, your ceremony is the most important but your venue is where you and your guests will be most of the time.Do you feel comfortable, is the staff friendly and is it in your budget?
Consider whether the facility is large enough to accommodate your guest list. If you'll have dancing, is there room for a dance floor?
Get everything in writing. Will the reception site provide linens, table skirting, microphone and/or microphone hook-ups, napkins, dance floor, table centerpieces, etc.
The menu for your reception can be as simple as cake and punch or as elaborate as a formal dinner. You also have a choice of offering Hors d' oeuvres or a Buffet at your reception. All options depend on the degree of formality, time of day, and your budget.
Consider some of the following special touches that you may want to add to your reception. An ice sculpture for your buffet table, a balloon arch for a dramatic entry, lit candles for a more intimate setting or personalized candy favors for your guests as wedding favors.
Some of your guests may be health conscious. Try to offer some fresh, low-fat selections in addition to the richer fare. Choosing in season foods will be easier on your budget.
RECEPTION CHECKLIST
View Wedding venues
Reserve the site for your big day
Sign agreement and pay deposit
Decide style, theme, and decorations
Hire a caterer if venue does not provide one
Plan Menu, decide weather your having a cocktail hour and what kind of dinner you will be having.
Decide if it will be a sit down served dinner, a buffet or just appetizers.
Determine if alcohol will be served. If so, will it be open bar, limited bar or cash bar
Determine sequence of events with your DJ, band or Master of Ceremonies
Discuss with Photographer where and how long you would like to take pictures
Select someone to be the guest book attendant
Determine seating assignments
Order or make wedding favors for guests
Give final guest count to reception site and/or caterer
Be sure to get a detailed bill of all charges and be sure you understand what each charge is for.
RECEPTION SITE QUESTIONS
Is the venue available on your date?
Is there a wedding before or after you?
Do they have enough parking?
How many people can the facility comfortably hold?
What is the layout of the tables? How many people can sit comfortably at each table?
How big is the dance floor? If it is an outside wedding, do they provide or dance floor or require you rent one?
Is an in-house catering service offered? If so, and you don't wish to use it, can you bring your own caterer?
Can you have a taste testing for dinner, buffet or appetizers (which ever you are having)?
Do they provide other services (flowers, cake, decorations, etc.); do they have a wedding package?
Do they provide a bar? Do they have a liquor license?
Are tables, chairs, dinnerware, and linens supplied? What about decorations?
Is the site an appropriate one for live music? Is there proper spacing, wiring, and equipment?
Can you see photos of previous reception setups?
How many hours is the site available for? Is there a minimum you must meet? Are there charges if the reception runs overtime and how much? When booking the time for your wedding ask if the end time means everyone including your vendors (photographer, DJ, etc.) have to be out by then or if you just end at that time? (Example: You book your Venue from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, do you and your guests and vendors have to be out by 5:00 pm or do you just need to stop your music and guests need to start being escorted out at 5:00 pm).
When can you and your vendors (DJ, Videographer, Cake, etc.) come and setup?
Are any of your vendors required to have liability insurance?
Does the venue have liability insurance?
What kinds of decorations are not allowed, are candles ok?
Are there separate rooms where you can store all your things and freshen up before the reception and change into your going away clothes?
If your reception will be outdoors, do they provide an alternative location if there is poor weather?
Will your deposit be returned in the event of a cancellation?
What will the ratio of staff to guests? Will the staff be dressed appropriately for the occasion?
Will they make provisions for guests with special dietary needs or small children?
What is the refund policy?