- Unique Location / Venue

Getting married in the nearest church to where you live is certainly the most convenient option, but is it really the best option? You can pretty much get married in any location and in any venue, so your imagination is the only restriction. If you give your guests enough notice, they will come to wherever you decide upon, so do not worry about inconveniencing others. If you are history lovers then you could get married in a castle, if you are sports fans you could married in a stadium, if you are nature enthusiasts you could get married in a a forest, etc. Let your imagination run wild!

- Choose A Theme For The Wedding Reception

Parties are soon forgotten, but themed parties tend to be remembered long after the event. Why? Because they are different, and different equals memorable. You do not have to deviate too far from the status quo, though it is perfectly fine if you want to, as theming and coordinating just the colors, decorations, food and music works well enough. If you need ideas, then look online, browse through a wedding directory and talk with wedding suppliers. After a couple of hours of research, and having seen pictures of how a themed wedding reception looks, you will see why it is such a great idea.

- Involve Friends And Family

There are lots of jobs that need doing at a wedding that your friends and family can do. For example, driving the wedding cars, making the wedding cake and taking the photographs. The people you know would love to make a real and substantial contribution to your special day, so give them an opportunity to do so. Just say, we would love it you if you could do this for us, and no-one will refuse. It will be an honor for them, not an inconvenience, and it will give your wedding a much more personal feel.

- Live Music

Music sounds much better when played live, and so you should have as much live music, both at the ceremony itself and the wedding reception, as possible. Imagine how great a harpist or violinist would sound playing at your wedding ceremony. And, how about a small orchestra or a folk band at your wedding reception? Having live music is, of course, more expensive that hiring a DJ, but it is great value for money. You can cut costs if you want to though by hiring music students from a local club or university.

wedding reception planning

In wedding planning, reception costs will be higher for Saturday parties than for Sunday events. Moreover, early fall, late spring and summer months are the most expensive to marry. Caterers, restaurants and service providers are willing to grant discounts to people getting married in winter, with two exceptions: New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day. You can make considerable savings by organizing the wedding at the end of January.

The budget plays the most important part for wedding planning. Reception parties add up costs for videography, flowers, favors, cake too, in addition to the expenses for the hall and the catering service. This means that in the light of more detailed analyses we can easily conclude that the reception party is your greatest expense, although not the only one. Do not order too much drink or food; good estimates are essential in order to stick to the budget. When you design the menu, you ought to give an approximate number of people, because caterers usually charge by head.

This is the way to cover the expenses. Get a round figure before you start negotiating for the hall, since you won’t be able to estimate the rest of the expenses. Send a confirmation card with all the invitations so that you know how many guests there will be. Then focus on the seatings, because you can further experience difficulties with this part of wedding planning.

planning a wedding reception

Reception details should be put down in checklists so that you do not overlook important aspects. The help of family and friends will mean a lot under the circumstances. Before actually deciding on a certain location, it is a good idea to read some wedding testimonials and try to learn from other people’s experience. Moreover, there is plenty of information to use from directories and wedding magazines available not only on the Internet but at newsstands too.

wedding planning reception

Don’t forget about how important music is. The reception hall manager or owner may help you with some suggestions and contact details. Yet, you are free to choose anything and anyone you like.

In wedding planning, reception expenses are lower for Sunday events than for Saturday parties. Moreover, early fall, late spring and summer months take more money out of your pocket. Halls, restaurants and caterers are willing to grant discounts to people getting married in winter, with two exceptions: New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day. You can make considerable savings by organizing the wedding at the end of January.

Setting the budget is also crucial for wedding planning. Reception parties add up costs for videography, flowers, favors, cake too, in addition to the expenses for the hall and the catering service. This means that in the light of more detailed analyses we can easily conclude that the reception party is your greatest expense, although not the only one. People make the mistake of ordering too much food and drink; estimates can help you stick to the budget. This is why you should know the exact number of guests you are expecting.

Many restaurants and halls charge by person. And negotiate only based on the estimates. Send a confirmation card with all the invitations so that you know how many guests there will be. Pay great care to the seatings, because you can further experience difficulties with this part of wedding planning.

Reception details should be put down in checklists so that you do not overlook important aspects. The help of family and friends will mean a lot under the circumstances. You can discover the right location for your wedding reception by going to other weddings or by reading testimonials. Moreover, there is plenty of information to read in wedding magazines and directories available at newsstands as well as on the Internet.

Don’t forget about how important music is. The reception hall manager or owner could help you with some recommendations for bands. But you can also shop around, talk to friends and relatives and see whether they can give you some useful hints.