Your wedding reception is where you and your guests will spend the most time on your wedding day. There are so many things to consider. For first time brides, this process can be overwhelming. Perfect Wedding Guide wants to take some of the pressure off by offering some helpful wedding reception tips.
Deciding on your reception site should be the very first thing you do when planning your wedding, particularly if you intend on having your ceremony and reception in the same location. Take the time to view several options.
Here are some wedding reception tips to consider when selecting your reception site:
- Will the location accommodate all of your guests?
- What is the price per person for their wedding package?
- What is included in the properties wedding packages? Some locations include open bar time, hors d’‘oeuvres, champagne toast, wedding cake, dance floor setup and a honeymoon suite. Some even include a bouquet for the bride and a boutonniere for the groom.
- Find out what, if any additional charges you will encounter.
- What is their service fee? Do they charge to cut the cake?
- If you bring in your own china or linens, is there a setup fee for that?
- Do they include tables, chairs and china? (This is an important question if you are considering a park or garden, or any location other than a hotel or restaurant.)
- Get the menus and wedding packages in writing. Most reception sites will have a standard packet they give out to prospective clients. You will be able to use this packet to compare prices and amenities from all the reception locations you shop.
- Make sure to pay careful attention to the alcohol policies. Some properties will allow you to pay per drink, others have you pay per guest per hour. This can have a significant impact on your overall expenditure.
- Make sure you understand whether or not the reception site has a minimum you must spend. If your guest count goes below a certain number, you may have to add items to your menu or bar to make up the difference in price.
- Ask to see photographs of other events at the reception site. It may give you some good ideas and it will be easier for you to visualize what your wedding might look like.
- Before signing your contract, make sure you understand all of their policies and procedures.
- What is the deposit?
- What is their refund policy?
- When are additional payments due?
- Do they give special pricing for children’s meals?
- Do they give special pricing for service provider meals?
- When do they need a final guest count?
You will also need to find out when your service providers will be able to begin setting up on the wedding day. If you intend to have extensive décor, you will need to make sure to have ample time for your service providers to setup.
Once you have decided on your reception location, work with your catering manager on your menu selection. Approximately two months prior to your wedding, ask your catering manager for a diagram of the room with tables, chairs, dance floor, gift table and cake table. You will be able to use the diagram to assign seats to your guests.
Using these wedding reception tips will insure that your wedding day is stress-free and perfect.