Wedding Reception Planning: A How To Guide For Brides

Planning a wedding is complex. It can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience. Perhaps my experience of planning and supervising hundreds of receptions can reduce some of the trauma.

Talk with your fiancee regarding what ‘type’ of wedding and reception you both want

The vast majority of time the Groom will say (shrewd devil that he is) “Whatever you desire, dear.” And in all reality the Groom really just wants to marry you and, generally, have a party. It’s the Bride's day.

So with that in mind decide what type of wedding and reception you want. And what I mean by that is….. “Hollywood glitz, Gone with the Wind, Martha Stewart Country Club, MTV rocker, Urban chic, etc” Just words really, but powerful worlds that will help you get a emotional ‘feel’ for different sites.

Pick primary and alternative wedding dates

Remember this important maxim, “The farther out from your wedding date, the more economical the cost will be!”

Decide where you want the ceremony to take place. Check the availability of dates and, as important, what time of day the officiant is willing to perform the ceremony.

Get with your Groom and Parents and put together a preliminary guest list

The key word is preliminary. It will be subject to change, but it is important because the number of potential guests eliminates many facilities right from the beginning.

Start a list of every facility you, your family, your girlfriends, and the web can disclose. Research all the local caterers web sites because some of them list their approved facilities that my not be generally available to the public. Keep detailed notes.

Let your fingers do the walking. Get on the phone and see if your date(s) are available. Ask the person to give you a brief overview of their facility. Number of guests, type of receptions they specialize in, do they have a liquor license or can you bring your own, what are the rental fees, and for how long? Can you decorate? Can you bring in your own food or must you use their in-house provider? After a few conservations you’ll have the questions down pat. Keep detailed notes.

Narrow your list to the facility that can accommodate your number of guests, that has the date(s) available, at the price point you want and has the ‘feel’ you desire

Don’t be too picky. Look at a lot of places; you never know what gem you might find. Tour the facilities. Be upfront with the facility representative and tell him that you are looking at a large number of places and what elements you consider key. Points that you are not willing to compromise on. Let the representative ‘sell’ you!

Ask these key questions:

• Where is the parking?
• What is included in the base price?
• What menu can I select from?
• Do you offer a wedding package?
• Could your wedding ceremony be held there?
• Do they have a list of officiants?
• Do you have a minimum?
• Can I come in the night before and decorate?
• Can I bring in my own alcohol?
• If I have to use your in-house food provider do you provide a tasting?
• Is their a childrens price?
• What is your deposit requirements and payment schedule? (Most reception facilities require payment in full 3 days ahead of the event)

Look at their photo albums, letters of recommendation. Ask for a recent Bride’s name and contact information so that you can inquire. During the tour look carefully at the public restrooms. This is a great indicator of how clean the entire facility is!

Make your selection

Sign the contract and make all payments with a credit card. Why? Because if you are not completely satisfied you have leverage with the credit card company. Do not, under any circumstances, pay with cash or a check! And, a side benefit to using a credit card is additional mileage points from the credit card provider.

Now relax

The hard part is done. You’ve got a date, you’ve got a ceremony site and you’ve got a reception location. Everything else just ‘fills’ in…..like dress, dj, florist, photographer, limo, honeymoon, etc. etc.

Easy huh? Hope this helps.