10 Tips for an Unforgettable Reception
You want to have a seamless reception that will have guests talking for years to come? Follow these tips below to help you get started!
1. Guest Count
Before settling on your dream venue decide on how many guests you will be inviting. You don’t want to fall in love with a place only to find out your guest count will not fit the space. You will want to make sure you have enough room for your guests to move around and dance!
Venue: The Wright Farm
Photography: Kayla Johnson Photography
Flowers: Anderson's Florist
Catering: J Bo's BBQ
Hair: Hannah Hutson
Makeup: Madi Turner
Event Coordinator: Mariah Caitlin Events
2. Tackle Big Items First
Make a to-do list of items that need to be booked as soon as possible. If you are getting married in the middle of wedding season things like caterers, djs, and photographers book up quickly. You will want to make sure you have the perfect team for your big day. Your wedding planner can also give you some great suggestions if you are stumped on finding a certain type of vendor!
Catering: G&W Catering
Photography: Everything Lovely Photography
Event Coordinator: Mariah Caitlin Events
3. Tend to Your Bar
Experts say one bartender per 50 guests, but if you are serving a signature cocktail that cannot be made in advance you may need an additional bartender in order to keep the line down.
Catering: G&W Catering
Photography: Everything Lovely Photography
Event Coordinator: Mariah Caitlin Events
4. Think About the Small Paper Details
If you are having a seating chart, you will have to think about how you are going to display the seating chart. Also, you will need to decide how you will display the table numbers or seating cards. If you will be needing stationery for this you can go to a store like Paper Source to see different types of paper. Or enlist the help of your wedding planner in picking out the right paper for the job!
5. Lighting
What type of mood are you wanting for your reception? If it is romantic, dozens of candles would lighting the room would be perfect. Or if the reception is outdoors a string of white bulbs can be inviting to your guests to come out on the dance floor!
Venue: The Wright Farm
Photography: Kayla Johnson Photography
Flowers: Anderson's Florist
Catering: J Bo's BBQ
Hair: Hannah Hutson
Makeup: Madi Turner
Event Coordinator: Mariah Caitlin Events
6. Always have a Plan B
If your reception is outdoors make sure to have a plan b in case the weather isn’t sunshine. Tents have become a great back-up option for outdoor receptions and can be a great back up option.
Catering: G&W Catering
Photography: Everything Lovely Photography
Event Coordinator: Mariah Caitlin Events
7. Whip up Affordable Favors
Guests love a favor they can use, like jelly, honey, or even soap. These can be an affordable and fun DIY for you and your bridesmaids or parents. These can create a personal touch to your wedding reception.
8. Centerpieces
If you are looking for an affordable option something local will be budget friendly. There is no reason you can not reuse flowers. Bridesmaids bouquets can be reused as centerpieces for example! Your wedding planner can help you arrange where everything should go after the ceremony or how to cut down on costs.
9. Music Guidelines
Have a song you and your bestie absolutely have to hear on your wedding night? Have a must play list for the DJ! And also have the opposite as well a do not play list. This helps the dj or band know what type of mood you want to set at your reception.
Catering: G&W Catering
Photography: Everything Lovely Photography
Event Coordinator: Mariah Caitlin Events
DJ: Just In Time DJ
10. Know the Ground Rules
Before buying fireworks make sure to check with your venue to make sure it is allowed. Some venues have rules against certain types of exits and you want to make sure your exit is spectacular and not be shut down by the venue owner before you make your exit.