Bridal News Letter #15

Planning Your Reception

After the formality of the wedding ceremony, the reception should be lively and joyful. Therefore, your choice of where to hold the reception should take precedence in your planning.

Decide on a budget to work with – whether shoestring, six figures or somewhere in between – the choice is yours to make. If your family is hosting the party, talk to them about what they feel comfortable spending. If you or your fiancée are sharing the cost (this is done quite often), agree on a total and keep this figure in mind when choosing a site. Then consider your options. You could serve brunch with a lavish buffet, an elaborate sit-down dinner preceded by a cocktail hour, or a wedding tea reception. The time of day, formality of the ceremony, your budget and your personal preference will determine the type of food you serve.

            Carefully research reception sites. Imagine the room set up with tables, chairs, and people. Your guests should have enough room to easily walk around and dance. Conversely, if your wedding is small, make sure the room is not too large. In other words, what you’re looking for is a comfortable feeling that will set the proper mood for the festivities.

            Start looking for your site as early as possible for many places are booked over a year in advance. Catering halls often have a variety of rooms which will accommodate large or small weddings. Many have garden areas for the cocktail hour and then the party moves to a formal ballroom or smaller, “club” room for the dinner. The usual fare for a catering hall is a sit-down dinner priced on a “cost per person” basis. If they offer a complete wedding package, make sure the price you are quoted includes food, beverages, liquor, waiters, bartenders, table linens, etc. Also, be sure to ask what, if anything is not included.

            For smaller or informal receptions, consider church halls, women’s clubs or community centers. These are usually quite reasonably priced because off-site catering is required. Once you decide on a caterer, take advantage of his or her expertise. He or her can tell you how best to arrange the reception site. Review the timing with him or her – when will the hors d’oeuvres be served – when will the band play – when will the toast be given and when will the cake be cut? Unlike some catering halls where the price-per-person includes everything except gratuity and tax, independent caterers may give you a per-person cost that includes only food, liquor, service and rentals. Find out exactly what your quote includes. Are the waiters and bartenders hired for four hours and is their fee and tip included in that figure? Is the clean-up included in the basic price or does the charge come from the hall? Ask for a written agreement from your caterer to make sure that all facts are understood.

            Regardless of what type of site you choose, you will have worked long and hard to provide your guests with a reception they will most certainly enjoy. When that time arrives, let the celebration begin!