Choosing your reception venue
Choosing your reception venue Decisions, decisions… Choosing the right venue is one of the biggest decisions involved in planning your wedding. You need to consider your budget, how many guests you intend to invite, the distance from the ceremony to the reception, and if the venue will be providing the catering and drink service or whether you will have to make alternative arrangements. When you have decided on the area where you wish your reception to be held, the style of food that you plan on serving and the cost per head has been budgeted for, you then will need to start scouting out suitable locations. Some different options are to hold your reception at home, to hire a hall, clubroom or reception venue, to book a function room at a hotel or to hold an outdoor reception at a park or at the beach. For each type of reception there are different factors to consider. If you intend to hold a home or outdoor reception, you may need to hire equipment such as a marquee or table and chairs. Utilizing the services of a caterer may also have to be considered. When booking the venue for your reception, make sure that you obtain written confirmation in regards to privacy, cancellation fees, costs per head and any other additional charges that may be incurred. Reception Guest List It is a good idea to keep a diary, pick up a wedding planner or utilize the services of an online wedding planning site as a way of keeping track of your guest list, who can make it and who can’t. Finalise numbers for your Reception You will need to finalise the numbers for your reception two weeks prior to your wedding date so that your caterer or reception venue can organize the food and drinks required. You will also need at least two weeks to finalise place cards and decide upon the final seating arrangements. Seating Arrangements It is traditional for the bride and groom’s parents to be seated at the tables closest to the bridal table, then family members, friends and then friends of the family at the far tables. Although if you are not having a traditional wedding, then seat your guests according to your own style. Written by Aileen Boyer |
