Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding reception can be a lot of work, but it's a fairly methodical process. The first step is to decide on the location and type of reception. A simple wedding reception could be held outdoors, such as a picnic or beach party, which can be a lot of fun and make for beautiful photos. However, there is a risk of bad weather and some may find it too informal. A cocktail-style reception is another option, which can be held indoors or outdoors. The next step is to plan the timeline of events, which typically includes the couple's entrance, first dance, dinner, toasts, parent dances, cake cutting, and dancing. To keep it simple, consider having the toasts during or between dinner courses and leaving the dancing until all courses are finished. Finally, don't forget the small details that will make your guests feel comfortable, such as providing comfort items like slippers and hand lotion, and creating the right ambiance with lighting and decorations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Indoors or outdoors |
| Type | Cocktail-style, luncheon, beach, yacht, picnic, etc. |
| Timing | Order of events, including first dance, dinner, toasts, cake cutting, parent dances, etc. |
| Decorations | Lighting, front-door decorations, table settings, flowers, etc. |
| Food and Drink | Hors d'oeuvres, plated dinner, buffet style, cake, etc. |
| Entertainment | DJ, band, dancing, games or activities, etc. |
| Other Logistics | Setup, tear down, stationery, favours, hospitality for vendors, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a location and type of reception
Choosing a location and type of reception is one of the most important aspects of planning a wedding. The location and type of reception you choose will set the tone for the entire event, so it's important to consider what kind of atmosphere you want to create.
If you're looking for a more traditional wedding reception, you might want to consider a formal indoor venue such as a banquet hall or a ballroom. These types of venues typically offer packages that include catering, bar services, and other amenities, which can make planning easier. They also provide a blank canvas for you to decorate and personalize to your taste.
On the other hand, if you're looking for something more unique or informal, there are a variety of outdoor and alternative venues to consider. A beach or yacht reception, for example, can be a lot of fun and make for beautiful photos. A picnic reception is another great option for nature-loving couples, and it can be easily arranged with catering from your local favourite sandwich place. However, outdoor receptions do come with the risk of unpredictable weather, and some guests may find them too informal.
Another important consideration is whether you want your ceremony and reception to be held at the same location or different locations. Having them at the same location can be more convenient for you and your guests, as it eliminates travel time between venues. However, if you prefer the idea of a separate ceremony and reception, you can use the cocktail hour as a buffer to allow guests to travel between venues.
Ultimately, the location and type of reception you choose should reflect your personal style and preferences as a couple. Whether you opt for a traditional indoor venue, a unique outdoor setting, or something else entirely, there are endless ways to make your wedding reception special and memorable.
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Plan the order of events
Planning the order of events for a wedding reception can be a lot of work, but it's a fairly methodical process. Here is a simple step-by-step timeline for your wedding reception:
Cocktail Hour
The cocktail hour serves as a buffer between the wedding ceremony and reception. It allows guests to enjoy beverages, hors d'oeuvres, and conversation. If the ceremony and reception are at different locations, the cocktail hour provides travel time for guests. During this time, the newlyweds often take their portraits, but this can also be done before the ceremony.
Reception Entrance
As the cocktail hour ends, guests are invited to enter the reception space and find their tables. There are a few options for the reception entrance. The wedding party can be introduced first, followed by the newlyweds, who make their grand debut. Alternatively, the newlyweds can choose a traditional grand entrance or something more unique.
First Dance
The first dance usually follows the reception entrance. In some cases, the couple may wait until after the first course of the meal. After the first dance, the couple and their parents may join the dance floor for parent dances, such as the father-daughter and mother-son dances.
Dinner and Speeches
The meal service should begin promptly after the cocktail hour to ensure guests are well-fed before the dancing begins. During the dinner, blessings or prayers are offered, and speeches and toasts are typically given.
Cake Cutting and Dancing
After dinner, the newlyweds cut the wedding cake, and dancing resumes as the cake is served. The couple can also choose to do a garter and/or bouquet toss, which requires a break in the dancing. The DJ or band will play a mix of upbeat songs and romantic ballads to keep guests entertained on the dance floor.
Additional Considerations
To make the reception more interactive, consider including a short written quiz about the newlyweds or providing unexpected entertainment like a DIY Polaroid station or a cigar roller. Simple gestures like distributing sparklers at the end of the night can also charm guests.
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Prepare food and drink
Preparing food and drink for a simple wedding reception involves a few key considerations. Firstly, decide on the style of dining you prefer. Options include a plated dinner, family-style dining, or a buffet. Family-style dining can be a more affordable option, as it reduces the amount of empty space that needs to be decorated. It also encourages conversation among guests.
If you're looking for something more casual, consider a cocktail-style reception with hors d'oeuvres. These should be easy to eat and serve, and you can offer a variety of exotic options to your guests. Alternatively, for nature-loving couples, a picnic-style reception can be a great choice. You can easily arrange catering through your local sandwich shop, but be mindful of the potential for rain and the informal nature of this option.
For a more traditional reception, the wedding cake is often a focal point. You can save costs by opting for a simpler cake design and dressing it up with fresh flowers or ribbons. If you're serving other desserts, consider cupcakes or cookies, which can be easily portioned and served.
Don't forget to plan for drinks as well. A cocktail hour is a popular choice, offering guests a chance to enjoy beverages and hors d'oeuvres while the couple takes portraits. If your wedding is in the evening, you can also sneak away during the cocktail hour for a quick bite and sunset photos.
Finally, remember to provide meals for your vendors, including photographers, videographers, and musicians. It need not be the same meal as your guests, but ensure it is nourishing and delicious.
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Decorate and set up
The first step in planning your wedding reception is deciding on the location and type of reception you want. This will help determine the setup and decorations. If you're having an outdoor reception, consider the impact of the weather and how you can make guests comfortable. For example, provide sunscreen, bug repellent, and paper fans for hot weather, or slippers, hand lotion, tissues, and hairspray for an indoor reception.
If you're setting up the reception yourself, it's best to do it the day before, or hire someone to do it for you. This will ensure you're relaxed on your wedding day. You can also ask friends and family to help with the setup. The setup should include tables, chairs, table cloths, and plates/glassware. If you're doing centrepieces and wedding decor, it's a good idea to make them ahead of time. Practice setting up the tables with your wedding party, so that on the day, each person is responsible for setting up a couple of tables.
Lighting is an important aspect of creating the right ambiance. You can flank an outdoor walkway with luminaria or use elegant candelabras or small candles on dining tables. Replace harsh white light bulbs with amber ones for a flattering effect. Front-door decorations, such as swags of greenery or lanterns, can also create a welcoming atmosphere.
When it comes to table settings, order the reception stationery, including table cards, place cards, menus, table numbers, and favour tags. Write out the table and place cards after getting all the RSVPs. To save on centrepiece costs, seat diners family-style at long, narrow tables, which will also make conversation easier. Use locally available flowers for affordable, simple arrangements.
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Entertainment and dancing
Dancing is a staple of wedding receptions, and there are many ways to ensure your guests have a great time on the dance floor. The first dance usually takes place after the couple enters the reception, but some couples may opt to wait until after the first course or even after dinner. This is followed by the parent dances, including the father-daughter and mother-son dances. The DJ or band will then play a mix of upbeat songs and romantic ballads to get everyone dancing.
To keep the party going, some couples choose to have the wedding cake brought to the dance floor for the cake-cutting ceremony. The newlyweds cut the first slice and feed it to each other before continuing the dance as the cake is served. If you're planning a garter or bouquet toss, this will also require a break in the dancing.
You can also provide other forms of entertainment besides dancing. For instance, you could set up a DIY Polaroid portrait station, hire a cigar roller or strolling palm reader, or even organise a short written quiz about the newlyweds. Lighting is also an important aspect of creating the right ambiance for your reception. Consider flanking an outdoor walkway with luminaria or using elegant candelabras or small candles on dining tables.
If you're having a cocktail hour before the reception, this can be a great time for guests to enjoy drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and conversation. It also serves as a buffer if your ceremony and reception are in different locations, allowing guests time to travel between venues. During this time, the couple can also take portraits and enjoy a quick bite together before the reception begins.
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Frequently asked questions
A cocktail hour is a great way to kick off a simple wedding reception. It gives guests a chance to enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres, and it serves as a buffer if the ceremony and reception are in different locations.
You can opt for a grand entrance with your wedding party, or keep it simple and traditional by entering with just your new spouse. The first dance is often a great way to ease into the reception after your entrance.
Dancing is a must-have at wedding receptions. You can also include unexpected entertainment like a DIY photo station, a cigar roller, or a strolling palm reader. Simple gestures like distributing sparklers or providing comfort items like slippers and hand lotion can also charm your guests.
It's best to serve the meal promptly after guests enter the reception. Whether plated, family-style, or buffet-style, make sure your guests are well-fed before they hit the dance floor. Hors d'oeuvres should be easy to serve and eat, and you can save costs on the cake by opting for a simpler style dressed up with fresh flowers or ribbon.
