Destination Wedding Follow-Up: Planning A Post-Wedding Reception

Planning a wedding reception after a destination wedding 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. You can then set a date, bearing in mind that many sites are booked a year or two in advance. You'll also need to decide on a seating plan, food, toasts, and the order of events, such as cutting the cake and the first dance.

Choosing a location

The date of your wedding

The date of your wedding can impact the location you choose. If you have a preferred season, consider whether you want an indoor or outdoor reception. Keep in mind that many venues are booked a year or even two in advance, so you may need to be flexible with your date or choose a different venue.

Accessibility and practicality

Consider the accessibility of the location for your guests. Is it easy to get to, and are there enough accommodations nearby? You should also think about the practicality of the location, especially if you're having a destination wedding or a backyard wedding.

The surroundings

The external surroundings of the venue can also play a part in the overall experience. Look for venues with beautiful views or unique features, such as a rooftop patio.

All-in-one vs multiple venues

You may want to consider having your ceremony and reception in the same venue to make things easier. However, booking two different venues can give you more options and allow you to find a location that better suits your needs.

Significant locations

Think about places that are significant to you as a couple. This could be where you met, where you grew up, or a dream destination you've always wanted to visit. Choosing a location that is meaningful to you can make your wedding reception even more special.

Deciding on a date

When it comes to deciding on a date for your wedding reception after a destination wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to remember that many reception venues are booked a year or even two in advance. Therefore, you may need to be flexible with your date and choose one that aligns with the availability of your desired venue.

If you have your heart set on a specific date, you may need to consider alternative venues or be prepared to wait until your desired venue becomes available. It's also worth noting that certain dates, such as weekends or holidays, may be more popular and therefore more challenging to secure a venue.

When choosing a date, consider the availability of your guests. If many of your guests are travelling from out of town, you may want to choose a date that gives them enough time to plan their travel arrangements. Additionally, think about any other events or commitments your guests may have, such as other weddings or significant holidays.

Ultimately, the date you choose will depend on a variety of factors, including venue availability, guest availability, and your personal preferences. It's important to be flexible and open-minded during the planning process to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Seating plan

When planning a wedding reception after a destination wedding, it's important to consider the seating plan. This is a key part of the planning process and can make a big difference to the overall atmosphere of the event.

The first step is to decide on the location of the reception and the type of reception you want to have. This will impact the number of guests you can invite and, therefore, the number of tables and seats you will need. It's also important to keep in mind that many sites are booked a year or even two in advance, so you may need to be flexible with your date.

Once you have confirmed the location and date, you can start thinking about the seating plan in more detail. Consider the number of guests you will be inviting and try to create a plan that will encourage guests to get along with each other. You may want to group people together who have similar interests or who you think will enjoy each other's company.

If you're having a more casual reception, such as a BBQ or luau-themed party, you may not need a formal seating plan. In this case, you can simply set up tables and chairs and allow guests to sit where they like. However, if you're having a more formal dinner, it's a good idea to assign seats or at least assign tables to ensure that everyone has a place to sit and that guests are seated with people they will get along with.

When creating your seating plan, consider any special requirements your guests may have, such as dietary restrictions or mobility issues. You may also want to think about the flow of the event and how the seating plan will impact this. For example, if you're having a buffet, you'll need to ensure there is enough space for guests to move around and access the food.

Food and drink

If you're planning a more casual reception, a buffet might be a good option. This allows guests to choose their own food and mingle while they eat. On the other hand, if you prefer a more formal affair, you might opt for a sit-down meal with waiters serving each course.

When it comes to the food itself, you have endless options. You might choose to serve a variety of cuisines or stick to a specific theme. For example, if you're having a summer wedding, you might opt for a barbecue or picnic-style menu with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Or, if you're feeling more adventurous, you could offer a selection of international dishes to reflect your destination wedding.

Don't forget to plan for drinks as well! Offer a variety of options, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, to cater to different tastes and preferences. You might even consider creating a signature cocktail or two to add a personal touch to your reception.

Finally, don't forget the cake! Cutting the cake is a traditional part of any wedding reception and can be a fun way to end the meal before moving on to the dancing and celebrations.

Toasts and speeches

If you're keeping the reception low-key, you might want to skip the toasts and cake-cutting altogether. Instead, just invite people over for a luau-themed BBQ and a good time with no expectations of gifts.

Frequently asked questions