Wedding reception planning is really the bringing together of several separate elements to create one harmonious whole. Knowing just the right combination of location, music, and food that will both reflect you as a couple, but also create the perfect ambiance for fun can be a tricky thing. However, there are certain factors that will greatly contribute to the success of any wedding reception. Let’s take a quick look at the three main elements that will make your party the one everyone remembers.
Location, location, location!
Those three above words are not only true in real estate, but also in wedding reception planning. Choosing the right venue can really make or break a party. I remember when we were planning our own wedding and were looking into a hall for the reception. The choice came down to two last contenders – one was a nice place with everything we were looking for including a great price but was located over half an hour from the city and did not have much parking, while the other hall was ten minutes from the church at a slightly higher price tag but with tons of parking as well as a valet service. The first hall should have been the choice we made because at the time it fit perfectly with what we could afford, but we went with the second choice, which meant cutting back on our music budget in order to afford it – but it was definitely worth it! The reception was a fantastic success with everyone grateful for its proximity to the church and because they had easy access to parking.
So, when visiting wedding reception halls keep in mind that you should choose something that will be easily accessible and have enough parking for your guests.
Choosing your caterer
Feed your guests well and they will love you! Feed them poorly and they will complain – this is a truth that many a couple have found out the hard way. The kind of food you serve at your wedding is crucial to the success of your party. Your best bet is to go with something that is likely to please most palates. Just because you love raw oysters with a squeeze of lemon does not mean that your Great Aunt Mildred will enjoy them as well. Going with a choice that will appeal to a wide selection of your guests is the best way to ensure that you get the happy result you want at your wedding reception. Regardless of what you end up choosing, make sure to have a taste test of your final menu before signing any contracts. If you are not pleased with the way something tastes you can always substitute something else in its place.
Music to my ears
Your romance probably already has its own soundtrack, now you will have to choose one for your wedding reception. Deciding on whether to hire a live band or a DJ is a personal choice that will be made based on budget and preference. Live bands can run into a few thousand dollars while a good DJ can be found for less than a thousand. One of the best ways to see how good or bad a band or DJ is at a wedding reception is to attend one at which they are playing. It means crashing someone else’s reception for about five-ten minutes to see the band or DJ in action. You will then get a good sense of what they can do and whether you want them at your party.
Lastly, remember that regardless of how much you spend on your hall, the catering and the music, in the end, it is you and your fiancé who will set the ultimate tone for your wedding. If you get up and dance, then everyone else will. If you look like you are having a good time – then so will everyone else.
