What can happen when 200 of your closest family and friends are in a room together for your wedding reception? Well, just about anything. But let’s make sure it’s all smiles and laughs here!
While striving for the perfect wedding reception, just remember the best you can do is let the professionals do their job. Your wedding day may be perfect or it may have a few hiccups, but the best advice is that if there’s something wrong, keep it to yourself. No one else will know but you!
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help make sure your wedding reception goes off without a hitch after you get hitched. Here’s 6 tips to keep in mind:
THE MASTER OF CEREMONIES KNOWS ALL
Be it your band leader, DJ, best man or maid of honour, the master of ceremonies should be the one letting guests know when to stand up, when to sit down and when to get themselves on the dance floor. This ensures the sequence of events will keep moving (without you worrying when to let people know their salad course is served). Plus, they’ll be the one announcing speeches and toasts, so you can just sit back, relax and have a sip of champagne when speeches are being read.
KEEP THE FOOD FLOWING
We know you’re worried about making sure everyone has a drink in their hands. But, in order to make sure guests stay in the “I’m having so much fun and a, not at all over-toxicated” stage, you’ll want to make sure there’s plenty of food around. Though this starts with the cocktail hour, at your wedding reception we recommend letting the first course be served as soon as possible so guests stay full and happy.
TIMING IS KEY
There are typically two sequence of events at a wedding reception. Either the entire meal is served upfront, and then the dancing starts. Or, courses are served intermittently, allowing for dance sets in between. It’s completely your choice. If you choose the latter, you’ll allow for breathing room in between significant dances, like your first dance, father-daughter dance and mother-son dance. And don’t forget the speeches! Breathing room is important in retaining the attention of your guests.
THE “JUST RIGHT” FACTOR
Meaning the temperature shouldn’t be too cold or too hot, the music shouldn’t be too soft or too loud, and the lights shouldn’t be too dark or too bright. However, not to worry. These things are all topics you’ll discuss with your vendors before your wedding day – so you won’t have to be dealing with any temperature, sound or light issues at the wedding reception.
CHECK IN WITH YOUR VENUE THE WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING
If possible, we recommend meeting with your event manager at your venue the week of the wedding. You’ll be able to talk over final numbers and any other day-of logistics, like special dietary restrictions for certain guests, table placements and timing of events. Another helpful tip? Keep a running list of questions you have for your event manager, so you can get them all answered in one productive meeting. You’ll also be able to drop off any miscellaneous items necessary for the event, like programs, place cards, champagne glasses, etc.
Overall, the most important ingredients for a flawless wedding reception are lots of love and laughter…don’t forget that in the days leading up to yours!
