This is your ultimate checklist for everything you need to plan your dream reception.
1. First things first
- Choose the wedding date.
- Select your theme for the reception.
2. Wedding Venue
- Reserve a venue for your reception.
- Check with the reception venue to ensure that vendors have easy access to the site.
- Before the big day, drop off your favors, placecards, guest book, toasting flutes and other items to the venue.
3. Plan your Wedding Reception Food & Beverages
- If you need a caterer, hire one.
- Participate in a tasting event.
- Discuss the final menu and details with your caterer.
- You can choose from soft drinks, wine and champagne as well as liquor.
- Provide final head count to caterer. Confirm the set-up instructions.
- Make sure to bring dessert to the reception.
4. Wedding Cake
- A wedding cake vendor is available.
- Place an order for your wedding cakes
- With your wedding cake vendor, confirm details like head count, delivery time, location, and so on
5. Wedding Reception Music
- Hire a band, or a DJ. Choose a MC.
- Choose songs to be used for the introductions, first dance, birthday dance, cake cutting, father and daughter dances, anniversary dances, and last dance.
- Make a list of songs that you must play and those that you should not.
6. Flowers
- Hire a florist.
- Your florist should confirm the number of centerpieces, boutonnieres and bouquets you want.
- You will need to make a list of the people who will receive bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres. This should be done by someone who will supervise the ceremony.
- Your florist should confirm delivery time and location.
7. Photography and videography
- Hiring a photographer.
- A videographer is available for hire.
- With your videographer and photographer, confirm the location, time, and date.
- Make a list of must-take photos.
8. Rents
- If you are looking to rent chairs, tents, furnitures, or a dance floor, find rental suppliers.
- Confirm and finalize your order for event rentals
9. Additional Important Items for Wedding Receptions
- Get wedding favors.
- Make a timeline for the reception.
- Create a seating chart for the reception.
- Prepare your toasts.