Tips for your wedding reception

How many times in your life have you volunteered to plan a party for 300 of your closest friends—with you as the guest of honor? Your wedding day is likely the only time you’ll be in charge of such a momentous event. Follow a few guidelines and you’ll avoid many inadvertent and untimely gaffes invited by a lack of planning.

• First and foremost, ask to visit your reception facility during another wedding so that you can observe an actual wedding taking place.
  
  
• Choose the site and the food for your reception according to the time of year your wedding takes place. Serve food that is appropriate for the time of day as well as the season.
  
  
• Include an RSVP card in your invitation so you can provide an accurate guest count to the reception facility. Plan to do this two weeks before your wedding, even though you may be updating this list often.
  
  
• Discuss seating arrangements with your coordinator at the reception site. You can seat your guests however you wish—there are no hard and fast rules. Prepare for any surprise guests and last minute changes.
  
  
• Making your guests work doesn’t necessarily mean you’re saving yourself any money. Buffet service often costs more than a sit-down meal. A greater variety of dishes are typically offered to start with, and platters constantly need to be replenished.
  
  
• If you are having a master of ceremonies, be sure they are clear on what their role is and what you want to have announced. Discuss these important details in advance.
  
  
• Have the musicians or DJ play a variety of music so that everyone can enjoy dancing at the reception. Discuss special requests and dances in advance.
  
  
• Do not require your guests to pay for their own drinks. If you decide against an open bar, consider serving only wine, champagne, mineral water and soft drinks.
  
  
• Do not allow the bartenders to put out tip jars. Whoever is paying for the reception should handle the gratuities.
  
  
• Assign a friend or family member to transport gifts from the reception to your residence. Gifts should be placed in a secure room at the reception to prevent loss or theft.
  
  
• Keep any photo sessions brief—your guests will notice any such conspicuous absence.
  
  
• Instead of numbering your tables, try naming them. For example, an avid reader marrying an outdoor enthusiast might have tables named “Grisham & Golfing Table” and “Hemingway and Hiking Table.”

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