10 Important Wedding Reception Planning Tips
The starting point to a successful wedding and reception is to understand that this is once-in-a-lifetime and thus requires the right tools and strategies in its execution. To help you get started, here are a number of tips:
1. Choose a responsible person to act as your back up. Exchanging “I do’s’ also meant being detailed about the wedding reception’s location, caterer, music, bakery, florist, limo driver, wedding party, and guests. With the long list of ceremony and reception needs, you can get drained easily that’s why it’s better to have with you a back up who can accomplish these tasks on your behalf.
2. Use a checklist and plan, plan, plan. Checklists are a reliable tool in planning and organizing any event. Remind your back up to constantly review your checklist for things that had already been accomplished and those that are yet to be done. Planning efficiently also helps your day to be hassle-free.
3. Delegate responsibilities. Tradition normally permits the participation of family members in managing the various facets of wedding and reception. This is good because you can free yourself doing all things in your hands. You also spare yourself from too much stress. In case where you need to check on a particular aspect, all you have to do is inquire with your people.
4. Look for high-caliber service providers and secure your deal with a deposit. Any couple dreams of a memorable wedding. Never spoil this once-in-a-lifetime event by hiring people who are not so competent about what they are doing. From the flower arrangers, to caterers – you can always ask for other clients’ opinion to see who can provide the best service.
5. Pamper yourself. The wedding, like any other important occasions, will demand most of your time. It can inevitably drain your energy and stress you out. Ease yourself of stress by relaxing, taking long walks, or enjoying a good body massage, whichever you think will put you into a more relaxed frame of mind. You can also invite your bridesmaids and family members to make it more fun.
6. Double-check everything and do not be too complacent. About one or two weeks before the wedding day, remember to make last minute phone calls to ensure that nothing gets neglected or forgotten. Most often, even if you think that everything is perfectly ready, you just discover that something else needs to be adjusted or modified. Do not fall into this trap.
7. Secure the rings. I know it’s so clich, but because it’s happened at so many weddings is the reason for this to be the butt of so many jokes! Especially if there is a younger ring bearer or other people involved. Just add that to your checklist for a last-minute confirmation.
8 Keep receipts & records. This is a great task for one responsible person. Then on the big day, you can quickly and easily determine who’s been paid & how much is still owed, and can also serve to keep track of your memories going forward.
9. Security. It is one of the most important aspects and yet the most neglected. Make sure that agenda are given to helpers and key persons on securing the venue and all else related to the wedding. This proves useful especially if you plan to hold your wedding on several locations.
10. Give thank you notes or tokens. Get your thank you notes printed weeks before the wedding. Anyway, you have bridesmaids around to help on this particular task. Guests and those involved in your wedding will be pleased to receive a small token from you. Lastly, thank you notes can serve as a memento on your big day.