Tips on how to Hold a Perfect Wedding Reception

There’s no exact formula for a perfect wedding reception.  But, as with any social meeting, the finest and most recalled ones are those wherein the hosts and guests all have a good time.

Definitely, you will find people in the background who will work in smooth motion to ensure that the festivities operate correctly and perfectly – at least, as far as the guests are concerned.  Somehow, the reception is akin to a stage production where the “backstage crew” do the job to make the event as entertaining as they can, both for the “lead characters” (bride and groom) along with the “audience” (the guests).

And like in a major production, it takes planning to make it work.  As the “producers” and “directors”, you and your fiancé (with the help of a wedding planner and several friends), have to think of several significant details:

· The date:  No explanations expected here – this is perhaps the first thing that you’ve decided on.

· The venue:  This should be large enough to cater the number of guests you expect to arrive, also what activities you have in mind.

· The concept or theme:  This is the thing that will connect everything together, from the invitations to the centerpiece, from the flowers to the wedding favors, from the music to the attire.

· The type:  Will there be a live band and dancing?  Will there be karaoke or other activities that the guests are welcomed to take part?  Will they be joining the band in singing a special song for you while waving their lighted wedding favors candles in the air?

· The seating arrangement:  You have to determine where each guest is going to sit and with whom.  Their enjoyment is highly dependent on the company you keep them with.

· The décor:  The way the place is going to look can make (or break) the mood for the event.

· The program:  There is a chronology of activities that should guide everyone as to what should happen next and at what time, like when the food should be offered, when the speech should be delivered, when the candle wedding favors should be distributed, etc.

And like in any production, you cannot expect everything to be perfect.  There will be a few glitches, mistakes in some places.  But you need to learn to play things by ear, continue to enjoy yourself, and let the show go on.