Planning a remarkable reception
Posted By CAROLYN MCTIGHE, SPECIAL TO SUN MEDIA
Wedding receptions require an enormous amount of planning.
There are the flowers to order, the foods to pick out, the centerpieces to design, the place settings to agree on, the party favours to make, not to mention a whole host of other small details to arrange.
For a couple, this type of large scale planning can seem overwhelming.
Kadeshia Bennett, a Toronto based wedding consultant and owner of Essence Occasions, suggests that before any planning begins, couples should first ensure their reception goes off without a hitch.
"The biggest mistake made by couples is overlooking the importance of purchasing wedding insurance," Bennett says.
"Wedding insurance can help to cover costs of circumstances such as damage to venues or postponement of the wedding due to inclement weather, as well as any other unforeseeable situations that may occur. Due to the substantial amount of money being spent on weddings, couples should consider wedding insurance as an investment and added peace of mind."
Figuring out what your budget will allow is the next step couples need to take in planning their reception.
There is no point dreaming of caviar when you can only afford chicken, so be realistic. Sticking to a budget may seem difficult, but is not impossible.
"Do a lot of DIY's (Do It Yourself ) such as, your centerpieces, place cards, seating chart, menu and wedding favours" says Bennett.
"Purchase or create your own invitations and select a venue that will allow you to bring in your own caterer.
"Instead of an open bar, why not opt for purchasing your own alcohol and place a bottle of red and white wine on each table. You can also save money by having your wedding between November and April, which is when you'll find the best vendor deals and packages.
And last but not least, keep your guest list to a minimum. More people means more money spent."
Adding a personal touch to your wedding reception is a wonderful way to make a sometimes stuffy event, feel more intimate.
Bringing in pictures or trinkets that have meaning to both you and your spouse, is a wonderful and inexpensive way to connect with each of your guests.
"You can add a personal touch to your reception by taking something that you're passionate about and incorporating that into your event," Bennett says.
"If you are an avid dancer, choreograph a fabulous dance number with your wedding party for your reception.
"If you like crafts then incorporate that into your reception activities.
"Place beads, clasps, strings along with instructions and anything else that is needed to create a bracelet or necklace at each table.
"This will work well as favours or something extra."
Bennett believes that a reception, first and foremost, should be fun.
Spending too much time agonizing over the colour of napkins shouldn't be the focus.
In the end, when the party is over, no one is going to remember if your centerpiece was made of daffodils or roses.
All they're going to remember is whether or not they had a good time.
"Weddings are a celebration of the joining of two people, so of course the preferences of the bride and groom are essential," says Bennett.
"Receptions should always be planned with the consideration of the guests, but with the understanding that you will not be able to please everybody.
Try to make all in attendance feel as special as possible, as it is your family and friends that are coming together to celebrate your union, and you want to show them your appreciation."
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Questions to ask when booking your reception
COST
Is the venue within your budget? How much will it cost per guest?
PARKING
Will your venue provide you with parking vouchers if they do not have on-site parking?
ACCOMMODATIONS
Are they able to accommodate you and your guests? Is it wheelchair accessible? Do they have a bridal suite or room?
FACILITIES
Are both sets of washrooms in good working order? Will they be attended to regularly?
INSURANCE
Do they have liability insurance? What does it cover and what doesn't it cover?
PREFERRED VENDORS
Are you able to use an outside caterer? If they provide their own catering service can you order your own food or do you have to select off a pre-set menu? What are the costs?
REPUTATION AND POLICIES
How long have they been in business? What is their cancellation policy? Do they have any clients that would be willing to give them a reference?
STAFF AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
