Top 10 Reception Planning Tips
Take it from an expert…. planning your wedding is hard work! That is why nowadays there are so many event consultants whose sole job is making your wedding day perfect!
Whether you choose an outside event planner or you choose to work with an event consultant from the actual reception site, you will definitely need their help and expertise. Use them as a resource!
As an event consultant for Merri-Makers Caterers I can share a few tips on Wedding Planning with you…
Top Ten Wedding Reception Planning Tips
1. Plan ahead
Look into different venues and research them so that when the time comes to make a decision you have a better idea of what you are looking for. There are a tremendous amount of New Jersey wedding reception venues. Research on the Internet, ask friends and coworkers for good recommendations, and reach out to event consultants from different reception sites for information on menus and pricing. Getting all the facts before doing the legwork to see the venues will help in the long run. Let’s face it, you don’t have the time to run around and look at 10 different wedding sites a day! Research and ask around… the people around you are one of your best sources.
2. Choose a Wedding Venue that you are comfortable with all around
Choosing a venue for your wedding day is the most difficult part and primarily the most expensive aspect of the wedding day. With a market that is saturated with many different venues and reception sites all over, it can be hard to decide on any one. This is where the “planning ahead” comes in handy. By this point in your wedding planning, you should already have acquainted yourself with different venues and really thought about the wedding that you and your fiance are hoping for. Pick a venue with a good reputation. Your event consultant should be someone you trust and feel comfortable with. They are going to be helping you every step of the way. You always want to work with someone that understands you and provides exceptional service, as that will be a prelude to the service you and your guests will receive on your actual wedding day. Make sure you and your planner see eye to eye and that your planner has your best interest at heart. Then and only then will you have the wedding day that you dreamed of!
3. Know your Budget
This part is really key to making the planning process easier. Your wedding budget is typically known as the “scary” question that everyone is afraid to ask or talk about. Contrary to popular belief, it is best to get this out in the open as soon as possible! It should not be a scary topic that is not discussed, rather it should be something that both you and your event consultant are VERY open about. Without knowing this information, your event consultant can not provide you with the best possible menu and package for your budget. Have a place you are dreaming to get married at but think it is out of your budget? Do not discount it until you ask. Bottom line, know your budget and do not be afraid to talk about it. It will help you dramatically in the end.
4. Compromise
Number 3 and number 4 go hand in hand. Having a budget and wanting to stick to it brings compromise into play. If you do not have much money to spend on your wedding you will need to compromise on certain things. Your event consultant should be able to better assist you in this (hence why you want to be straightforward with them). If you are on a budget, it would be advantageous to consider a NY Strip Steak entree rather than a Filet Mignon. You might want to go a bar of Beer & Wine, rather than an Open Premium Bar. Consider doing beautiful passed hors d’oeurves for cocktail hour, rather than a huge Raw Bar with Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and Lobster Tails. These are the types of things to consider when on a budget. If you have an event consultant who truly cares about your day, they will want to help you with this every step of the way. There are plenty of ways to have a phenomenal wedding on a budget. You just need to compromise a little.
5. Make it Yours!
After you have decided on budget and ways to compromise (if needed) always remember to make this event yours! No matter what it is your wedding day; one of the most special moments in your life. Make it yours – the wedding should be a representation of you and your partner’s individuality. As much as you want to please your guests – never forget that it is your day. Make sure you are having food that you like! Choose a color scheme that is uniquely yours. At the end of the day, you want to be perfectly happy with this event – and the smile on your faces will make your guests thrilled – they are there for you so make your wedding your own!
6. Work with your Event Planner
Most every wedding venue provides you with an Event Consultant to take the reigns of your wedding day. Work with them, use them as a resource, let them do the work, and create a relationship with them. This will help you in the long run. There job is make your wedding day memorable and special. Without communicating with them, they will never know what you are really looking for. Work with them as much as possible. Weddings are their job and they love it! Especially when they see the excitement and amazement on your faces on your wedding day – then they know they did a great job!
7. Stay Organized
As you are gathering details for the big day, it is vital that you stay organized. Put everything into the same folder so it is all in one place. You will receive a lot of paperwork, contracts, and other important information. You will want to hold on to this material and keep it in a safe, accessible place. Organization is always the key to success and it’ll make wedding planning a little less stressful.
8. Leave it to them
As already previously mentioned, leave the planning and stress to the event planners and staff involved in the wedding reception. If you chose a reputable, great wedding venue – everything will go smoothly and will make all your dreams a reality. They are on top of everything and as long as you have communicated all your wishes to your wedding planner – your big day will be a big success!
9. Follow up with ALL vendors prior to the wedding
As your wedding day is approaching, it is wise to follow up with all vendors involved in the wedding to go over last minute details and confirmations. Typically, there are many head counts, and guarantees that are due a few weeks/days prior to the wedding. You will want to stay organized and provide your vendors with this information when you know it. It will make their lives easier and will make the entire event run more smoothly. Those last minute follow ups are super important.
10. Relax & Enjoy!
At the end of it all, the most important part is sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying your wedding day!! It is one of the most memorable and special days in your life. Be sure to enjoy it to the fullest. You have waited a long time for this day and you want to enjoy every second of it – it’s your wedding day!!!
New Jersey Wedding Reception
As previously mentioned, “there are a tremendous amount of wedding reception venues in New Jersey.” Therefore, start the “Plan Ahead” process now and take a look at the various pages on this website dedicated to explaining the various New Jersey wedding reception venues that Merri-Makers Caterers provide their services at.