Maggie Memo #4: Five Steps to Wedding Reception Perfection

Your wedding reception is the party of a lifetime; what better reason to celebrate than you and your soon-to-be husband’s love? Plan your perfect get together with these five simple steps. Read more below!

Step 1: Book Your Venue To love your wedding reception, you need to love your venue. Whether you choose a chic city loft or a charming rustic barn, your venue should reflect your style and personality. Choose your non-negotiables first. Looking for an amazing outdoor venue? A ballroom won’t suit, but a beautiful country club might. When booking, remember that some things are fixed: dated wallpaper and patterned carpet aren’t things you can change, and it may be costly to cover them up.

Step 2: Choose Your Hues You want to pick colors you love, but you also want to keep in mind the venue and season you are getting married. Scarlet red and emerald green will look heavy and dated for an early June wedding. Most color palettes include two or three complementary colors, an anchor color (usually a neutral), and a metallic accent, such as soft peach, coral, grey, and gold.

Step 3: Rentals, Rentals, Rentals Your venue may offer tabletop and furniture options, but they may not fit your aesthetic. Venues typically have preferred vendors, and usually offer a discount through working with them. Determine how many guests will be attending and the layout of your venue, then you can determine whether you want square tables or circle tables, chiavari chairs or infinity chairs!

Step 4: Pick Your Blooms Once you’ve determined the shape of your tables, you can figure out your florals. When talking centerpieces with your florist, remember to keep them low and lush, as to encourage conversation and mingling of guests. Keep dramatic (and tall) arrangements at the sign-in table. (Want more flower power? Check out our post on edible blooms for your reception!)

Step 5: Set The Table Linens, napkins, place settings and flowers should complement each other, not necessarily match perfectly.

Don’t forget your maid of honor duties! Check out our posts on throwing the ultimate bridal shower and mistakes to avoid when addressing your invites.