tip--deciding the formality
Before making calls about reception sites and services, come up with a basic idea of what kind of celebration you want. Be sure to consider the size of your guest list and your budget as you come up with ideas.
Focus on the overall mood of the affair. Do you want it to be extravagant? Chic? Colorful? Quiet? Calm? Casual? Sporty? Classy? Festive? Decide what you want by:
Talking to your groom: Even if you already have plans in mind, make sure your fiancé agrees with them.
Fantasizing: Let your mind wander freely to come up with a vision. It'll make the actual planning of your wedding much easier.
For a festive formal reception:
A formal reception usually will take place in a church hall, hotel ballroom, club or private home. You should serve a seated meal, though you can have people mingle during a dessert buffet. If a full dinner isn't your thing, host an elegant cocktail reception with drinks and hors d'oeuvres. For music, choose a jazz combo or string trio.
For a semiformal celebration:
Pick from an indoor or outdoor location, such as a church hall, hotel, private home, beach or park. Serve light refreshments and a buffet rather than a seated meal. Complete the event with a small live band or a DJ. Then dance the night away!
For and inviting informal event:
Consider an intimate location, such as a private home or restaurant. If you have room, hire a small live band or DJ for your music. Serve drinks and hors d'oeuvres to complete your party-like atmosphere.
Make sure that you and your fiancé establish a shared reception vision (no matter how vague it is right now) and set your priorities before you decide on anything. Then, let your imagination run wild!
Focus on the overall mood of the affair. Do you want it to be extravagant? Chic? Colorful? Quiet? Calm? Casual? Sporty? Classy? Festive? Decide what you want by:
Talking to your groom: Even if you already have plans in mind, make sure your fiancé agrees with them.
Fantasizing: Let your mind wander freely to come up with a vision. It'll make the actual planning of your wedding much easier.
For a festive formal reception:
A formal reception usually will take place in a church hall, hotel ballroom, club or private home. You should serve a seated meal, though you can have people mingle during a dessert buffet. If a full dinner isn't your thing, host an elegant cocktail reception with drinks and hors d'oeuvres. For music, choose a jazz combo or string trio.
For a semiformal celebration:
Pick from an indoor or outdoor location, such as a church hall, hotel, private home, beach or park. Serve light refreshments and a buffet rather than a seated meal. Complete the event with a small live band or a DJ. Then dance the night away!
For and inviting informal event:
Consider an intimate location, such as a private home or restaurant. If you have room, hire a small live band or DJ for your music. Serve drinks and hors d'oeuvres to complete your party-like atmosphere.
Make sure that you and your fiancé establish a shared reception vision (no matter how vague it is right now) and set your priorities before you decide on anything. Then, let your imagination run wild!
