Five Things To Avoid At Your Reception

It's almost time, and you're planning a reception to remember!  It reflects you and your groom, and it's going to be fabulous!  But just in case, here are 5 things NOT to do at your wedding reception:

1.  Make sure there's not more than an hour of down time between the ceremony and the reception.  It's hard for out-of-town guests to figure out what to do for a couple of hours, and local guests who are all dressed up find it uncomfortable to go home for just a short period.  If you feel that you MUST have more than an hour, note the reception time on the invitation, and be prepared for some guests to grumble.

2.  Keep guests in the loop.  Make sure the DJ explains everything that's going on. For example, have him/her announce the reason your bridal party is using hula hoops (it's a college thing!). Make sure that they clearly know when they are allowed to approach the buffet, when the dancing will begin, and when you're going to cut the cake.  Confusion doesn't make for a fun time!

3.  Be gracious and caring hosts.  The reception is your first party as man and wife, and it is important that you greet each and every guest, even if you don't know some.  Guests at a wedding go out of their way to attend, and they all spend some money on a gift or travel.  So if you decide not to have a receiving line, then make a point to visit each and every table before the night is over.  And don't ask anyone to pay for anything...cash bars are a big "no-no"!

4.  Throw a wedding, not a business conference.  Avoid long speeches, long sideshows, and anything that hints of sponsorship ("flowers provided by Mack's Florist").  Your guests are there to celebrate and have fun!

5.  Make your guest's comfort a priority.  Have elderly guests?  Make sure the facilites are handicap-friendly.  Getting married outside?  Think about letting your guests know that heels are not practical.   Check the restroom facilities - how often are they cleaned?  Nothing is worse than having to use a dirty bathroom.

The basis for this blog is an article in Bride's Magazine, October, 2010, written by Marina Khidekel.

There's about a million details involved with planning a wedding.  Need some help to relieve that stress?  Give me a call, text or e-mail and let's talk!  Our first visit will be on the house, so you need not worry that you'll have to pay to decide if you want to work with a professional planner!  You can reach me at 513-407-7165, or e-mail me at innobrations@yahoo.com.  Happy planning!