Here are some tips to help make your Wedding and Reception go smoothly:
Try to have the reception (dinner) start in the late afternoon - Guests are more likely to not make 'other' plans then or to leave early. Best time? 4pm - 10pm
Allow 1 hour for cocktails & arrivals and 1 hour for dinner.
Allow 1 hour for every 2-3 events you're planning. Some possible events are: Cake, Bouquet, Garter, Father/Daughter Dance, Mother/Son Dance, Money/Dollar Dance, dedication dances, contests, etc. Your entertainers should space some of the events out. If you have 6 events after dinner, plan on 3 hours or more for the events and dancing.
A typical reception with cocktails, dinner and most events will take about 5-6 hours for 75-150 people. Add 1 hour for 50-100 additional guests.
The bride and groom are the center of attention, therefore you set the tone of the reception. When you dance the dance floor will be full, when you sit and socialize your guests will do the same. Get comfortable shoes and DANCE DANCE DANCE!
Schedule your photographer and videographer to be on hand for all your special events. This will avoid having to rush through the cake cutting, bouquet toss, send off etc. because of time restraints. Make it clear in your contract how long you expect them to stay.
Have someone make an emergency kit with extra buttons, thread, needles, safety pins, tape, scissors and other things that might be handy in case of a 'minor' emergency. This can all be put into a little basket and easily carried.
Drink plenty of fluids the night before and the day of the wedding - You will likely be on your feet and dressed fully for many hours.
Remember to place your wedding cake away from the traffic flow and out of direct sunlight. Cutting of your wedding cake is one of the highlights of the reception, have it announced for your guests to enjoy.
Stick around! Don't go off and leave your guests and family during the reception. Also make sure the others in your wedding party do the same thing. Everyone in the wedding party should be involved in your reception events too, not just the wedding ceremony!
Make a pact with your spouse NOT to fight about ANYTHING on your wedding day - and stick to it! Most things are minor anyway and not worth the headaches.
USE your Maid/Matron of Honor and Best Man as much as possible! They are there to HELP you, aren't they?? Also, don't forget the other members of the wedding party too! The less YOU have to take on, the better!
Make sure your Best Man and MOH know that they should be making a toast (either before or after dinner) so they won't be surprised. Often times a short story from each about how they know you and your spouse will suffice. Funny stories are great too!
Don't open presents at the reception!! Nothing makes people leave faster! Why? Some don't want others to know how 'little' they could afford to spend and others are just plain bored!
Make sure you and your wedding party eat FIRST and in a timely fashion. The rest of the reception is timed on you. Dancing cannot start until YOU start it off.
Babies and strollers are a no-no. Arrange sitters for guests if you have to. Sometimes setting up a baby sitting center at someone's home and staffing it with a few teenagers is preferable and cheaper for guests. Have 1 person for each 4-5 kids.. There are also several professional child care services in the area as well and they are real pros when it comes to the care of small children in a safe environment.
Kids like to dance too! Make sure there are some songs they will know and have fun with.
Kids don't like grown-up food! Ask your caterer about kids meals, try to figure out how many under 12's there will be - Hamburgers or chicken strips are favorites. They are often less money as well!
Try to have kids seated towards one side of the reception hall - they can 'mingle' easier with each other and are less distracting if they get out of hand.
Have FUN!! Remember that this is YOUR wedding and YOUR reception!! You'll probably only get this one chance, so make sure to take the time to have FUN!!!
DJ Alan