After the formal wedding ceremony, it’s time to go to the wedding reception for an informal and light-hearted get together for the newlyweds.

This brand new union will bring together relatives, friends, and other guests. Although a less formal environment is usually the common choice for a wedding reception, preparations for this aspect of the wedding shouldn’t be as relaxed.

Make sure that you have everything worked out by checking out the list provided below:

** Book the wedding reception venue at least six months in advance. Aside from ensuring that the place will be available on your wedding day, you may also get discounts for advance booking.

** Inquire if the venue provides wedding packages. Some hotels give a free one-night stay for the couple or free use of the pool. Others give out a wedding cake as part of the package.

** See to it that you have clearly understood the fees and payments that need to be made. To avoid going over your wedding budget, see to it that both parties have agreed to the facilities or equipment that can be used as part of the package.

** Check with your guest list to accurately figure out whether the wedding reception venue will be able to accommodate all the guests.

** Decorate the reception venue in accordance with your wedding theme. Great wedding themes can be searched online, and decoration ideas come along with them!

** If you have hired a wedding caterer outside the wedding reception venue’s own, have them familiarized with the venue’s setup so they can appropriately arrange their tables and other essentials.

** Give proper attention to the seating arrangement of the guests. Make sure that the guests will be seated among common friends to make them feel comfortable throughout the celebration. Have VIP guests seated at the appropriate tables.

** Double-check the safety and security of the premises. Will there be enough security personnel around during the function? Are guests supposed to pay safe deposit rentals for their valuable belongings?

** Talk with your wedding reception coordinator. Have all guests participate in the wedding program to make the function more memorable and fun. Provide gifts and rewards for games and other activities.

** Be ready with contingency plans. You wouldn’t want to ruin the most important day of your life just because you failed to bring something or the weather turns sour! It’s always best to have that back-up plan ready; just in case.

Keep these tips in mind, and your wedding reception is sure to be a lot of fun! Your friends, family and the one that you just vowed to spend the rest of your life with will be all around you and rejoicing in your special day!

Source: Daily Wedding Planning Tip, Wedding Reception Checklist