How to Plan a Simple Wedding Reception

Once you've set the date and planned your wedding ceremony, you can begin planning the reception. The ceremony is a serious exchange of vows, but the reception is the opportunity for the couple to celebrate their marriage with family and friends. It seems every time you see a wedding in a movie or on the television, it is over-the-top and brimming with small details. It's possible to plan a simple wedding reception that is fun for you and your guests without spending a fortune.

Suggestions

1. Set a budget for your wedding reception. It's important to know how much you are able and willing to spend before you begin planning. Then decide how many people you want to have at your reception. Your budget and the number of people will help determine where your reception will be held.
2. Look for a place to hold your reception. Some ceremony sites can double as reception sites, so you may want to look into that option first. If not, research reception halls, restaurants and other venues--many have their own websites. Get a price quote online or over the phone and ask how many guests they can accommodate. Once you've narrowed your options, visit the places you're interested in to see which one you like best and fit within your budget.
3.  Decide on a catering option--this will vary, depending on whether you're having a morning, afternoon or evening wedding. Some reception sites will let you bring in your own food and drinks, which cuts down on costs--especially if family and friends help out. Others require you to choose a caterer from their list of vendors; restaurants will almost certainly require you to use their food and beverage service. Talk to a few restaurants and caterers about different options that fit your budget, and go with the one that works best for you.
4. Decide on entertainment. DJs and live bands are two popular options for weddings. However, you can make playlists ahead of time and hook your own MP3 player up to a sound system to simplify things and save money.
5. Find a bakery that can make your wedding cake, if the caterer or restaurant doesn't provide one and you don't have a friend who's capable of doing it. Have pictures of ideas you like for your cake so your baker has a visual of what you want.
6. Decide what kind of decorations you want at your reception. Some venues will already have tablecloths and candles for your use, but other will not. If you want floral centerpieces at each table, you need to talk with a florist about the cost. You can save money by making centerpieces on your own ahead of time and having someone set them up on the big day.

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How to Survive a Wedding Reception

Wedding receptions are glorious and stressful cultural traditions, especially in the United States. For many people, wedding receptions can be pretty harrowing. You may not have a date, you may hate dancing and the idea of cramming into a room with drunk friends and relatives may not be your idea of a good time. Learn how to survive any wedding reception, gracefully and positively.

Suggestions

1. Remember that the wedding reception is held to celebrate a new marriage. Unless you're the new bride or groom, get over yourself. We don't mean this in a negative way. By moving your attention elsewhere, you'll be able to get through a few hours of celebration.
2. Have a glass or two of champagne. Champagne isn't overly heavy and can improve your mood a little bit. You may even find yourself on the dance floor kicking up your heels!
3. Get to know the people at your table. Chances are, if you're single, there will be plenty of other singles at your table or nearby. Introduce yourself and ask them how they know the bride and groom. Being friendly opens a lot of doors at events like wedding receptions.
4. Make your rounds. Head to the buffet for some food and mill around checking out your options. Stand by the punchbowl and strike up a conversation with whoever is in your vicinity. Walk around the room and snap pictures of relatives and friends. Keep busy and before you know it, the reception will be over.
5. Get out on the dance floor. There are plenty of dances for "just guys" and "just girls." If you don't have a date, don't fret. Most people dance with whomever they can find on the dance floor. Throw in a couple of drinks, and alot of social stigmas go right out the window. You may even find yourself dancing with the bride's 75-year-old married grandfather. Go with it. Laugh. Have a good time.
6. Talk to the members of the bridal party. They're often good friends or close relatives of the lucky couple, so they expect alot of attention and give it in return. They're usually easy to point out and are often a load of fun!

Tips & Warnings

• Stay after the reception and offer to load up wedding presents into cars or other tasks that need to be done. This will make you feel and look useful.
• Never pout or get upset if you feel "left out" at a wedding reception. It's a joyous event for the newly married couple.

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