Planning a wedding is a stressful and hectic thing to do and not everyone is cut out to do it alone. Wedding planners have the act down to an art and know just how to get everything done on time and in the right way. At your wedding reception, there are a few things that you should do to make sure that everything goes smoothly and without incident. Below are four important tips from the pros that can help you eliminate any potential problems with your reception.
Provide Something for the Kids to Do
A reception may sound like fun to adults. Good food, friends and dancing. What could be better? For children though, a wedding is not such a fun and carefree event. They are always being told to sit still and be quiet. Having little baskets of activities or toys for children to play with, will keep them happy and entertained while the adults enjoy the party. Crayons, coloring books and play dough are just a few things that you may want to consider putting in the baskets for the children's enjoyment.
Make Sure There is More Than Enough Food
Running out of food is one of the worst things that can happen at a wedding reception. Having hundreds of guests standing around hungry and upset can quickly put a damper on a great party. It is better to overestimate for food at a reception and have leftovers, then to guess to low and run out. Guests who didn't return response cards could suddenly arrive and others may have brought guests without letting you know there would be a plus one. All of these circumstances could lead to you needing more food than you may have ordered.
Spend Time with Each of Your Guests
The reception is for you to enjoy and celebrate with your friends. It is not a time for you and your spouse to seclude yourselves and be alone. If your guests were kind enough to devote their entire day to coming to your wedding, the least you could do is show them some attention and that their presence matters to you. Mingle around the reception and try to personally thank and talk to as many guests as possible. This lets your friends and family feel included and lets them know that you appreciate their efforts.
Make the Wedding Favors Personal
Personalizing wedding favors can make the difference between something that is simply tossed into the garbage can the minute your guests leave and something that is saved and remembered for years to come. Personalizing your favors with your names and wedding date can help remind guests where the memento came from and give them a reason to hang on to it and remember your special day.
Pulling off a problem free reception can be difficult, but it is not impossible. The tips from the pros that are listed above can help you eliminate common problems that occur at weddings and make your special day as bright and happy as possible.
