When
you first sit down to plan a wedding reception it may suddenly seem a daunting
prospect, with a hundred and one things to think about. Here are a five top
tips to help you plan the perfect party for you and your guests.
Venue
Bricks and mortar or a wedding marquee? A marquee has many advantages over the more traditional venues. You can hire one for a date that suits you, and you can have it erected just about anywhere: in your own garden, inside an old tram station, or any other setting where you have permission to do so. Wedding marquees come in all sizes, so depending on how big or small your guest list is, you’ll always have the perfect space to party.
Timeline
Map out what’s meant to happen and when – and try and stick to it. If things start to drift, your guests can get restless, so be firm with the photographer about how long he or she has; make sure the ceremony starts on time and let everyone know when the reception will get underway. There are certain traditions you may want to adhere to, such as the bride and groom’s entrance, first dance, the toasts, cutting the cake, the garter toss, and exit, but try not to add too many extras. After the meal, you and your guests are ready to party!
Music and Lighting
By all means give the band or DJ a list of songs you want played, but remember that they are professional entertainers and will be able to judge when to up the tempo and get everyone dancing, and when to slow things down. Subtle lighting helps guests to relax. If you’re holding your reception in a wedding marquee it’ll be easy to create a more relaxed, and informal atmosphere, with some well placed lights. People are more likely to get up and boogie if it’s not too bright. You can always turn the lights up for a short while if you’re having a video made.
Venue
Bricks and mortar or a wedding marquee? A marquee has many advantages over the more traditional venues. You can hire one for a date that suits you, and you can have it erected just about anywhere: in your own garden, inside an old tram station, or any other setting where you have permission to do so. Wedding marquees come in all sizes, so depending on how big or small your guest list is, you’ll always have the perfect space to party.
Timeline
Map out what’s meant to happen and when – and try and stick to it. If things start to drift, your guests can get restless, so be firm with the photographer about how long he or she has; make sure the ceremony starts on time and let everyone know when the reception will get underway. There are certain traditions you may want to adhere to, such as the bride and groom’s entrance, first dance, the toasts, cutting the cake, the garter toss, and exit, but try not to add too many extras. After the meal, you and your guests are ready to party!
Music and Lighting
By all means give the band or DJ a list of songs you want played, but remember that they are professional entertainers and will be able to judge when to up the tempo and get everyone dancing, and when to slow things down. Subtle lighting helps guests to relax. If you’re holding your reception in a wedding marquee it’ll be easy to create a more relaxed, and informal atmosphere, with some well placed lights. People are more likely to get up and boogie if it’s not too bright. You can always turn the lights up for a short while if you’re having a video made.
Temperature
Reception rooms or halls can quickly become hot and stuffy, or even too cool due to the air-con being cranked up. Modern wedding marquees are ideal for keeping things at a comfortable level, which is light and airy and helping to energise you and your guests!
Go with the Flow
You’ve got the masterplan of the big day worked out but don’t expect everything to go like clockwork – remember, it’s a reception not a military exercise! If there are a few hold-ups or hitches here and there, so what? It’s your big day, and one you want to enjoy and remember for all the right reasons, so don’t allow yourself to get stressed by tiny details.
If you feel like a wedding marquee would provide the perfect venue for you, feel free to take a look a the Trafalgar Marquees website to find out more information.
