For more information on wedding reception locations, or to book a reception in London, Ontario contact Lamplighter Inn at : http://www.lamplighterinn.ca/weddings

1. How to Organize a Perfect
Wedding Reception
by Lamp Lighter Inn

2. Introduction
This is one of those days that many have been fantasizing about for
years, if not decades. Your wedding day, because of all that
anticipation and because it celebrates your union with the person
you love the most on this Earth, has to be as perfect as possible.
And to ensure it all goes according to plan, you must know what to
pay attention to.
In this presentation, we will show
you how to prepare your
wedding reception to truly
make of this day a magical
experience that will accompany
you for the rest of your life.

3. First Things, First
Before you even begin to plan your reception, sit down with your other
half; you've got some important decisions to make first.
Nothing should be determined before you set the date of the wedding.
Depending on that date, some people might or might not be able to
participate, some locations could or could not be available... Only when
you've agreed on the day can you address the second most critical
factor: your budget.
How much can you afford to spend? You
should definitely set a limit as the prices
can quickly add up and blow your budget
out of proportions. This will also impact the
number of guests you can invite, and so on.

4. The Location
The first question to ask yourself when looking for a great location for
your wedding reception is whether you prefer to have it indoor or
outdoor. While the second option might leave more leeway as you
wouldn't be limited by the size of a building or its configuration,
outdoor receptions will greatly depend on the season.
Favorite spots for both indoor and
outdoor ceremonies include:
• Castles
• On the waterfront
• Country clubs
• Parks
• Small farms

5. Catering
Usually, wedding receptions start with a cocktail gathering where your
guests can relax and share a drink before they're asked to take their
seat for the main course. When planning your reception, you want
to find a caterer who will be able to provide you with options for both
hors d'oeuvres and meal.
If the choice of a menu is to be determined in conjunction
with your caterer (who should be able to advise you on the
best combinations), you still have to decide whether you're
going to offer service or buffet meal. Recently, buffet
stations have gained in popularity as:
• they allow for more choice
• people can eat as much or as little as they want
• they're more convivial

6. Deco & Entertainment
Once you have found your venue, you still need to add some class and
character to it. Depending on your budget, you can go as minimalist of
as extravagant as you like with the deco. However, be aware that you
don't necessarily need to break the bank to achieve great results.
One or two well chosen deco touches (like a chocolate fountain or floral
compositions) can make all the difference in the world.
Then, you need to plan how you're
going to manage the bar and the
entertainment for your hosts. Here, you
will have to choose whether to serve
alcohol or not, and who will be in charge
of the music (and possible fun games).

7. Seating Arrangements
While there are no hard rules concerning seating arrangements, if
there is one constant to keep, it is to have a top table where you will sit
with your spouse and closest friends and family.
As for the rest of the tables, you can either mix both sides, place your
guests with people they know, or leave it up to them to have a seat
wherever they like.
Note that your choice of table shape and size will also have an
impact on the possible interactions between your guests. With small
round tables, everyone will face eachother whereas, with long narrow
models, people will only be able to talk to the hosts right next to them.

8. All-Inclusive Services
Just like with a complex recipe, knowing all the steps to organizing a
wedding reception doesn't make the thought of it any less
overwhelming.
If you lack the time or simply don't want to
risk messing it up (as this represents the
most important day of your life and you
want it to be just perfect), you can call
upon all-inclusive services that will
take care of everything and make sure
that the reception goes according to
plan. Obviously, those services have a
cost but isn't peace of mind priceless?

9. Conclusion
To make your wedding day the most beautiful and magical day of your
life, it's not as hard as it may seem; you just need to plan well
ahead of time.
By following the guidelines we have shared with you in this
presentation, you should have all the tools you need to organize
the reception you've always been dreaming of; a reception that
will leave a lasting impression on both you and your guests. For
better, and only better!

10. For more information on wedding reception
locations, or to book a reception in
London, Ontario contact Lamplighter Inn
at : http://www.lamplighterinn.ca/weddings