There are obviously other important aspects you should
consider when choosing a reception venue - how many guests you are
expecting, how much work you and your family is prepared to undertake, the
distance from the church and so on. A reception at home can be ideal for
small or low budget parties - and if there aren't enough willing hands to
help prepare the food, there are a number of professional caterers who can
do this for you.
Catering companies can also be used when hiring a hall or function room,
and this can prove very cost effective. Small hotels and restaurants can
be perfect for weddings held midweek, or lower key 'second-time around'
marriages.
The larger hotels are able to take over for you if desired, and provide
the complete package, from food, to the entertainment, master of
ceremonies, accommodation - everything down to the cake stand. A lot of
people who would like a marquee wedding are often frustrated in their
attempt to find a suitable site, so do plan carefully.
However, such sites are available and can be hired so that you can make
your own arrangements, or it is possible to have a complete service
provided centred on your requirements. The choice is entirely yours.
Wherever you hold your reception, there are a number of traditions you may
wish to uphold. The receiving line is used at most weddings as an ideal
way for everybody to greet the newlyweds.
The line is made up of the bride's mother and father, the groom's mother
and father, the bride and groom and the bridesmaids.
The best man and ushers do not escape at this point as they are required
to circulate and offer help as necessary, for example taking hats and
coats. Once the guests have passed through the line, it is customary to
offer them a welcome drink, sherry perhaps, or mulled wine for a winter
wedding.
Do remember to have a 'soft' option for drivers and younger guests -
orange juice is the most popular. Some couples like to provide wine with
the meal; it is equally acceptable to expect guests to buy their own
drinks at this stage.
At the end of the meal however, you will need to supply sparkling wine or
champagne for the toasts. The order of the toasts themselves, plus
guidelines for speechmakers can be found elsewhere in this guide.
Although you will have a chance to meet everybody if you use the receiving
line, you probably won't remember seeing all your guests at the reception
when you look back. A guest's book, signed by all that attend makes a
perfect memento of the day for many years to come, and can be tied in with
your album to help relive those memories.
