A Top Wedding Planner Shares Her 10 Tips for a Flawless Wedding Reception

Melissa Baran
August 2, 2019
Categories: Photo Shoot, The Blog, Wedding Style

Having spoken at one of Laurie Arons Special Events‘ Masterclasses, I can say first hand that I’ve never learned more (about creating a memorable experience) than I did in those few days. While many of us fill our Pinterest boards with pretty details, it’s easy to lose sight of the actual experience guests are breathing in—from the seating assignments to the ease of conversation at a table to the line at the bar. Laurie is sharing 10 of her top tips for a flawless reception with us today—along with stunning imagery from Jose Villa—and it may just change the way you think about your celebration.

10 Tips for a Flawless Wedding Reception

1. The best receptions should feel cozy and intimate. Map out the floor plan so tables are close together and everyone is part of the action. If your reception space is too large for your group, consider draping off a portion to make the room a little smaller.

2. Speaking of cozy and intimate, I always avoid using large tables like 72-inch rounds or Kings Tables for seating. Smaller size tables bring guests little closer together and foster group conversation. My favorite sizes are 8-foot rectangular Queens Table, because guests can actually speak to everyone at the table.

3. Make sure to have the right size linens for your tables, and when it doubt, go bigger. Linens should go all the way to the ground. Ask your venue, caterer or planner to steam them so they look perfect.

4. Take the time to assign seating (at least assigned tables) so guests don’t have to stress about where, and with whom, to sit. Seat VIPs like parents and wedding party in different locations around the room, rather than all in the center. This way, every guest feels like they’re near someone important. Young friends should be assigned tables near the bar or near the stage, places that older guests tend to want a little distance from.

5. Be mindful of what goes on the table. Centerpieces that block conversation can really effect the guest experience. I always avoid unnecessary clutter from bread plates, too much glassware and dessert flatware above the plates. A well-edited table is more beautiful and more comfortable for guests.

6. Serve one meal to all guests (with a vegetarian alternative) rather than a pre-selected choice of entree. Meal choices can be hard to track down and lead to chaotic, or delayed service on the wedding day. You don’t want the meal to go on too long – guests want to get up dance!

7. Music really add to the energy and success of a wedding, so I ask our bands and DJs to keep announcements and talking to a minimum. People want to dance, not be interrupted by a chatty Emcee.

8. Another key to setting the mood is lighting – low, romantic light feels more festive, is very flattering, and people feel much comfortable dancing in the dark. I prefer incandescent bulbs over LED, and my favorite lighting gel is called Chocolate.

9. Make sure your venue or caterer has enough bartenders for the size of your group. Long lines at the bar can really frustrate your guests. We always tray-pass some beverages at the start of cocktail hour to help take pressure off the bar.

10. Enjoy yourself! The best receptions are full of positivity and love exuding from bride and groom. So when the time comes to celebrate, take off your planning hat and just enjoy the moment. If you’re stressing about the small stuff, you’ll miss what’s really important.

Experience Laurie’s Masterclass for yourself in 2020, learn more here!