In this fourth of a series of articles about planning your wedding we're going to pick up with planning your reception.

As important as the actual ceremony is, it is the reception that your guests are really looking forward to. You want the entire thing planned just so, right from the opening toasts to the first dance to the entertainment. You want this to be a night that people are going to go home from with a big smile on their face. So give your reception very careful thought.

Next you have to choose a florist. This shouldn't be a big job. It's hard to ruin floral arrangements but you do want to pick a florist that has a good reputation. Do a little research on this one.

After that you're going to want to actually make your honeymoon reservations. You want to do this about 5 months in advance so that you have the best chance of getting the reservation that you want. This way if there is a problem you have plenty of time to make alternate plans.

Around this time you want to make your final selection on a caterer. He is going to need time to plan for the day so don't wait any longer than 5 months before the date itself. Make sure you are very specific about what you want and what you are looking to spend.

You'll also want to confirm the delivery of the bridal gown at this time. The last thing you want is for your wedding day to come and not to have your gown.

Then you'll want to make a date to have your bridal portrait done. Nobody really likes sitting for these things but you'll appreciate it years after the day itself. Pick a day where you're not rushed doing other things. Make sure you get yourself fixed up prior to the portrait.

Around this time you'll also want to order your wedding cake. You may want to go traditional with this (the 2 or 3 tier thing) or do something different. Just remember, the cake has to be big enough to feed the number of people that are going to be there.

You'll also have to arrange transportation for the whole bridal party to the ceremony and from the ceremony to the reception. The last thing you want is to be wondering where everybody is. Aside from this being traditional it also leaves less chance for your wedding party not showing at your wedding.

The next thing you're going to have to do is go over the details of your reception with the caterer and hotel manager. You don't want there to be any miscommunications on this. Everyone needs to know exactly what is being done and when, from the moment everyone arrives to the moment the bride and groom take off for their honeymoon. Leave nothing to chance here.

In the next article in this series we're going to pick up with renting any special equipment you're going to need for that day such as arch, floral pillars, etc.

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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Weddings
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