Wedding reception & Rehersal Dinner

rehearsal dinner
All of the stresses and excitement of planning your wedding come to a head as you and your closest friends and family unite for the rehearsal dinner. This is the time when you reflect on your relationship as many meaningful toasts are given.
Traditionally, the groom's parents host the rearsal dinner. Common venues are private clubs, restaurants, hotels, parks or even at home. No matter what size, tailor the rehearsal dinner to your style and taste. Whether that is an intimate dinner with a small group, a large cookout, or something entirely different!

reception
The party begins! You and your guests will probably spend most of the festivities at your reception, so carefully consider your location options. What is your budget? What kind of celebtration do you want to have? Indoor? Outdoor? How many people are you going to invite? What mood do you want to convey? Elegant? Trendy? Casual? Formal? There are reception sites for whatever style wedding you plan.
Hotels, catering halls, country clubs and restaurants are popular sites for recptions, but other favorites include museums, university unions, athletic clubs, and ethnic or social clubs. For those on a tight budget, the church hall is a favorite reception site, usually available at little or no cost.
expert tips
Even with so many reception venue options, the most popular sites are often reserved more than a year in advance. Try to reserve your reception location before making other plans.
Consider scheduling your wedding for a Friday or Sunday, which are commonly less sought after than Saturday. Somefacilities offer special discounts or incentives for receptions held on days other than Saturday.

Questions to Ask When Looking at Reception Sites:
Is the site available on your wedding day? Are they hosting other weddings that day? How many people does the facility accommodate? Can they accommodate your parking needs? Is there a charge for parking? Do they have dance space? Is there an adequate sound system? What are their policies on beverages, food and catering services? Do they have time restrictions? Are there decoration restrictions? Are tables, chairs, linens, silverware and other accessories provided?What is the rental fee?Is there a cancellation fee?How much do you need to deposit to save your date?
catering
Indoors or out, reception guests look forward to food and refreshment. Thankfully, professional caterers offer a full range of culinary delights and services. Formal dinners, buffets and brunches can feature a variety of tasty cuisines. Hors d'oeuvres, salads, breads, desserts, pastries and even pig roasts are available for reception fare. Caterers today can satisfy the tastes of any couple, not only for receptions, but also for rehearsals and showers.
Many reception facilities are under contract with specific caterers, giving you no choice in your food service. If you area ble to choose your own caterer, there are a delectable variety of caterers to choose from in the area.
When calling caterers for prices and menus, ask about sampling before making a final decision. Some caterers specialize in the business, while others can be part of a restaurant or food market that goes off premise to cater. With such a variety to choose from, there is certainly something for everyone's taste!

outdoor receptions
Depending on the time of year, an outdoor reception can be absolutely beautiful. Some reception halls have outdoor sites available or you can choose from a variety of city, county, and state parks. Otherwise, you could always host your celebration in your own home or backyard à la Father of the Bride!
If you decide to host your reception at a local park, you may be able to reserve a pavilion. Make sure to find out well in advance what you are allowed and not allowed to do. Each park has its own particular rules and restrictions.
If you choose to host your reception outdoors, there are additional considerations to take into account. Does your site have some kind of shelter or will you provide your own? Is there restroom accessibility? Do you have an alternate plan in case of inclement weather? How will you deal with extreme conditions? Do you have to deal with a large insect population?
A major benefit of hosting your reception in the great outdoors is the picturesque atmosphere. An outside reception also allows for a wide range of menu options. Enjoy anything from no-frills picnics to formal sit-down dinners. You can hire a caterer or do-it-yourself with the help of rental companies.

rentals
Rental companies offer everything you need to make your reception the perfect event. Do you need shelter? Rental tents let you enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors while offering protection from the elements. Tents are available in many sizes; some can even accommodate over 2,500 people! They are also available in different styles, from open-air canopies to tents enclosed with French windowed walls. Complete the ensemble with tables, chairs, table settings, linens and chair covers in a wide array of styles and colors. Rental companies also offer dance floors, lighting, audio-visual equipment and more to provide the ideal atmosphere for any celebration.
When choosing an outdoor venue there is one more thing to keep in mind: restroom accessibility. Some companies that carry portable restrooms will rent them for special events. Companies that specialize in the business may surprise you. Their units are clean and can come equipped with flushing toilets, sinks, mirrors and lights, providing all the conveniences of an indoor facility outdoors!

reception traditions
first toast: the best man proposes the first toast after the wedding party has been served. This is usually followed by toasts from other relatives, friends, or the bride and groom.
newlyweds’ cake-cutting: The bride and groom cut the cake hand-over-hand and feed each other a small piece.
first dance: The newlyweds dance the first dance as guests look on. Although traditionally a waltz, a contemporary approach can entail a special song, choreographed routine, or any dance the couple chooses. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare. It takes time for a professional to help enhance this once in a lifetime first dance as husband and wife.
customary dances: Following the first dance, the bride dances with her father, the groom’s father and best man. The groom dances with the bride’s mother, his mother and maid of honor. Other guests join the wedding party on the floor after these dances.
tossing the bouquet: The bride tosses a small bouquet over her shoulder to a waiting group of single women. According to tradition, the woman who catches the bouquet will be the next bride.
garter toss: The groom removes the bride’s garter from her leg and throws it to a waiting group of bachelors. According to tradition, the lucky recipient will be the next groom.

reception entertainment
photo booths
Photo booths are one of the newest reception trends and they are quickly becoming a wedding staple! During receptions, guests often look for something to do, whether during the lull between the ceremony and the reception, right after dinner, or even during dancing. Keep your guests occupied and entertained throughout the night by renting a photo booth.
Couples usually rent one from anywhere between three to eight hours. Guests will love plotting their poses and picking out props. They walk away with a photo they can keep and the bridal couple has a copy that is placed into a scrapbook keepsake just for them. Photo booths are the perfect way to entertain your guests and to preserve fun wedding memories at the same time.

caricatures
For the couple that wants a distinctive and unique wedding reception, hire a caricature artist to entertain your guests and have them talking about your reception for years to come. A caricature artist will set up his easel facing out from the wall so weddings guests can gather around and watch the process. Artists can usually draw anywhere from twelve to eighteen people in an hour.
Guests are entertained by the interactive process and they leave your reception with an artistic and memorable wedding favor. The appeal of caricature crosses generations. Guests of all ages enjoy the excitement generated by watching an artist at work. People that might not otherwise want to be drawn enjoy having their image captured when they are all “dolled up” for a wedding.
Families, couples, children, the bridal party and more love sitting for a caricature artist. It is priceless entertainment for all involved, even if not everyone takes home a drawing.