Ruby's Blog | Planning Your Reception

Hello Bride and Groom's To Be!

I’m Ruby the Rochester Bride!  As a newlywed of the Rochester area, I love sharing my knowledge of the wedding experience with newly engaged couples.  This week I can’t wait to share with you steps in planning your reception!

Step 1: Your Budget

- Determine your budget before you start your planning.

- Set your limit to avoid wasting time looking at sites that may not fit your budget.

- It is a good idea to leave a cushion to cover unexpected costs.

Step 2: Guest List

- Estimate the number of guests you expect to attend.

- The number of your guests will impact your budget and the location of your reception.

Step 3: Type

- Decide on the type of reception you would like to have:

   > formal or informal

   > indoor or outdoor

   > large or small

   > themes

   > time of year (season)

   > afternoon or evening

- Plan your ideal wedding without leaving anything out, then cut back on the reception to realistically fit your budget and surroundings.

- There are endless possibilities, just use your imagination:

   > a simple, but elegant champagne brunch or dessert buffet

   > a classy cocktail party with hors'd'oeuvres

   > a unique tropical or international theme

   > a social cocktail party with buffet or sit-down dinner

   > a formal black tie, sit-down dinner

Step 4: When

- Most weddings are planned for Saturday with the reception to follow. If you are planning a Saturday wedding at a well-known reception site and/or in a popular month (April through November) book your wedding and reception site as soon as possible. A good rule of thumb is to book your wedding and reception as far as 12 to 24 months in advance.

- To increase the chance of having a weekend event, consider a Friday evening, Saturday or Sunday afternoon wedding and reception.

   > These days tend to be more available with vendors.

   > Some reception sites offer discounted wedding packages on these days.

   > Some restaurants will close down for your reception.

   > If a Friday or Sunday wedding is something you're interested in, check with the ceremony and reception site of your choice to see if this is possible.

Step 5: Where

- Use the experienced staff of a reception site to help you plan an ideal reception.

- Your reception site depends upon the location, number of guests, and budget.

- Choose a place that can best accommodate the style of your wedding. There are a variety of options: Bed and Breakfasts, Churches or Synagogues, Country Clubs, Historical Mansions, Private Homes, Hotel Banquet Rooms, Outdoor/Gardens, Wineries, Private Dining Rooms in Restaurants.

 Recommendations: Ask a family/friend for recommendations of locations they have enjoyed.

- Schedule an appointment to review different wedding packages, speak with a banquet/catering manager, and envision the layout (ask questions, meet the master of the ceremony, etc.)

Step 6: Have a ball!

Remember, your wedding day is one of the most memorable events of your lifetime. The hard part is over! It is the time for celebration and good times. Forget about the details and make it a day and/or night to remember!