Planning out the reception can sometimes prove more difficult than the actual wedding planning because there are some many more things to take into consideration such as the decoration, music and any other entertainment. There are services out there that can take some of the planning responsibility from you but there are simple steps you can take to make the whole planning process easier, here are some examples of steps to take when planning a reception party for your wedding;

Style - There are certain styles of reception party themes available in amongst the many themes there are still traditional plans that work for many people and even if they want their party to have a more casual feel they can have the traditional timing of events to make it still feel special. The traditional theme plan consists of;

• To start the evening celebration it should be planned that the tables, cake table, signing in book and any food lay outs there are should be prepared and ready for any guests that arrive at the evening celebration before the wedding party and guests that have been at the church do. As well as part of these plans when the tables are being laid the guests name labels should be placed at their seats so they can find their seat easily. An alternative would be to label the individual seats but also number the tables and let each guest know their table number this would save on time for them to find their seats.
• After all the plans are set and in place when the wedding party and guests have arrived the introductions begin firstly will be the introduction of the wedding party, this is an opportunity for those guests that may not know all the wedding party to be introduced.
• This will be followed by the introduction of the bride and groom, the guests would stand whilst the bride and groom walked into the room and formally introduced.
• Next usually is the meal which is where the guests can have the opportunity to get to know each other better.
• Then this is normally followed by the cutting of the cake, which is when many people will want to take photographs of the couple.
• Then of course you have the toasts, there is more variation on who actually gives speeches now, traditionally though it is the brides father, best man then groom.
• Once all of the speeches are finished it will be announced for the bride and groom to have their first dance, followed by the other special dances.
• Then all that's left to do is for the bride, groom and rest of the guests to enjoy themselves and the evenings entertainment can start.

Of course this is just the traditional lay out of a reception party it is now possible to hold the reception however you like, it is all up to your preference.