A lot goes into a wedding reception – so much so that you might not realize exactly how much you need. Of course, there are the obvious things, like seating and food. But when broken down, even those broad categories can be made up of tons of different elements. On top of that, there are less obvious things that are just as important to consider. Have you thought about loos for example? What about location signs?
Before you start to panic, we’re here to help. We’ve put together a detailed wedding reception checklist of everything you could possibly include. We’ve truly covered all the bases, including popular décor items, suggested menu additions, and entertainment must-haves. But achieving your desired aesthetic, serving the right fare, and hosting your musician, band, or DJ are just part of it. You also have to consider things like guest comfort, which we’ve also included
All in all, we’ve spotlighted everything you might need to throw the ultimate party that’ll make everyone, especially you, very happy. So, whether your wedding reception venue is totally bare bones or it’s being prepared for you, we highly recommend checking out this list. While it’s unlikely that you’ll need all the items mentioned, it’s best to know your options!
- Wedding Reception Tables:
- Dining
- Buffet
- Wedding cake display
- Dessert display
- Bar/drinks station
- Guest book
- Gifts
- Trinkets
- Sweet cart
2. Other furnishings:
- Dining chairs & chair covers
- Sofas
- Beanbags, pouffes, coffee table
- Tables & chairs
- Rugs
- Tent/Marquee
3. Linens
- Tablecloths
- Runners
- Napkins, napkin rings
4. For the Meal
- Hors d’oeuvres
- Starters
- Main meal
- Dessert
- Bread and butter
- Dishes
- Crockery
- Glassware
- Serving dishes and bowls
- Serving crockery
- Punch bowl and ladle
- Salt and pepper shakers
- Sugar bowls and milk jugs
- Pitchers
- Butter dishes
- Buffet
- Sweets/Ice cream
5) For the Bar
- Champagne & wine
- Beer & Cider
- Liquor
- Mixers (tonic, ginger ale etc. )
- Water & soft drinks
- Lemon and lime slices
- Mint/garnishes
- Ice
- Glassware
- Cocktail napkins
- Biodegradable straws
6) Accessories
- Table number holders & seating plan & name places
- Vases, Jam jars
- Food warmers for buffet
7) For the Wedding Cake
- Cake
- Cake stand
- Knife
- Plates
- Forks
- Napkins
- Coffee and tea
- Cafetieres
- Tea pots
8) Decorations
- Flowers or non-floral centrepieces
- Candles – check if your venue allows it (for dining tables, windowsills, decorative tables etc.)
- Greenery, arches, urns, lanterns for entryway
- Garlands, fabric/signs for bride’s and groom’s chairs
- Flowers
- Other reception decor
9) Printed materials
- Seating chart
- Table numbers
- Place cards
- Menus
- Guest book
- Favour tags
- Ceremony & reception
10) Entertainment
- Area or stage for musician, DJ or band
- Adequate power source for music
- Dance floor
- Photo booth
- Photo-booth props
- Sparklers
- Fireworks
- External venue suppliers – ie) sweet cart, ice cream, buffet etc.
11) Lighting
- Lanterns
- Paper Lanterns
- Small white lights on trees
- Candelabra for dining tables or strategic positioning
- Candles
- Amber bulbs to replace white ones
- Tent lighting
- Marquee lighting
12) For female guests
- Flip-flops or flats (for dancing)
- Ladies’ restroom beauty baskets, luxury hand soap and moisturizer
- Pashminas
13) For toasting
- Champagne
- Toasting flutes
- Mic
14) For young guests
- Toys, puzzles, colouring books, crayons (some venues have special kids areas)
- Special meal
- Plastic cups
15) Misc
- Coat storage
- Favours
- Tips (in envelopes)
- Charging points for phones
- Champagne fountain
- Rubbish bags
- Balloons
- Sunscreen
- Trinkets
- Loos
Its a good idea to also check with the venue what signage they have directing guests to their venue. Many Chateau didn’t used to have much in the way of signage and down long windy French roads can be difficult to find. But many Chateau are embracing the need for better signage.
Happy Planning!