When it comes to planning a wedding, second only to where your nuptials will take place is the reception location. Planning a reception can be a little daunting yet exciting at the same time. Although some people will allow a wedding planner to take care of it for them, most people would like to have some input in choosing a place. Therefore, here are a few ways to plan the wedding reception of your dreams.

Venue

"The earlier, the better" applies to just about every aspect of planning a wedding reception. Weddings are year-round events, and, therefore, you will receive a, "Sorry we're booked," from most of the venues you call. You will need to have a venue option A, B and C. So, what about when you finally get a yes from a venue? According to Middle Ranch, when considering which location you want for your reception, it's important to book an appointment to tour the place you're interested in. Arrive on time, ask questions and make a decision sooner rather than later. This way, you can ensure you find a place that meets your needs and stays within your budget.

Food and Drinks

When it comes to choosing the right food and drinks to serve at a party, remember that not everyone likes the same thing. Therefore, the best route to take is to choose widely appealing foods that almost everyone will like, such as chicken or fish. As for drinks, water, of course, can be a great option for most guests, but what about the adult drinks? For this, most people will opt-in to have an open-bar. It is highly recommended to set some ground rules for the bar. This means speaking to the bartender about drink limits as well as making sure that no underage drinking is allowed.

Create a Budget

The reception can be one of the most expensive parts of your big day. Thus, it is very important to construct a budget before hiring anyone or even picking a venue. This budget should first include your needs and not your wants. Needs include your venue, catering company and security. According to OneMain Financial, you can often negotiate prices with vendors and venues to help you save money and stay within your budget, so don’t be afraid to do so. Creating a budget is a great way to have peace of mind that you're not overspending and getting yourself into debt.

Planning the reception of your dreams can be a real challenge, but it's not impossible. There are lots of things like these that you can do to help make it easier and less stressful. With the right planning and direction, you can have the wedding reception you've always wanted.

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