Climate will also be a consideration. The spring and summer months are
popular for weddings, as days are warmer and longer, affording greater photographic
opportunities. Winter weddings have the advantage of off peak rates, in particular for
reception venues. Many couples wishing to honeymoon during the European
summer also choose winter weddings.

THE VENUE
The wedding reception is the celebration of your commitment to one another.
It is a time for good food, entertainment and enjoyment for all.

The venue you choose will depend on the style of wedding you are having and the
number of guests you intend to invite.

You will need to consider the proximity of your ceremony and photography locations.
Is there ample room for guests to dance? The menu on offer and the duration of the
reception also need to be considered. Is there somewhere nearby for overseas and
interstate guests to stay?

It is advisable to book your reception venue straight after finalising your ceremony
details, as most popular venues are booked up to two years in advance.

NUMBER OF GUESTS
How many guests are you hoping to have attend your wedding?
Keep this in mind when choosing your venue.
Room capacities vary depending on how you would like the room setup.

THEME
Many couples choose to build their wedding around a theme. Weddings inspired by the
glamour and style of the 1950's, Ocean themes and country themes are also popular.

Generally, most couples use colour themes and pictorial themes such as love hearts or sea
shells that carry through from the stationery to the flowers and to the bridal party
and bombonierre creating harmony and unity.

ENTERTAINMENT
The music you choose will breathe passion and life into your wedding.

No wedding reception is complete without entertainment. Naturally you will choose a
style of music that appeals to both of you, for the dance segments of the evening.
This may be top 40, rock 'n' roll, 70's or a combination of all styles.

You will also need to consider the style of music which you would like to enter the
reception to, the type of music that will be played during the meal and of course
"the song" that will be played for your traditional bridal waltz.

Want some help? click here
 

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD
Have a think about the type of catering you would prefer, whether it be a sit down 3
course meal, buffet or even cocktail food. Make sure that you remember to cater for
any specific dietary requirements that your guests may have.

COCKTAIL RECEPTIONS
For cocktail receptions, it s a good idea to make sure you have chairs and tables
for people to sit at and rest drinks on. Take into consideration your older guests
who will need to sit most of the event.

MASTER OF CEREMONIES
The master of ceremonies or MC acts like a host at your reception. He or she is either
a paid professional, a confident and well spoken family member or friend, or provided
on the night by the venue as part of your reception package.

The first official duty of the MC is to welcome the guests and to introduce the bridal
couple as they make their entrance into the reception room.

Your MC will be an enormous asset on the night, ensuring the running schedule
you have devised is adhered to, allowing for a seamless evening.

SEATING ARRANGEMENTS
The seating arrangements for your wedding reception will take careful thought.
This simple act of seating your guests bestows great honor.

Traditionally, the bride and groom will be seated at a long table, with the bride
flanked by her bridesmaids on the left and the groom and his groomsmen on the right.
A more modern arrangement has males and females interspersed.

Parents are usually on the main table, although the decision is now being
made to seat each set of parents on a separate table, close to the main table,
with close family and friends. This allows for greater social interaction and enjoyment.

Always ask where the DJ is going to be and put at the table nearby the younger guest as
older guest find it hard to hear and adding the sound of music into the mix will not help.

A guest list posted on a board at the reception foyer and place cards on the table will
ensure that everyone is seated effortlessly and correctly. Waiting staff are usually on
hand to escort guests to their table. Your reception venue manager will be able to
provide invaluable assistance in maximizing floor space. Once your guests have been
welcomed and seated, they can begin to relax and enjoy the celebrations.

TOASTS & SPEECHES
The wedding toasts and speeches are a traditional part of any wedding reception.
The reception provides a forum for family and friends to honor the bridal couple with
word tributes and congratulatory wishes.

Traditionally, the speeches flow in the following manner: The master of ceremonies gives
the Loyal Toast, as soon as guests are seated, welcoming them to the reception and
introducing the bridal party. This is followed by a toast from a friend of the bride's family,
praising the bride and reflecting on the bridegroom's obvious love and commitment to her.

The bridegroom responds on behalf of his wife and thanks family and friends for their
support. He may divulge how the couple first met or how he proposed. He will then thank
his bestman and toast the bridesmaids for the assistance they have given the bride.
The bestman will respond on behalf of the bridesmaids and may regale guests with
stories about the groom in the lead up to the wedding as well as fun times they've shared.
He will close by wishing the newlyweds happiness and good health. Next in line is the bride's
father followed by the bridegroom's father.

THE FINER DETAIL
It is the finer details in weddings that create the finishing touches.
Your guests will NOTICE!

From beautiful calligraphy on your invitations and place cards, to a spectacular
pyrotechnic display, the possibilities are endless when it comes to adding your own
personal signature style to your wedding.

Balloons that drop over the dance floor, pyrotechnics as you enter the room all are
great effects we highly recommend Balloons and Everything in the South Coast for these
specialised items. Their phone number is 02 4227 1493

(click here to see recommended local companies)

You are limited only by your imagination!