After The Show It's The After Party....

9 times outta 10, you've probably thrown a party before - but none like this!  I wanted to try to tackle a few of the most frequently asked questions about your after party aka RECEPTION! 

How much of my budget should I allocate for the reception?

Typically, your reception will eat up 50%-60% of your overall budget.  The biggest expense in the reception category is almost always food & beverage.  So if you're trying to save money, you should definitely consider hosting a lighter meal (like breakfast, brunch or lunch), or host an event at a non-mealtime which would allow you to serve hors d'oeuvres.

How long are most receptions?

The typical wedding reception usually lasts four to five hours. A seated dinner may last a tad bit longer than a stand up, cocktail style reception.  Generally, the later in the day a reception starts, the longer it lasts. Also take into consideration that if you have a lot of out of town guests, you may want to have the party last a little longer if possible. At the end of the day, the bride is the best judge of how long the crowd can hang out.

Who will set up the placecards and/or seating cards? Who will decorate the room the way I want it?

This will depend on the reception site and how much decorating needs to be done. Usually, your caterer or venue staff will put out your placecards and/or seating cards. If your decorations are waaaaay over the top, you definitely may want to enlist the help of a wedding coordinator or florist.  It's likely that if your decor isn't a 7 hour job, they may set things up for you at no additional cost.

If my venue allow me to bring my own wine or liquor, will that make things less expensive?

This depends on the regulations of your venue.  Usually bringing your own liquor and paying a corkage fee is most cost effective than paying the caterer's premium price. However, those savings come at a logistical price. Your caterer may require that you bring own beverages to the event chilled and ready for use. If you don't have the space to chill thirty bottles of wine, the savings might not be worth the headache.

Will there be limitations on the kind of decor that I have can?

Most reception venues will not allow you to attach anything to their walls that will cause damage.  This means no tape, nails, staples or adhesives.  When my husband & I got married, our reception hall would not allow open flames...however, partially enclosed tealights were acceptable.  Also be aware that some venues don't allow rice, confetti, or silly string.  Never assume that any of the aforementioned will be ok with your venue prior to consulting with them.