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When you book your reception site, be sure that you understand what is and is not included in the rental fee. Each facility is different, so you have to clarify with the manager of the property what can be provided by the venue, and what you must provide. As always, make sure that everything you have agreed upon is put in writing.

Depending on the venue you may need to supply some, if not all the items listed below:

Chairs – For a seated dinner or seated buffet you need to provide seating for all reception guests. For a buffet style reception you may able to get away with enough chairs for half or more of the total number of guests. You may need to rent or purchase chair covers separately. High chairs for children should be available from rental companies.

Guest Tables – Smaller tables like a 36-inch round will comfortably seat 4-6 guests and be appropriate for a buffet type menu. Larger tables like a 48-inch round will seat 6-8 guests, or a 60-inch round seats 8-10 guests. Regardless of their size, all guest tables are pre-set with flatware, glassware, linen napkins, and coffee cups that work well for a seated dinner.

Cake Table – usually a 48-inch round works well, but the appropriate size will depend on the size of your wedding cake. Make sure you include the decorative adds to the cake display like floral or linen accents. Be sure the cake table is located in a highly visible, but low traffic location. You want to show it since it is part of the decor, but keep it out of the high traffic areas to keep it safe.

Groom's Cake Table – If the groom's cake has not been served during the rehearsal dinner, a 36-inch round will work flawlessly.

Head Table – The most important factor about this table is that is facing the guests. A very common head table arrangement is several rectangular tables placed end-to-end to seat your entire wedding party.

Buffet Tables – If you have decided on a buffet dinner, you'll need to arrange several food stations, such as meet carving, etc. (Buffet tables may be provided by the catering company.)

Gift Table – The wedding gifts are placed on this table, the size should depend on the number of guests you are expecting.

Guest Book Table – A small table for your reception guest book.

Linens & Tableware – Linens and tableware may be included with the rented tables, or you may need to source it elsewhere.

Tents – Could be lifesaver outdoor receptions to protect guests from the sun or rainfall. Maybe used as a plan B for a rainy day.

Wedding & Reception Sites

Create a Timetable

Evening wedding receptions in southeast Michigan typically begin at 6 p.m. and conclude at midnight. Here's an EXAMPLE:

6 ? 7:00 pm Guests arrive. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are served.

7:00 ? 7:15 Guests are seated. Bridal Party is introduced into the room. Bride and

Groom enjoy their ?Grand Entrance?. Cake is cut. Bridal party is

seated at head table.

7:15 ? 7:30 Toasts are made. Grace is said.

7:30 ? 8:40 Dinner is served.

8:40 ? 8:59 Dinner is cleared while Bride & Groom pose for photos and visit with guests. Guests are free to stretch, visit restrooms; go outside to smoke, call home, etc. DJ gathers bridal party for the special dances.

8:59 - 9:00 Special introductions (usually grandparents)

9:00 - 9:15 Bridal dances

9:15 - 9:45 Dance & party music

9:45 ? 10:00 (OPTIONAL) Bouquet & garter toss. Anniversary Dance

10:00 ? 12:00 Dance & Party Music

Important Considerations?

Regarding your Hall

If you have invited out-of-town guests, and there is more than an hour between the ceremony and the reception, ask your reception hall what time it will open its doors and if you'll be charged for asking staff to open early for your visiting guests. Remember to share opening and closing times with your vendors, too.

Bridal Dance Alternative

Occasionally, the bride and groom will choose to do their bridal dance immediately upon being introduced into the hall. This has become fashionable in New York City where, due to time constraints, wedding receptions generally last 3-4 hours. However, in Michigan, where wedding receptions are much longer, it is best for the bride and groom to enjoy their first dance after dinner, thus inviting other guests to join the party immediately following.

Cake Cutting

Michigan brides & grooms have found that the best time to cut their cake is immediately upon walking into the room. If the cake will be served as a dessert course, it should always be cut right away. If cake will be made available on buffet tables for self-service, although not recommended, it can be cut after dinner,

Who Will Give Speeches and Toasts?

Once the Bridal Party is seated at the head table, toasts can begin immediately. Speeches which accompany toasts should be kept between 2-5 minutes. It is VERY IMPORTANT to do all speeches, toasts and grace consecutively. It is very difficult to interrupt your guests? table conversations multiple times.

Traditional Order of toasts, speeches & grace:

? Father (or mother) of the Bride (IF he/she so desires)

? Father (or mother) of the Groom (IF he/she so desires),

? Best Man

? Maid or Matron of Honor (increasingly popular)

? Anyone else who wishes to toast or give a speech (Remember, less is best!)

? Bride and Groom (If they want to thank their guests, etc.)

? Grace (Always last. Usually said by clergy, parent or grandparent)

Bridal Dances

Avoid the temptation of having too many ?formal? dances. If you want to share a special dance with your grandmother, for example, it is best to do it while guests can also dance. Remember, your guests? attention will wander if asked to watch the newlyweds dance with everyone special to them.

Order of Dances:

Bride & Groom

Bridal Party (Including parents, flower girls, etc.)

Father ? Daughter Dance

Mother - Son Dance

Everybody Dance (All of your guests are invited to join the newlyweds for a

slow dance.)

Remember to use the timeline and considerations listed here as examples. Tap into the knowledge of wedding professionals to help guide you toward a timeline that works best for your wedding reception.

About the Author

Mike Staff is the owner of Mike Staff Productions (http://www.mikestaff.com), an award winning Wedding DJ, Entertainment and Videography Company located in metropolitan Detroit, Michigan. Mike is also a well known Detroit radio personality, having spent over 14 years on-the-air at one of Detroit's most popular music stations, 101-FM WRIF. ? Copyright 2007. Mike Staff Productions, Inc. All rights reserved.

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About Author

Both George Meszaros & Mike Staff are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

George Meszaros has sinced written about articles on various topics from Computers and The Internet, Affiliate Programs and Massage. . George Meszaros's top article generates over 368000 views. to your Favourites.

Mike Staff has sinced written about articles on various topics from Keyboard Synthesizer, Touring Italy and Wedding Bells.

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