Preview the Wedding Planner and Guide Madison Area Edition 2010

Reception & Rehearsal Dinner

vendors:

catering
dance instruction
guest accommodations
ice sculptors
music & entertainment
portrait / caricature art
photo booths
rehearsal & reception facilities
tents & rentals
wedding consultants

rehearsal dinner

All of the stresses and excitement of planning your wedding come to a head as you and your closest friends and family unite for the rehearsal dinner. This is the time when you reflect on your relationship as many meaningful toasts are given.

Traditionally, the groom's parents host the rearsal dinner. Common venues are private clubs, restaurants, hotels, parks or even at home. No matter what size, tailor the rehearsal dinner to your style and taste. Whether that is an intimate dinner with a small group, a large cookout, or something entirely different!

reception

The party begins! You and your guests will probably spend most of the festivities at your reception, so carefully consider your location options. What is your budget? What kind of celebtration do you want to have? Indoor? Outdoor? How many people are you going to invite? What mood do you want to convey? Elegant? Trendy? Casual? Formal? There are reception sites for whatever style wedding you plan.

Hotels, catering halls, country clubs and restaurants are popular sites for recptions, but other favorites include museums, university unions, athletic clubs, and ethnic or social clubs. For those on a tight budget, the church hall is a favorite reception site, usually available at little or no cost.

Questions to Ask When Looking at Reception Sites:

Is the site available on your wedding day?
Are they hosting other weddings that day?
How many people does the facility accommodate?
Can they accommodate your parking needs?
Is there a charge for parking?
Do they have dance space?
Is there an adequate sound system?
What are their policies on beverages, food and catering services?
Do they have time restrictions?
Are there decoration restrictions?
Are tables, chairs, linens, silverware and other accessories provided?
What is the rental fee?
Is there a cancellation fee?
How much do you need to deposit to save your date?

expert tips

Even with so many reception venue options, the most popular sites are often reserved more than a year in advance. Try to reserve your reception location before making other plans.

Consider scheduling your wedding for a Friday or Sunday, which are commonly less sought after than Saturday. Some
facilities offer special discounts or incentives for receptions held on days other than Saturday.

reception traditions

first toast: the best man proposes the first toast after the wedding party has been served. This is usually followed by toasts from other relatives, friends, or the bride and groom.

newlyweds’ cake-cutting: The bride and groom cut the cake hand-over-hand and feed each other a small piece.

first dance: The newlyweds dance the first dance as guests look on. Although traditionally a waltz, a contemporary approach can entail a special song, choreographed routine, or any dance the couple chooses. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare. It takes time for a professional to help enhance this once in a lifetime first dance as husband and wife.

customary dances: Following the first dance, the bride dances with her father, the groom’s father and best man. The groom dances with the bride’s mother, his mother and maid of honor. Other guests join the wedding party on the floor after these dances.

tossing the bouquet: The bride tosses a small bouquet over her shoulder to a waiting group of single women. According to tradition, the woman who catches the bouquet will be the next bride.

garter toss: The groom removes the bride’s garter from her leg and throws it to a waiting group of bachelors. According to tradition, the lucky recipient will be the next groom.