Reception Venues with or without caterers tend to offer packages. Having everything included in your reception package make life a little easier for you, and having the majority of your reception streamlined and organised will ease some of the worries on the big day.
However, there is still much to do, but with the assistance of a professional Coordinator the planning of your reception will be smooth and stress free. Most Australian Venues have coordinators on site. They can help guide you through the planning process.
Basic requirements:
- Most wedding last from 5 - 6 hours check your starting times and event conclusion times and what time your guests have to vacate the venue - extra time will cost!!
- Beverage package - Beverages should be about 5 hours covering pre-dinner Drinks and the rest of the reception.
- Basic menu is usually canapes for Pre-dinner + 3 courses seated. This may change if you opt for a canape wedding or buffet dinner or perhaps a 2 course, (check if they include coffee!!)
Your Wedding cake professionally cut and served - no charge!! Watch out though some venues are sneaking in a "cakeage" charge to cut & serve your cake!!
- Private bridal suite - its nice if you have somewhere to go - just to breathe.
- Dance floor - this one should be included after all its there, but if its a portable floor they can charge!
- Security Personnel - not always included, great if they are but this is a charge you may have to wear.
- Large easel for your guest list - usually included - though you supply the list.
- Centerpieces , some venue have them and offer them as part of the package - this is great and if you like them, but they may not be to your taste so that's yours to do.
- This is a sweet one - glass vases on the bridal table for your flowers, its a little unusual but its nice to know they care about your flowers - shows they care about the little things.
This should get you started - more to come in the next feature - Remember to breathe its not easy but, we haven't lost a bride YET!!