Your wedding day is approaching, and you’re excited about having a fun party or intimate dinner for your friends and family. While securing your vendors as soon as possible is essential, taking the time to draw out a functional reception layout is just as crucial. Here are three tips for a reception layout that you should consider.
- Keep the Space Open and Not Crammed
While your venue may hold a maximum number of guests, it doesn’t mean you should seat that many. Keep in mind that you will likely have other stations set up too, such as a bar, a dance floor, or a dessert table. Therefore, it’s essential to keep the space open and not crammed with too many chairs and tables. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your guests have enough room to mingle, dance, and move around.
2. Think of Your Vendors
When it comes to wedding photography and videography, space is everything. As a photographer myself, I can tell you that being able to move around a room quickly as events happen is key. Before placing chairs and tables, consider how many vendors you have. How much space they’ll need to capture your day is important. Having a team of photo and video vendors will require more space. So, keep that in mind when drawing up your reception layout.
3. Draw Up a Diagram to Visualize Your Set
Drawing up a diagram of your reception layout can help you visualize your set. This ensures that everyone is on the same page. As a past bride, I can attest that this step was instrumental in making sure our venue and decor team understood what we wanted. Additionally, your vendors will appreciate having a visual reference when planning their set up. So, make time to draw up a diagram, and you’ll thank yourself later when less confusion occurs.
Whether you choose to chair or not to chair, these three tips will help you create a reception layout that works for you and your guests. Before finalizing your set up, set up a meeting with your venue and wedding planner, attend an open house your venue may have, and talk with your photo and video vendors to see what type of set up they may need to capture your day. Remember, it’s okay to have some trial and error during the initial set up. With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to having a reception that’s functional, beautiful, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
So, remember these standard points:
- Set up a meeting with your venue and wedding planner.
- Go to an open house your venue may have.
- Ask if your venue has any diagrams to show.
- Talk with your photo and video to see what type of set up they may need to capture your day.
- Factor in all vendors who will be in the reception space.
- Trial and error during initial set up
All above images are under Jess Rene Photos from venues in the Ohio area (Steam Plant, Irongate Equestrian Center, Dayton Arcade, Monastery Center, Pinecroft, Whattapuddle).
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