Planning a wedding reception can be a daunting job. There’s a lot to consider from choosing your venue, creating a seating plan, décor and flowers, to ordering a cake. The best option is to start preparations twelve months ahead and we’ve prepared a list of the most important thing you need to do.
Twelve Months Ahead
The first thing you should do it set the date and time of your wedding. Then it’s time to start searching for a reception venue. You may have a particular place or type of venue in mind and you can ask friends for referrals and look through online directories to make a list of potential venues. Select the ones you like and request information packs to review with your groom-to-be. Make a list of all the features you would like in a reception venue and cross-check these requirements with your short-listed venues.
Then you can start contacting those short-listed venues and arrange inspections. Don’t forget to take your ‘Features List’ with you. Before making a final decision, compare quotes, inclusions and per-head costs. Also, check out any wedding packages available.
A wedding package, especially like the ones offered by the Waterfront Function Centre can save you both time and money…not to mention stress. The Waterfront team can do all the hard work for you and source the best possible supplier options – and even better, they will work with you to ensure that your wedding is as special and individual as you are.
You’ll want to choose your favourite venue based on good value, great facilities, location, food and service – and of course a personable and professional wedding coordinator. Are they someone you can work with to realise your dream day? After all, you’re going to be working with them closely for the next 12 months or so, and a good coordinator will listen to your ideas and hone them to make your wedding day something truly unique and memorable.
When you have made your choice, pay your deposit and make a note of the amounts and due dates of any outstanding payments.
Six Months Ahead
In the second phase of your wedding preparations, you should start thinking about decorations. You’ll need to choose a theme for your wedding and then you can start selecting the decorations and discuss floral requirements for the reception with your florist or your wedding coordinator. In this phase, you should also organise your MC, speechmakers, the music and entertainment and confirm the menu and beverages with your reception venue. You should also book in your wedding transportation. Lastly, choose your cake-maker and book your cake.
Again, your personal Waterfront wedding co-ordinator can help you with all of these items, offering a range of suggestions and options.
One Month Ahead
One month before the wedding you should have a preliminary guest list and plan the reception seating. You can then notify your reception venue and inform them of any special dietary requirements. Now’s the time to also select your music choices with your musicians or DJ.
One Week Ahead
Confirm your final guest numbers and dietary requirements with your reception venue. Finalise your reception seating plan. Confirm collection/delivery of your wedding cake with cake maker. Organise a reception timetable and give to your MC.
So, let’s get started! Our dedicated wedding planning team at the Waterfront Function Centre would love to meet you and show you our stunning venue and all we have to offer. For an obligation free site inspection, call 1300 608 910 to make an appointment. In the meantime, have a look through our wedding galleries and wedding