Planning Your Wedding Reception

Just like wedding ceremonies, receptions can differ enormously in style. The level of formality will be reflected in every detail of the wedding, starting with the wording and presentation of the invitations, through to dress standards and the order of events at the reception.

Formal

Formal receptions mostly follow a standard format of guests arriving ahead of the wedding party and bride and groom (who may be formally introduced, perhaps with a receiving line). A series of formal speeches follows, along with the cutting of the cake and the bride and groom’s first dance. Formal receptions usually include a sit-down catered meal and are often held at purpose-built function and catering venues at clubs, hotels, resorts, golf courses, wineries or restaurants.

While more formal receptions often include details such as seating plans and place-name cards, most large venues usually have a dedicated events coordinator who can be extremely helpful in checking off all the details.

Vanessa and Steven Wong had over 300 guests at their wedding and reception, which was held at a large hotel in Wellington. ‘The wedding coordinator at the hotel was so helpful,’ Vanessa says. ‘She really listened to what we wanted, which was good because I was organizing it from London. She was very flexible and allowed us to semi-personalise the look of the reception and alter the menu to include dishes such as roast port, which is a traditional dish at Chinese weddings,’

Less formal

At less formal receptions, such as in a private garden, you won’t necessarily have an event coordinator to provide backup and checklists, but you can have more flexibility in the arrangements. For example, even if you hire a caterer you can often supply the alcohol, giving you a wider choice of beverages along with cost savings.

Of course, casual receptions don’t require many of the trimmings of a formal affair. Murray and Janine Ansell were married at Whangamata in January. They organized their reception a few weeks in advance by booking the restaurant at the Whangamata Club. Guests came dressed in whatever was comfortable, including shorts and t-shirts, and the 40 adults and several children enjoyed (and highly praised) the regular Saturday night buffet from the club’s kitchen. Janine ordered a big chocolate cake two weeks in advance, and the flowers were ordered on the day. Surrounded by family and friends, in the atmosphere the couple wanted, it was a perfect and memorable reception.