The Venue
Make sure the venue is the right size. Imagine that you are looking at a venue that can hold 300 guests but has room for 120. Although the venue might look great on your big day, it will soon feel empty after an hour. You don’t want to crowd too many people into too small a space. This is very, very important.
Your DJ
Make sure your DJ arrives at the venue two hours before your reception. If your reception begins at 5 o’clock, the DJ must be there at 3 o’clock. It is not a good idea to discover 15 minutes before the event that your microphone or speaker has stopped working. The DJ must have time to resolve any issues. This is a requirement at all my venues, and something you should make sure is in your contract.
Your photographer
Make sure that you feel comfortable with your photographer. They will be taking you and your wedding party through every photo op. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the time to get your photos taken. The big question: Are they going to visit the location if they’ve never been? What photos do you want? Take the time to go and look around the venue. Before you make a booking, ensure that this information is available.
Your Videographer
“Years back, videographers recorded every wedding detail, creating a three-hour film that no one ever saw. Trailers are now very popular. These short films last anywhere from 5-10 minutes. These films are not meant to be a documentary but to capture the moment. It would be best if you were comfortable with your photographer and their equipment. Look at what equipment they use. Are they using heavy-duty equipment (which can feel overwhelming) or lightweight and compact?
Your florist
Many florists do more than arrange flowers. Some florists are also stagers. They manage draperies, bunting and other important decor elements. If they are responsible for decorating, they should also be responsible for setting up and taking down. Make sure to understand the details and the cost. Some florists charge extra, while others include it.
Your Cake
Many brides will say that they won’t have a wedding cake. The symbolic nature of the cake cutting is important. The cake cutting is symbolic. It signals either the reception kickoff so guests know it’s their turn to dance or the endpoint, which signifies dessert time. People love their desserts. Even if it were a small wedding cake, I would still do a combination. It would be best if you had something to cut to get the party going.
Your Seating Chart
To avoid the movie-theater effect, you must create a seating plan with individual place cards. Let me clarify: No one likes to be seated next to another person at the movies, so they leave an empty chair. Let’s say you have eight people at a table, and the first couple is the one to sit down. The second couple takes their place and leaves an empty chair. This makes it awkward for all the other guests who are now separated.
Your Tables
As a guest, you sit down, and the introductions begin. It could take up to 45 minutes before you eat. Place some food on the plate. We serve vegetables, hummus, tapenade, and other food on cutting boards. You don’t have to make it complicated. Just choose something that guests can enjoy while they wait.
