How to Set Up Wedding Receptions
Setting up a wedding reception takes a lot of preplanning. Care should be given to the placement of the tables and the flow of traffic around the room. The number of guests influence the layout and must be considered. Use the responses from the wedding guests to start planning.
- Use a map of the room to work the layout of the space. Make sure there is enough room for the required number of tables and so guests can mingle freely. Play around with the setup options until you are happy with the design. Remember to include a dance floor, DJ or band space, food stations and a cake table.
- Place buffet service away from the dance floor.
- Put the DJ or band in a central location. A poorly situated band can result in some guests unable to hear the music, much less able to see any reception fun between the wedding participants.
- Place the gift and registry tables in a separate area from the reception. These tables cause crowds and lines to form around them, so it’s best to have them out of the main area of the reception. Ideally they are set just outside the entrance.
- Use smaller chairs in the reception hall if space is limited or the crowd is at capacity. A few inches here and there can make the space more comfortable for your guests. For example, folding chairs take up much less space than banquet chairs.
- Use draping fabrics or candles and fresh flowers to create ambiance. Many accessories such as columns or canopies can be rented for special events.