1. Type of Reception ( Formal, Informal, indoor/outdoor)
2. Preliminary Guest List
3. Date/ Time/ Church
4. Budget
5. Reception Location
6. Type of Music
7. Transportation
8. Lodging ( out of town guests)
9. Photographer/ Video

12 to 18 Months: Reserve

1. Church
2. Reception Location
3. Photographer/ Video
4. Wedding Cake
5. Caterer/Bar Service
6. Limousine Service
7. Florist
8. Lodging ( out of town guests)

If opting for outdoor reception:

1. Consult outdoor party specialist
2. Marquee rentals
3. Landscape/Gardner

3 to 6 Months: Decide/ Reserve

1. Speak to your function manager regarding menu.
2. Meal Style (Sit down or buffet)
3. Linen/Decorations ( tableware/glasses/ flatware/ balloons/ candles etc.)
4. Sweet Table/ Cake/ How is it served?
5. Bar Service (cash/ open), wine with dinner/ how much liquor to buy if outdoor reception.
6. Music/ hors’doeuvres/ dinner etc.
7. Stationary for matchbooks, menus, napkins, cake boxes or other paper accessories.
   
   

3 to 6 Months: Decide/Reserve (Outdoor Function)

1. Lighting/ Tables/ Chairs
2. Linen/ Decorations ( tableware/glasses/flatware/ balloons/ candles etc.)
3. Liquor/Wine

One Month: Decide

1. Schedule for Photographer
2. Seating Plan ( head table/ parents table/ guests)
3. DJ/Band/Song List/ First Dance etc.

Reception Schedule:

1. Receiving line( church/function hall)
2. Hors’doeuvres time/bar open/ timing for open to cash bar.
3. Head table intro/ seating
4. Champagne toast/ who is speaking/ order.
5. First dance/ songs played/ who joins you on the floor etc.
   ( discuss with DJ/Function Mgr.
6. Throwing of the Bouquet/ Garter/ Sweet Table/ Cake/ Going Away/ Good Bye Limousine etc.

One Month: Reserve

Friends or relatives to help pass the guest book/ keep an eye on gifts/ deliver gifts to destination after reception.

Good Luck!