Good planning in good time for the reception gives the bride and groom the opportunity to relax after the wedding ceremony; time to renew old acquaintenances and also to meet new members of the now extended family. Receptions range from the small get-together in your own home to the ultra formal occasion in a grand hotel.
If you are inviting a large number of guests to a formal reception you probably have one of four options: Let us deal with these in order.
The hotel or banqueting suite offers the great advantage of a banqueting or functions manager who can be of great assistance. Since an hotel has heavy overhead costs to meet you will probably find that the costs are high, particularly if you are ordering expensive wines. On the plus side, you will be able to offer your guests overnight accommodation should they need it.
A hall has the added advantage, or disadvantage of allowing you to engage your own caterers and supply your own tableware and decorations. There are a number of catering establishments which offer a wide variety of eating ideas from a finger buffet to a sit-down meal. Contact several firms, get to know what they have to offer, and ask for the names of previous clients to whom you can enquire about the service.
A marquee can be the perfect answer to the location question, if you have the benefit of a garden or other piece of land. Drapes, lighting, flooring, heating, comfortable seating - all are available, and more, from a competent hire company, and the atmosphere can be excellent. The manager of the marquee company can usually recommend a choice of catering establishments, so use his expertise as much as you can.
Lastly, your own, or a relative's, home. The downside is the time and effort which has to be spent in getting all the arrangements right. The bonus is that you are in much better control of the finances, and that you are in familiar surroundings, making for a more relaxed atmosphere.

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