wedding reception checklist pdf
Confirm venue booking and setup schedule
Finalize reception timeline including cocktail hour, dinner, toasts, first dance, and cake cutting
Prepare seating chart and place cards
Order and arrange decorations such as centerpieces, lighting, backdrops, and floral arrangements
Coordinate catering including menu selection, dietary restrictions, bar service, and servers
Arrange entertainment like DJ, band, playlist, speeches, and any special performances
Set up guest management including welcome signage, guest book, favors, and photo booth
Handle logistics for parking, transportation, coat check, and restrooms
Prepare for photography and videography including key moments to capture
Ensure music and sound system are tested
Confirm vendor contracts and payments
Plan for any special elements like fireworks, dances, or cultural traditions
Double-check emergency items such as first aid kit, fire extinguishers, and contact list
Arrange for cleanup and breakdown after the event
Verify all permits and insurance are in place if needed
Prepare thank you notes and follow-up items post-reception
free wedding reception checklist
Confirm venue booking and setup details
Finalize menu with caterer
Arrange for decorations, floral arrangements, and lighting
Book DJ, band, or other entertainment
Send invitations and track RSVPs
Create seating chart and place cards
Organize transportation for guests if needed
Prepare speeches, toasts, and program timeline
Set up photo booth, photographer, and videographer
Ensure audio-visual equipment is tested
Arrange for cake cutting, first dance, and other key events
Plan for guest favors and gifts
Check emergency supplies like first aid kit and fire extinguishers
Coordinate with vendors for setup and teardown times
Verify payment and contracts for all services
Double-check guest list and accommodations for special needs
Test run the reception timeline for smooth flow
Confirm cleanup and waste disposal arrangements
Review legal requirements like permits or insurance
wedding reception checklist pdf free download
Confirm venue details and booking
Finalize guest list and RSVPs
Arrange seating chart and place cards
Book caterer, menu, and bar services
Select music, DJ, or band
Order decorations, flowers, and lighting
Plan reception timeline and schedule
Hire photographer, videographer, and other vendors
Arrange transportation for guests and bridal party
Prepare favors, toasts, and speeches
Set up guest book and photo booth
Coordinate cake cutting and first dance
Handle payment and tips for vendors
Organize cleanup and post-event tasks
Review emergency plans and contingencies
Ensure all permits and insurance are in place
Test audio-visual equipment if needed
Double-check dietary restrictions and allergies
Confirm attire and dress code for staff
Gather contact information for key people
Review budget and expenses
Pack essentials like emergency kits and vendor gifts
Conduct a final walkthrough of the venue
Distribute the checklist to wedding party and coordinators for reference
Download a free PDF version from reliable sources like wedding planning websites (e.g., The Knot or Martha Stewart Weddings) by searching "wedding reception checklist PDF" on their sites or general search engines.
small wedding reception checklist
Book the venue
Finalize the guest list
Send invitations
Arrange seating
Plan the menu and catering
Select music or entertainment
Decorate the space
Hire a photographer or videographer
Prepare speeches and toasts
Set up a timeline for the event
Arrange transportation if needed
Order the wedding cake or desserts
Provide beverages and alcohol
Confirm any necessary permits
Prepare emergency contacts and plans
Handle gift table and thank-you notes
Arrange for cleanup afterwards
wedding reception checklist printable
Wedding reception checklist
- Confirm venue details: booking, setup time, capacity, and any permits needed
- Finalize decorations: floral arrangements, table linens, centerpieces, lighting, and backdrop
- Arrange catering: menu selection, dietary accommodations, serving staff, bar setup, and cake delivery
- Book entertainment: DJ or band, playlist, emcee, and any performers
- Prepare seating: create seating chart, assign tables, and set up place cards
- Plan program timeline: cocktail hour, dinner service, speeches, first dance, cake cutting, and bouquet toss
- Organize photography and videography: schedule key moments and confirm equipment
- Set up guest amenities: guest book, favors, escort cards, and welcome signage
- Handle logistics: parking, transportation for guests, coat check, and restrooms
- Prepare for contingencies: emergency kit with first aid, extra supplies, vendor contacts, and weather backup plan
- Final walkthrough: inspect site day before, test audio-visual equipment, and confirm all vendors are on schedule
- Post-event: arrange for cleanup, thank-you notes, and vendor payments
wedding planning checklist
Set a budget and determine how much you can afford for the entire wedding
Choose a wedding date and time, considering seasons, holidays, and guest availability
Create a guest list and estimate the number of attendees
Select and book a ceremony venue
Select and book a reception venue if different from the ceremony
Hire key vendors including photographer, videographer, caterer, and DJ or band
Choose your wedding party such as bridesmaids, groomsmen, and flower girls
Shop for and purchase wedding attire including dresses, suits, and accessories
Send save-the-date cards to guests
Order and send wedding invitations
Plan the ceremony details including officiant, vows, and readings
Arrange for flowers, decorations, and centerpieces
Select and book a wedding cake or dessert options
Organize transportation for the wedding party and guests
Book accommodations for out-of-town guests
Obtain a marriage license and complete any legal requirements
Hire a wedding planner if needed for coordination
Finalize the menu and any dietary needs
Choose music, entertainment, and any special performances
Plan the honeymoon including destination and bookings
Schedule pre-wedding events like engagement parties or showers
Rehearse the ceremony with the wedding party
Confirm all vendor details and payments a week before the wedding
Pack essentials for the wedding day and honeymoon
diy wedding reception checklist
1. Confirm venue details, including booking, layout, and any necessary permits.
2. Create and send out invitations, then track RSVPs to estimate guest numbers.
3. Plan seating arrangements, including tables, chairs, and place cards.
4. Select and prepare decorations such as centerpieces, lighting, backdrops, and floral arrangements.
5. Develop a menu for food and beverages, including shopping for ingredients, cooking or arranging DIY stations, and setting up serving areas.
6. Organize music and entertainment, like creating a playlist, testing audio equipment, and planning any games or activities.
7. Set up a timeline for the event, including arrival, speeches, first dance, cake cutting, and departure.
8. Prepare guest amenities such as a welcome table, guest book, favors, and any special needs accommodations.
9. Arrange for photography and videography, either by assigning friends or setting up DIY equipment.
10. Plan for clean-up, including trash disposal, returning rentals, and restoring the venue.
11. Double-check legal requirements, like alcohol service rules or insurance.
12. Test all DIY elements in advance, such as lighting, sound, and any handmade items, to ensure they work on the day.
13. Assign tasks to helpers or family members for setup, during the event, and teardown.
14. Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like first aid, tools, and backups for key items.
15. Finalize transportation and parking arrangements for guests.
wedding reception list of events
Cocktail hour, grand entrance of the wedding party, first dance, toasts, dinner service, cake cutting, bouquet toss, garter toss, parent dances, speeches, open dancing, and farewell exit.