How to plan the perfect evening reception

So you've decided on the perfect ceremony for your wedding day? Now comes the fun part. Whether you want something intimate with family and friends or a big celebration for hundreds of guests, your evening reception is a chance to really let your hair down and celebrate your wedding with those you love.

But how to go about planning the perfect evening reception? First, you need to discuss with your partner who to invite. Some couples prefer to keep the guest list small so that they can enjoy quality time with all their guests, while others see the reception as a chance to invite all the people they couldn't squeeze into the ceremony itself. Once you've agreed on a guest list, it's time to find a suitable venue for the evening event.

Don't be afraid to look beyond the traditional. While most hotels offer perfectly adequate function rooms of varying sizes, there are all sorts of unusual places where you can hold a truly memorable reception. Why not consider a barn for a rustic event, a stately manor house for a really impressive celebration or a country pub for a fun and intimate affair?

Once you've decided on the venue, it's time to think about how to feed and entertain your guests. Full sit down meals are no longer necessary or expected – a finger buffet will be fine, or why not plan a pot luck and ask everyone to bring a dish? Entertainment-wise, everyone will have their own preference, but there's no need to spend a fortune. Always ask around among friends before booking a DJ or a band – many people will have hidden musical talents they will be all too happy to share.

Finally, and most importantly, remember to have fun! Your evening reception is a chance to celebrate your marriage with those you love – so make sure it's an evening you'll remember for years to come!