Your reception setup deserves careful thought

Whether simple or elegant, do it with style.
Your wedding reception can be as simple or elaborate as you choose. Your area A.R.A.-affiliated wedding professional has a wealth of ideas, information, products and services to help relieve pre-wedding tensions and create the reception of your dreams.

Keeping It Simple
A simple yet impressive wedding reception can include a buffet table with assorted sandwiches, the wedding cake, assorted nuts and mints, punch and/or coffee.

Floral arrangements and/or candelabra generally are used to make the tables attractive and to set off food displays.

When Elaborate is Your Style
Buffet

The basic setup for an elaborate buffet dinner reception includes two or three cold dishes and usually two hot dishes served in silver chafing dishes or casseroles.

A separate table can be used for the wedding cake. Typically a 4-foot round table is perfect for this display area.

Another similarly sized table might be used for champagne, punch and/or coffee. A punch fountain is a decorative and practical addition to the reception since it eliminates the necessity for someone to serve the punch or champagne.

Sit-down Meal

A seated wedding breakfast or dinner is the most formal type of wedding reception. The tables are arranged so the bride's table is the focal point of the room.

The wedding cake should be prominently displayed in clear view of the bride and groom.

A dance is generally included in a reception of this magnitude.

Create a Mood

Whether buffet or sit-down meal, to create the desired mood, be sure to discuss details including floral arrangements, decorations, dance floor, lighting, staging, props and candelabra with your area A.R.A.-affiliated wedding rental professional.

Receiving Line Traditions
Traditionally, the wedding reception begins with the receiving line. It is composed of the bride and groom, the bride's attendants and the parents of the couple.

The order of receiving is generally: Bride's mother, groom's father, groom's mother, bride's father, bride, groom, maid of honor, and bridesmaids. The best man and groomsmen usually are not included in the receiving line.

Serving the Cake
Traditionally, the wedding cake is served to guests after the bride and groom have served the first piece to each other, symbolizing their first meal together.

Who's In Charge?
Be sure you have someone available who is familiar with the usual reception process. This person will guide you through your moves, making sure no cherished moment is forgotten. Talk to your area A.R.A.-affiliated wedding professional about this service.

Setup Rules of Thumb
Table Arrangements

• Round tables - 54-inches minimum between tables; 10 square feet per person
• Long tables - 60-inches minimum between tables; 8 square feet per person

Coffee Equivalents

One pound of coffee = approximately 4-3/4 cups of ground coffee.

• Punch Recipe
  2 cans frozen orange juice
• 2 cans frozen lemonade
• 8 cans of water
• 2 cups grenadine
• Juice of three fresh lemons
• 3 quarts pre-chilled ginger ale
• Add cherries; float fruit slices

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