Reception Remedies
A celebration of love and good fortune, wedding receptions need major planning and it can be hard to know the ‘right’ way to go about things. WJ has the answers…
Q. What is the reception seating arrangement for divorced parents?
A. If the bride or grooms parents are divorced, and on friendly terms they should be allocated to the top table of the bridal party as usual. If they are very estranged, they should still be seated at the top table but at different ends. Always consult the parents on what they think is best. Partners of divorced parents and stepparents do not play a large role in seating arrangements unless they are particularly close to one of the couple. Explain that you want everyone to enjoy the day and if there is resentment, ask that any ill feeling be put aside for the day.
Q. When do we cut the cake? Can the cake double  as dessert?
A. The cake is traditionally cut after the speeches and toasts and would normally conclude the formalities of the reception. If the cake is also being eaten as dessert, it needs to be cut as soon as possible. The best time would be when guests are seated and the welcome drinks have been handed out. Remember to keep part of the cake for guests who were unable to attend the wedding and older guests who may want to take it home.
Q. Can the mother of the bride make a speech at the reception?
A. This may be especially appropriate if the father is deceased, re married or not attending the wedding. If your mother for example has given you away, it is only right that she takes the role of the ‘Father of the Bride’ speech. If someone else is making this speech, she could speak after this or even at the end of the other speeches. Of course some mums may just feel compelled to say a few words and this shouldn’t be discouraged – remember this is a very important day for them as well.
Q. We are on a very tight budget, do we have to give favours?
A. Favours are an old Mediterranean tradition and while they are a nice touch they are by no means mandatory. If money is tight you could decide to give favours per couple or even per family but there are an array of inexpensive options that can be tailored to your wedding so you don’t blow the budget. Think of asking your bridesmaids or others to help you make favours, DIY is always a good way to keep costs down.
Q. Is it acceptable to have a cash bar at the reception?
A. If money is tight or you are having a ‘dry’ wedding, then a cash bar can solve a lot of problems. Another option is to choose a couple of signature drinks that are served through the meal and reception while all other drinks are paid for. If you want to limit the open bar, have beer, wine and soft drinks free or have a time limit on serving drinks without a charge. Another option is to put a certain amount of money into the bar and when that runs out all drinks are paid for.
Q. Do we have to provide a sit down meal?
A. There are no hard and fast rules that you have to have a sit down meal and hot/cold buffets are becoming increasingly popular. Informal buffets are more suited to a low-key wedding or where there is a limited amount of guest. As a compromise why not allow guests to bring small bowls of food to their tables and have waiters serve the desserts and the wedding cake
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Reception 
Meeting up with the lovely Kirstie McMurray from Cool FM, our compare for The Wedding Journal Reader Awards on Monday!
