Wedding Reception Checklist For Your New Jersey Wedding
Planning a wedding reception means overseeing a lot of moving parts. You’re managing vendors, handling the guest list, and working out all the details. One thing you might be wondering about is what exactly you need for your wedding reception, specifically what items you’ll need to buy or prepare. We’ve put together a wedding reception checklist for you that goes through all the essentials!
Photo Credit: Laura Dilbert
Toasting Flutes
A nice pair of flutes for you and your future spouse is always a nice touch. Personalized flutes are even better! You can even put these on your registry.
Guest Book
The guest book is one area where you can get creative if you’d like to. A polaroid guest book is always fun, or you can have guests sign something that feels significant to you. But you can always go with a traditional guest book as well. Just don’t forget the fancy pens or sharpies depending on the material you’re using.
Cake Knife and Cake Stand
This is something you’ll definitely want to check with your venue on first. They might have options available to you, and there’s no need to spend the extra money if you don’t have to!
Cake Topper
The cake topper is another area where you can go more personal. Personalized cake toppers are great, but you can also find a large variety of cake toppers ranging from funny to elegant.
Seating Chart/Escort Cards
Unless you’re having open seating, your guests need to know where they’re sitting! Elegant written or printed escort cards always work, but you can also customize your seating chart a little more. Some people print their seating charts on windows or frame each table’s list. For this wedding, the couple hired Adorn Market to print calligraphy on jars!
Photo Credit: Caroline Morris
Table Numbers
You’ll want to check with your venue first before buying table numbers. They might have some options for you! If not, you can go with some simple cards in a pretty stand or frames.
Photo Credit: Laura Dilbert
Favors
Your favors are yet another area where you can be creative and find something that really fits in with your wedding’s theme. Edible favors like chocolate or jam always go over well. Skipping favors? You can do a late night to go station for your guests or donate to charity in lieu of favors.
Card Box
This is definitely an item you don’t want to leave off your wedding reception checklist! You’ll want a card box that fits in with your wedding’s aesthetic, and we highly recommend you get a one that locks.
Signage
No wedding reception checklist would be complete without signage. Your wedding guests need to know where to go! Depending on your venue, you might just want to get a personalized welcome sign. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, you’ll need signage that directs people to the important places like the restroom.
Photo Credit: Caroline Morris
Memorial Table Items
This is such a great way to honor loved ones who have passed. You can set aside a table to memorialize them. Picture frames and candles are a common way to do this.
Dancing Shoes
You might not think about dancing shoes until you’re already at your wedding reception, and your feet are killing you. You’ll need dancing shoes for you and your partner in case your shoes become uncomfortable. But it’s also a good idea to provide dancing shoes to your guests. You can just provide flip flops. It’s a small touch that your guests will appreciate.
Table Décor
Obviously, you know your guest tables need décor. But don’t forget the other tables like the gift table, cake table, and the guest book table! Flowers are always a perfect way to decorate these tables, but the important part is that it fits in with the rest of your décor.
Photo Credit: By Veronica
Kid’s Table Kit
If you have a kid’s table at your wedding, it’s always nice to provide them with things to entertain them. This keeps them busy and creates a fun experience for them! Coloring books, crayons, and puzzles are great to have!
This wedding reception checklist includes all the basics, but obviously, you might need more depending on your reception. Don’t worry if this all sounds overwhelming! We’re here for you! If you’d love some help planning an amazing wedding reception, reach out to us! We specialize in relaxed and non-traditional weddings, and we’d love to help you personalize your big day.
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