Think about your vision for your wedding day. Do you envision a ceremony indoors or out? Do you want the ceremony and reception to take place at the same location? Think about your theme and the aesthetic. Imagine the way you want to celebrate and the type of venue you envision for your wedding reception. This once in a lifetime event requires perfectly planned details. We have tips for creating the ceremony and wedding reception you really want.
The Perfect Location
Planning your wedding day begins with the perfect location and venue. You should consider the distance between the ceremony venue and the wedding reception venue. The best way to simplify this detail is to host both events at an all-inclusive wedding venue. Holding your ceremony and wedding reception at one venue avoids travel, keeps it organized and flows smoothly. Keep your vision for your wedding day in mind as you search for the atmosphere, scenery and layout you want. The wedding venue must bring the dream to life on the day that matters most.
Important Location and Venue Details
Distance between the ceremony and reception site
Indoors or Outdoors
Scenery and surrounding nature
Evening or Daylight
Interior lighting and fixtures
Furnishings
Décor
Flowers
Services
Wedding Reception Details
Chinaware and linens are actually a significant part of the design. You might not consider your dishes to be décor, but charger plates, napkins, chinaware, linens and accents work together to create an impressive table. Napkins and linens add color and texture to the table setting. Dressing a table with a tablecloth and contrasting runner and overlay creates a formal and elegant atmosphere. Even the menu and table numbers are part of the design. Small decorative touches create big impressions.
Things to Consider
Onsite bridal and groom's suite
Ceremony space
Wedding reception space
Cocktail hour
Bar location
Layout
Photography locations
Vendor connections
Head Table or Sweetheart Table
Traditionally, the bride and groom sit with their parents and the bridal party at a head table. Some couples hold to the old traditions, but many choose to sit alone at a sweetheart table. Sitting alone at a sweetheart table eliminates all the confusion about tradition and creates a separate space for the bride and groom to celebrate. Couples do not normally spend a lot of time at their table during the reception, but their table should be elaborately designed. Avoid tall centerpieces and oversized floral designs that would block the view of the bride and groom.
Setting the Wedding Reception Tables
Set your wedding reception tables with centerpieces. Think about the shape and size of your tables for a dramatic look that fits the space. A long table could be perfectly designed with linear centerpieces, such as rectangular baskets of wheat grass and gerbera daisies. Round wedding reception tables are best suited for clusters and a large centerpiece as a focal point. You might consider alternating the height of centerpieces on different tables to break up the space and add dimension to the room. If you dream of the rustic look, bring the outdoors in with garland runners and oversized floral arrangements. Oversized candelabras and lanterns design elegant spaces. Create a romantic vibe with vases filled with your favorite wedding flowers. Make sure the widest part of the arrangements are over the tallest person’s head or beneath the shortest person’s head.
Wedding Reception Essentials
Furnishings (tables and chairs)
Chinaware
Banquet staff
Linens and table décor
Flowers
Table numbers
Seating cards
Favors
Bar and bar service
Wedding designer
Day of wedding coordinator
Wedding Reception Timeline
Your wedding reception should follow a timeline of special moments. Once you seal the deal with a kiss, it will be time to slip away for a private toast and photoshoot. While you are taking a moment to celebrate privately, your guests will be indulging in drinks, appetizers and entertainment. Guests will be invited to the wedding reception space to witness the grand entrance, first dance and cake cutting ceremony. All the little details, including the bouquet toss and wedding photography moments will need a place on a thoughtfully planned timeline.
Crystal Ballroom North Tampa
Bring imagination to Crystal Ballroom North Tampa and plan every detail of your perfect moments with the finest wedding designers and planners. All of the furnishings, décor and services are included in the fairy tale. We deliver luxury and excellence to your unforgettable event. Plan your wedding in a luxurious ballroom from fantasy and build your talented vendor team with Crystal Ballroom vendors. When dreaming up your wedding day, make it all come true with Crystal Ballroom North Tampa.
