It doesn’t matter what order you choose to organise your own wedding reception – it’s completely up to you – but the only thing we suggest, of course, is to set the date first. After that, it’s time to think about the most important things that’ll make your reception special and personal to you and your partner. Consider your type of reception – do you want it indoors or out? Think decorations (do you have a theme?), who will be your photographer? Do either of you have a preference on flowers? With all of this in mind, Devon and Somerset Marquees are here to help you find peace of mind.
Set the date: when setting your wedding date, you will want to consider:
- The season
(Weddings are more expensive in summer than winter) - Destination
(Your hometown or abroad) - Guest availability
(Check that your family and friends will be available) - Venue availability
(Most wedding venues will expect you to book 12-18 months in advance) - A date that’s special to you
(The first time you met or your anniversary)
Choose your type of reception
For some, a sit-down meal is perfect but for others, a lively cocktail party is better. For structure and optimal organisation – it’s safe to say that a sit-down meal is best but if you want your guests to get involved and mingle, turn to something less traditional.
You may also want to consider alternative types of receptions such as: picnics, brunch and high tea.
Decide on your decoration
Style-up your indoor or outdoor space – decorate the venue yourself or hire someone to do this for you. Should you decide to have a marquee reception, you can get a full interior service that includes tables, chairs, lighting, heating, linen, toilet and generator hire and colour/decor themes.
Use your imagination, spruce up your wedding reception with a little extra something:
– Sweet stalls
– Candy floss carts
– Prosecco bars
– Bouncy castles
– Croquet
– Whisky bar
– Magicians
– Singing waiters
– Confetti cannons
Don’t forget to decorate around you! Embellish trees with paper chains, bunting, lanterns or fairy lights and make the outside look just as romantic as the inside. When choosing marquee hire, you can enjoy the effortless transition from the outside to the inside. With barely a barrier between the two, decorating is a breeze. There are many shapes and sizes of marquees, a marquee wedding reception can be tailored exactly to your requirements and a team of designers will always ensure your wedding colours and decorations complement your chosen theme.
- Captivating entertainment
Whatever you and your significant other’s style is – whether you choose to have a DJ, a live band or magicians – captivating entertainment will help you throw a memorable wedding reception. It’ll be fun for a whole array of ages from the children to the grandparents. - Organise the photography for the reception
For ideal photography sessions, it’s nice to have a natural backdrop – consider whether you want your reception inside or out. It might be the case that your venue has a lovely outside area but if not, think about hiring a marquee and pick the best area/landscape for your wedding reception! - Fun speeches
You’re standing in a beautifully decorated venue full of your chosen guests and delicious canapes – it’s time to thank everyone for making the day extra special. Whether you choose a short and sweet toast, a sing song or rap – it’s up to you but have fun with it. - First dance
Regardless of whether you and your partner are dancers, shock your friends and family with a fun, upbeat salsa, ballroom or jazz dance. Go to a dance class together a couple of times a week, it’s bound to be fun and it’ll certainly be romantic. Show off your new moves and impress your guests on the dance floor.
Make your day special when you turn to Devon & Somerset Marquees, we supply and erect a whole range of marquees to ensure your requirements are perfectly matched. For a free site survey and consultation, call your local branch today or fill out our form to receive a callback from our friendly team. We operate throughout Exeter, Taunton, Barnstaple, Tiverton, Ilfracombe and Minehead.
