After saying "yes", bid farewell to any easy decision making. From the guest list to the invitation wording, narrowing the fields of possibility becomes at the very least exasperating. From personal beliefs and traditions to childhood dreams and fantasies, the ceremony inevitably becomes the foremost concern on the road to the big day. The reception receives very little attention until after the question has been popped. So, if you are newly engaged (or not so newly) we have broken down virtually every aspect of planning your reception, to help you enjoy the process of making your matrimonial marvels reality!

First on the to-do list is to begin limiting who will receive invitations. Depending almost entirely on your budget, you can decide to invite only close family and friends, only adults, or everyone you and your fiancee have ever known. Don't worry too much about etiquette when the guest list is concerned, this is your event, and you have ultimate decision making power.

After the ceremony venue is finalized, an appropriate place for the reception must be chosen. If you are marrying in a house of worship, you might choose to hold the reception elsewhere in the building, or even outside on the grounds (depending on the weather). On the other hand, the festivities could take place at a nearby ballroom, art museum, or even your parent's backyard. Research venues in your area using our Reception Venue listings. There are many things to consider when choosing a venue that might not come to mind easily. First, inquire about maximum occupancy in the perspective locations. These regulations are decided by the fire marshal (traditionally) and may surprise you after seeing the place. If you so desire, check to see if there are any liquor/alcohol restrictions in place. Many places will only allow a champagne toast, and some will not allow intoxicating beverages at all (i.e., campuses, houses of worship, public parks and government buildings). Another important (and often overlooked) detail to observe is the number of facilities for tentative guests. Amenities such as parking spaces, restrooms, emergency exits and smoking areas are also worth noting.

The food you choose (if any) is probably contingent upon the time of your ceremony, and the corresponding time you have chosen for the reception. Trends today are shifting toward a more personalized palate, incorporating the couples' family traditions and favorites. While the "conventional" times for meals are obvious, there is much debate about evening receptions and the considerations involved. If your reception is beginning between the hours of 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm, it would be most appropriate to serve hors d'oeuvres, and non alcoholic beverages. If the event is slated to start between 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm, a dinner is most appropriate along with alcoholic beverages. You have many options as to how to present your dinner ranging from buffet-style (better for larger parties where guests' preferences might vary widely) to seven-course presentations (to better suit the ultra-formal intimate affairs with fewer guests and heftier budgets). There are a range of possibilities between these two, so make the party your own, and show your guests who you are. After 7:30 pm, it is hard to serve dinner to your elderly guests and guests with smaller children who are used to a stricter, earlier schedule. For these times, we would suggest a dessert bar with your favorite indulgences, or a simple, old-fashioned cake and punch reception. However, most receptions these days host their guests to dinner, and it is, in the end, your call. Alcoholic beverages are considered "appropriate" anytime after 5:00 pm, and remember, the origin of the wedding cake was to feed the guests while they were gathered in celebration of the couple!

When choosing a caterer, first, check to see if your reception venue has contractual agreements with a particular caterer. If so, you'll probably have to meet with the catering company separately to obtain information about their policies regarding any traditional dishes you might desire, bartending (they might not have a licensed bartender on staff, so you might have to hire one separately), etc. These types of situations can get hectic, and no two agreements between venue and caterer are identical, so the earlier the better. Second, check with other couples for recommendations. Most likely, they will tell you the truth, and at the very least they will be able to point you in the right direction.

The entertainment you choose will dictate the success of your party. Whether you are looking for a low key, formal affair with a strolling string quartet, or are looking for a rocking band to keep your guests lively into the twilight, the key to success is communication with the vendor. If you are choosing to have a dinner and dance, and hire a DJ, your personalities have to mesh (somewhat) in order for them to understand exactly what is expected of them. Do you want an emcee, or a constant string of music? Tell them. Hiring entertainment without meeting them could be catastrophic leaving guests asleep, or with their heads throbbing with pain.

When all of your colors have been chosen, and you have hired a florist (if using flowers), it will be time to decide what exactly you need to do to your space to make it your own (for the night). First, contact the reception venue to get any regulations they might have regarding tables, outlets (for extra lighting), candles, flowers, centerpieces, set-up/clean-up, cake tables, etc. The most important aspect of the decor is lighting, and finding the perfect level can be a difficult task. If the venue you have chosen is seasoned in hosting wedding receptions, there may be a coordinator or party planner on-site who can show you various options. If not, you might consider visiting the site at the same time your event will take place to get an idea of any problems that might present themselves such as light from a neighboring building, noise from a nearby street, etc. Once you have clarified all technical problems, notice the space's existing decor. This seems to be an insignificant detail, but once your centerpieces are on the tables you'll notice that the lime green gerbera daisies you've chosen clash horribly with the maroon carpet and chairs provided by the venue. Once the kinks are worked out and everyone has committed to a locale, visit our Reception Designer to visualize your reception including everything from the guest seating arrangement to the situation of the cake table.

A huge trend right now is to give a wedding favor to every guest that attends the reception. While this can be quite pricey, it is a wonderful extension of gratitude, and can allow the honored couples' personality to shine through. These gifts can vary anywhere from tulle sacks of goodies to engraved sterling silver plates personalized with the guests names. This is a decision based on a combination of budget constraints and the number on your guest list. If you are having trouble coming to a decision, read our Diamonds and Duds: Favors article.