62 TEL/ FAX 0845 230 2772 FREE ONLINE WEDDING PLANNER TOOLS www. weddingplanner. co. uk62 Reception If the bride wants to speak she can do so at anytime. The bride and groom could give a speech together. . Before writing your speech, keep in mind, if you can't be witty, be brief. Speeches should last for no more than ten minutes. Jot down ideas. It should have a beginning, middle and an end. Write it out in full and practise it in front of a friend and ask for an honest opinion. . On the day, don't drink too much before your speech, afterwards is fine. . Before the speeches, its a good idea to move small children into a separate room. Make arrangements for supervision and entertainment beforehand. Venue Checklist Decide the style/ theme of your wedding and any special requirements Draw up your guest list( s) so you know the numbers to accommodate Number your priorities 1- 10. Then, take this with you to ensure it is the right place firstly for you and secondly, your guests. Visit the venue at different times of the day to see how the lighting and décor creates different moods Have a meal at your chosen hotel to check food and standard of service What are the maximum numbers they can accommodate for the wedding breakfast/ buffet? Is it exclusively yours for the day? When and what times, will the venue be available to you? Will your florists and decorators be given access the day before? Are there good photo opportunities inside and in the grounds? Can they accommodate a marquee? Is ground rent payable? What is included in the price? Can you provide your own wine? If so, is there a corkage charge? How much? Is there a drinks/ music licence and until what times? Are there any restrictions on suppliers; dancing; decorations; throwing confetti? Can guests park their cars free of charge? Is there a Honeymoon Suite? Is it included in the rates? If you are not staying the night, will a room be made available to you to freshen up or take a quiet ten minutes break during the day? Is there discounted accommodation for your guests? Is there a crèche, a separate children's room or a baby listening service? Is there a place for your presents and any cheques or vouchers to be stored safely? Are you planning drinks on the lawn? If so, is there a contingency plan in bad weather? Will there be a designated person available during the lead up to, and during your day? Book as soon as possible Confirm all details in writing and get receipts for deposits Inform the venue on final catering numbers a month before the wedding

Readers: Please tell our advertisers you found them in your " Little Book that's worth its weight in GOLD!" 63 63 Reception Reception Decorations Ice Sculptures Based on your own ideas, ice sculptures are designed especially for you and carved from beautiful crystal clear ice - a stunning centrepiece or, serve drinks from an ice fountain! Bridal Favours ( See also section " Rings and Gifts) You will want to give a gift or keepsake as a " thank you" to all your guests. They also make terrific table decorations. The traditional favour is the bonbonniere: five almonds wrapped in net, lace or tulle. Other choices: miniature bottles of spirit, labelled with the name of the bride and groom and their wedding date; an activity pack for the smaller children with a competition for the best drawing of the bride and groom; boxed chocolates; crackers or party poppers; a lottery ticket in a pretty little envelope. ( Sprinkle glitter on the tables or strew them with dried flower petals. Candles or tea lights are perfect for the winter wedding). Disposable ( once use) Cameras It is often the fly- on- the wall shots from your reception that will give you the most surprises, be it things that you may have missed or someone quick enough to capture a funny moment. Leaving a disposable camera on each table gives your guests the opportunity to add their contribution to your special day. ( Always nominate someone to be responsible for collecting them up at the end of the day and arrange processing whilst you are on honeymoon.) Naming Tables Instead of numbering the tables, ( guests may look at their number and wonder why they are on table 26 and not number 5), consider naming your tables instead. The names could be associated with your theme, or to do with your life so far, places you've visited, or, famous sports stars, comedians, movie stars. ( To break the ice, draw up a " who's who" of your guests with brief details about occupations, special interests and have a copy at each table. Also, distribute a " guest book" for people to send you special written messages.) Photograph Display Get prints of some of your special photographs ( holidays snaps, childhood pictures, you at home, you at work), friends and family, and make up a collage. It's a lovely way to show your extended family, friends and colleagues, what your lives have meant so far.