The most important part of planning your wedding reception is staying organized. Before you begin any planning, talk with your spouse and agree upon the type of wedding that you both want before discussing any ideas with families or friends. You should discuss the number of guests that you both want to invite in general terms. The final number of guests is not important at this point, but decide upon a small, large, or some where in between affair, and understand what those terms mean to both of you.

After the size of your affair is determined, you should together make a list of what each of you would like at the reception. Discuss, decide, and write down where you would like the party to be, the type of food you want, what kind of music you would like, the theme for decorations, and any other items that are important to both of you. This master list should be the main point of reference as you move forward with your planning.

Once you both have decided what is important to you, then you can discuss your ideas with your families. Update your master list with suggestions you receive, but keep the items from your original list. Always remember what is most important to you and your fiancee.

The master list that you have created is the starting point for all your planning. Keeping in mind the importance of organization, you should create smaller, more detailed lists for each individual item on your master list. Your budget should be allocated to each item at the beginning of the process. Knowing your budgeted amount for each step will help keep your cost in control and avoid overspending on any one area. Check off each detail on the individual list as you go along. When all the smaller details are checked off, you should check off the main item on you master list.

This system of staying organized with detailed lists will reduce your stress and let you see the big picture of a beautiful, well planned wedding reception. Then all you have left to do is relax and enjoy the party.