Okay, there really isn’t much to say to intro this that I haven’t said 1000000 times before. It’s just all in the details, folks, and that’s where you’ll find all the stress too if you don’t plan and organize and use all the checklists.  
 
This reception decor list is less about where you eat. That’s a whole feat in itself that I’m not going to tackle in this post. This is about where you party- where the dancing and drinking happens. If it’s also where your cocktail hour will happen, there will be a few additional things you’ll need to have as well. 
 
A lot of the table and cocktail hour stuff is easy to figure out and your vendors can help you with that. The details in the reception are what pop up and aren’t necessarily the role of specific vendors (unless you have a wedding planner. He or she will know this stuff). 
 
That’s why I made a printable reception details checklist with room to add things. All you have to do is fill in the below and it will pop up in your inbox:

 
Below are the main things you’ll want to prepare for, but again, the devil is in the details (and the details are in that checklist). 
 

1. Guest book table

This will be where people can sign whatever form of guestbook you have. Make sure that you really take the time to think about what people will need. For example, if it requires finger prints, you’ll need wipes to clean off their thumbs, or if it involves a polaroid, they may need scissors to break open the new film. Once you figure out the necessities, envision the presentation. You’ll need a jar or two to hold the pens and likely a sign to bring attention to it or instruct the guests on what to do. 
 

 

 

2. Card box 

Most people will have cards for you, so just make sure there’s a visible place for them to put them. Label it or put in a few fake cards so that people know this is the right place. Also, having the card box near the entrance is helpful, because that will remind guests to do it right away so they don’t have to worry about remembering the rest of the night. 
 

3. Cake/Dessert table 

Whatever form of dessert you have will likely need a place to live in your reception area, especially if you plan on cutting the cake. Often, people leave out the pretty cake and hide the sheet cake in the kitchen, but of course that’s up to you! I think all cakes are beautiful… 😉 Make sure you have all the utensils you’ll need to cut the cake with your hubby/wifey right there and work out with your caterer whether or not they’re delivering the cake or just leaving slices out for guests to grab. That will dictate what size table you need. 
 

 

4. Reception exit goodies 

This includes both the wedding favors and whatever you’re using to exit the reception. If you are not putting the favors individually at the tables, you’ll need a little display and sign telling people to grab one on their way out. Placement for these should be by the door UNLESS they’re something your guests can use throughout the reception (i.e. a s’more kit or koozies). Those, for example, would be placed near the fire pit or the bar.
 
For the exit, you can either have your planner hand them out individually or just have a grab and go spot near the door. We had sparklers in buckets placed on stools on either side of the door. If you have confetti or something small like that, make sure to have little bags for people to grab quickly.
 

 

5. DJ set up 

The first person you should worry about in terms of the dancing part of the reception is your DJ or band. Make sure they have what they need to set up. Talk with them in advance to see what they provide vs. what you have to rent and to learn what kind of electricity and space they’ll need to perform. Either way, they’ll likely need to be by plugs or have a discreet extension cord running to their spot.
 

6. Bar set up

Again, your bartender or catering company will know exactly what they need to set up a bar. You just have to see whether they provide the physical aspects or that’s something you’ll need to rent or ask the venue about. Work with them to see what kind of electricity they need as well as access to a fridge or cooler. Just make sure you allocate ample space for them.
 

7. Seating/tables 

If the tables where you eat at and the dancing are in separate rooms or are too far away, make sure there is plenty of seating for people who want to sit and watch. Great grandma Joan may not want to get down on the dance floor, but she will want a front row seat to her grandson making a fool out of himself. I would encourage you to have some seats with backs surrounding the dance floor.
 
Also, if you’re going to offer cake in that room, make sure there are tables (you can do some high tops and some regular tables) for people to eat that on. You don’t want people to have to eat in their laps. Also, hopefully they’ll put down their drinks on those occasionally.
 

 

8. Lighting 

Making sure your venue has different lighting settings or that you bring your own market lights is very important for the dance floor. No one wants to get down under fluorescent lights. Your venue can let you know if they have a setting for once it’s time to dim and you can work out with your planner when that is. I would suggest letting the photographer know as well, because they may have preferences for shooting specific parts of the wedding in brighter light (i.e. maybe the lights go up when you cut the cake and then go back down again). Another person to consult for lighting is your DJ. He may have spotlights or disco balls or whatever funky lighting additions you may be interested in.
 

 

9. Additional displays

There are lots of other things you can add to your reception to make it more personal. You can do a little displays/signage about your love story, dedicate a table to your lost loved ones, etc. This is something you should just scour Pinterest for and come up with ideas. This is especially good if you have a few awkward corners in your reception area that could use a little spicing up.
 

10. The pretty things

Now with all these displays, tables and such that you’re adding, remember that they will not look crowded unless you also add some pretty details to them. Your florist can help create little arrangements or floral runners to place throughout your reception. He or she can also create small centerpieces for the high tops and tables. You can also add fun vintage pieces or frames with photos of your new spouse and you. Candles also are a great little addition. Really think about your theme or the vibe of your day and pick up some small pieces (or rent them) to have on hand for your planner to use. If you purchase just be sure to keep all the receipts in case you don’t use them all, but trust me, you’ll need something so you might as well plan for that!
 

 
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