{"id":9783,"date":"2014-02-19T15:46:38","date_gmt":"2014-02-19T20:46:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/?p=9783"},"modified":"2014-03-09T18:51:45","modified_gmt":"2014-03-09T22:51:45","slug":"get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane","title":{"rendered":"Get It Done: How To Throw A (Sort Of) Big Wedding Reception Party &#038; Stay Sane"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure id=\"attachment_10226\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10226\" style=\"width: 736px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10226\" alt=\"wedding reception ideas\" src=\"http:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d.jpg\" width=\"736\" height=\"486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d.jpg 736w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d-500x330.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d-672x444.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10226\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10226\" alt=\"wedding reception ideas\" src=\"http:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d.jpg\" width=\"736\" height=\"486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d.jpg 736w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d-500x330.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d-672x444.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> Source: http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/178666310190944879\/<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It\u2019s often said that a wedding reception is really just a big party. And while most wedding receptions, even casual ones, are a bit more formal and scripted than your average shindig, the fundamentals are still there. With that in mind, let&#8217;s discuss the basics of how to throw a great party!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Don&#8217;t Overthink It<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The biggest mistake most people make when it comes to parties is making them way more complicated than\u00a0it needs to be. You don&#8217;t\u00a0have to do this! You don&#8217;t need a theme, nor do you need\u00a0decorations. <strong>All you require is: 1) people 2) food 3) drinks 4) music.<\/strong> That\u2019s it. It\u2019s really\u00a0is\u00a0that simple. And honestly, you just need 1 and 2. The rest\u2026well, know what kind of music and booze your friends and family like. If you DO want a theme, you can keep that simple as well, or you can just give your party a cool or fun name.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10227\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10227\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/ba8bc57ee039fadda63e68deb97be802.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10227\" alt=\"wedding reception checklist\" src=\"http:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/ba8bc57ee039fadda63e68deb97be802.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"712\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/ba8bc57ee039fadda63e68deb97be802.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/ba8bc57ee039fadda63e68deb97be802-253x300.jpg 253w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/ba8bc57ee039fadda63e68deb97be802-500x593.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10227\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10227\" alt=\"wedding reception checklist\" src=\"http:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/ba8bc57ee039fadda63e68deb97be802.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"712\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/ba8bc57ee039fadda63e68deb97be802.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/ba8bc57ee039fadda63e68deb97be802-253x300.jpg 253w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/ba8bc57ee039fadda63e68deb97be802-500x593.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> Source: http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/127437864429620463\/<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Make the Guest List, Then Start Inviting People<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Generally speaking, the closer it gets to the wedding date, the longer the wedding acceptance list becomes. Remember that the invite should\u00a0include a start and end time, and needs to indicate if it\u2019s an open house drop-in event, or something more formal. If the party features a dress code, include this information as well.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10228\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10228\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/650e563dc69c1eae993c9ebafe96d9b0.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10228\" alt=\"planning a wedding party\" src=\"http:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/650e563dc69c1eae993c9ebafe96d9b0.jpg\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/650e563dc69c1eae993c9ebafe96d9b0.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/650e563dc69c1eae993c9ebafe96d9b0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/650e563dc69c1eae993c9ebafe96d9b0-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/650e563dc69c1eae993c9ebafe96d9b0-672x448.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10228\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10228\" alt=\"planning a wedding party\" src=\"http:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/650e563dc69c1eae993c9ebafe96d9b0.jpg\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/650e563dc69c1eae993c9ebafe96d9b0.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/650e563dc69c1eae993c9ebafe96d9b0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/650e563dc69c1eae993c9ebafe96d9b0-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/650e563dc69c1eae993c9ebafe96d9b0-672x448.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> Source: http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/231372499575995397\/<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Set the Budget and Create a Menu<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You don&#8217;t have to spend a lot to have an amazing party. Think about where you want to have it among other factors and come up with a budget that&#8217;s reasonable and still lets you throw the\u00a0get-together you want. Also try to plan menus that can be prepped\/made ahead of time as much as possible, which saves money and aggravation. Unless you\u2019re advertising a full meal, people probably aren\u2019t expecting one,\u00a0so snacks will suffice.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10229\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10229\" style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/b5070f41a79939c35063ecc1f3a1dc05.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10229\" alt=\"wedding food and drink ideas\" src=\"http:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/b5070f41a79939c35063ecc1f3a1dc05.jpg\" width=\"550\" height=\"825\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/b5070f41a79939c35063ecc1f3a1dc05.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/b5070f41a79939c35063ecc1f3a1dc05-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/b5070f41a79939c35063ecc1f3a1dc05-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/b5070f41a79939c35063ecc1f3a1dc05-500x750.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10229\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10229\" alt=\"wedding food and drink ideas\" src=\"http:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/b5070f41a79939c35063ecc1f3a1dc05.jpg\" width=\"550\" height=\"825\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/b5070f41a79939c35063ecc1f3a1dc05.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/b5070f41a79939c35063ecc1f3a1dc05-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/b5070f41a79939c35063ecc1f3a1dc05-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/b5070f41a79939c35063ecc1f3a1dc05-500x750.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> Source: http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/243124079857348366\/<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Prepare, Prepare, Prepare<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The first thing to\u00a0do when planning a party is to create master lists (guest list, food and drink menu with ingredients, supplies to rent and purchase, and staffing needs if applicable) and then a timeline. Order all supplies immediately, \u00a0and consolidate as they arrive. Stick supplies in a box marked \u201csupplies for XX party.&#8221; Schedule rental orders to be picked up the day before the party, and book any staff well in advance so you&#8217;re not scrambling to make those arrangements the week of the event. Beverages can usually be purchased in advance, while food has to wait until a few days before to purchase, though shelf stables such as crackers\u00a0are an\u00a0obvious exception. Break up the two days before the party and the day of the party into specific, by-the-hour prep times: shopping, cooking, cleaning, setting up, leaving time to get dressed and put makeup on.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>The final timeline should look something like this:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>4\u20136 months prior:<\/strong> Set party date.<\/li>\n<li><strong>3 months prior:\u00a0<\/strong>Put together guest list, budget, and figure out\u00a0the basic structure and timeline.<\/li>\n<li><strong>6\u20138 weeks prior<\/strong>: Plan the menu; order anything you\u2019re purchasing; put in your rental order.<\/li>\n<li><strong>4\u20136 weeks prior<\/strong>: Send invites; book staff; buy alcohol.<\/li>\n<li><strong>3 weeks prior:<\/strong>\u00a0RSVP reminder (repeat as necessary).<\/li>\n<li><strong>2 weeks prior:<\/strong> Finalize shopping list for food, and make a schedule for week and day-of prep.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10230\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10230\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/906b88cc0b773fed0cf5ea9f9131ab80.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10230\" alt=\"Gorgeous barn wedding\" src=\"http:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/906b88cc0b773fed0cf5ea9f9131ab80.jpg\" width=\"720\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/906b88cc0b773fed0cf5ea9f9131ab80.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/906b88cc0b773fed0cf5ea9f9131ab80-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/906b88cc0b773fed0cf5ea9f9131ab80-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/906b88cc0b773fed0cf5ea9f9131ab80-672x449.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10230\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10230\" alt=\"Gorgeous barn wedding\" src=\"http:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/906b88cc0b773fed0cf5ea9f9131ab80.jpg\" width=\"720\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/906b88cc0b773fed0cf5ea9f9131ab80.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/906b88cc0b773fed0cf5ea9f9131ab80-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/906b88cc0b773fed0cf5ea9f9131ab80-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/906b88cc0b773fed0cf5ea9f9131ab80-672x449.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> Source: http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/490329478150152470\/<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Remember, don&#8217;t be afraid to ask for help, especially if friends and family are offering! Also remember to avoid stressing yourself out as much as possible, and to enjoy the party!<\/p>\n<h6 class=\"zemanta-related-title\" style=\"font-size: 1em;\">Related articles<\/h6>\n<ul class=\"zemanta-article-ul zemanta-article-ul-image\" style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0; overflow: hidden;\">\n<li class=\"zemanta-article-ul-li-image zemanta-article-ul-li\" style=\"padding: 0; background: none; list-style: none; display: block; float: left; vertical-align: top; text-align: left; width: 84px; font-size: 11px; margin: 2px 10px 10px 2px;\"><a style=\"box-shadow: 0px 0px 4px #999; padding: 2px; display: block; border-radius: 2px; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.idotaketwo.com\/blog\/renewing-your-vows-8-fun-ideas\/\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; border: 0; display: block; width: 80px; max-width: 100%;\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i.zemanta.com\/245947312_80_80.jpg\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; border: 0; display: block; width: 80px; max-width: 100%;\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i.zemanta.com\/245947312_80_80.jpg\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><a style=\"display: block; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none; line-height: 12pt; height: 80px; padding: 5px 2px 0 2px;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.idotaketwo.com\/blog\/renewing-your-vows-8-fun-ideas\/\" target=\"_blank\">Renewing Your Vows: 8 Fun Ideas<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"zemanta-article-ul-li-image zemanta-article-ul-li\" style=\"padding: 0; background: none; list-style: none; display: block; float: left; vertical-align: top; text-align: left; width: 84px; font-size: 11px; margin: 2px 10px 10px 2px;\"><a style=\"box-shadow: 0px 0px 4px #999; padding: 2px; display: block; border-radius: 2px; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/the-stages-of-being-a-bride\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; border: 0; display: block; width: 80px; max-width: 100%;\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i.zemanta.com\/233918197_80_80.jpg\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; border: 0; display: block; width: 80px; max-width: 100%;\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i.zemanta.com\/233918197_80_80.jpg\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><a style=\"display: block; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none; line-height: 12pt; height: 80px; padding: 5px 2px 0 2px;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/the-stages-of-being-a-bride\" target=\"_blank\">The Stages of being a Bride!<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"zemanta-article-ul-li-image zemanta-article-ul-li\" style=\"padding: 0; background: none; list-style: none; display: block; float: left; vertical-align: top; text-align: left; width: 84px; font-size: 11px; margin: 2px 10px 10px 2px;\"><a style=\"box-shadow: 0px 0px 4px #999; padding: 2px; display: block; border-radius: 2px; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"http:\/\/amandaseventsblog.wordpress.com\/2014\/01\/06\/wedding-planning-timeline\/\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; border: 0; display: block; width: 80px; max-width: 100%;\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i.zemanta.com\/236459206_80_80.jpg\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; border: 0; display: block; width: 80px; max-width: 100%;\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/i.zemanta.com\/236459206_80_80.jpg\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><a style=\"display: block; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none; line-height: 12pt; height: 80px; padding: 5px 2px 0 2px;\" href=\"http:\/\/amandaseventsblog.wordpress.com\/2014\/01\/06\/wedding-planning-timeline\/\" target=\"_blank\">Wedding Planning Timeline<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"zemanta-pixie\" style=\"margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;\"><a class=\"zemanta-pixie-a\" title=\"Enhanced by Zemanta\" href=\"http:\/\/www.zemanta.com\/?px\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"zemanta-pixie-img\" style=\"border: none; float: right;\" alt=\"Enhanced by Zemanta\" src=\"http:\/\/img.zemanta.com\/zemified_h.png?x-id=b53522ee-bf10-4c39-8c33-3f1b0529fda5\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"zemanta-pixie-img\" style=\"border: none; float: right;\" alt=\"Enhanced by Zemanta\" src=\"http:\/\/img.zemanta.com\/zemified_h.png?x-id=b53522ee-bf10-4c39-8c33-3f1b0529fda5\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s often said that a wedding reception is really just a big party. And while most wedding receptions, even casual ones, are a bit more formal and scripted than your average shindig, the fundamentals are still there. With that in mind, let&#8217;s discuss the basics of how to throw a great party! Don&#8217;t Overthink It The biggest mistake most people make when it comes to parties is making them way more complicated than\u00a0it needs to be. You don&#8217;t\u00a0have to do [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":76,"featured_media":10226,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[488,58,19],"tags":[124,480,604,505,736],"class_list":["post-9783","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-no-drama-wedding-wedding-planning","category-wedding-decorations","category-wedding-planning","tag-finger-foods-for-a-wedding-reception","tag-reception","tag-top-wedding-planning-tips","tag-wedding-planning-2","tag-wedding-planning-tips"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Get It Done: How To Throw A (Sort Of) Big Wedding Reception Party &amp; Stay Sane | | TopWeddingSites.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"While most wedding receptions, even casual ones, are a bit more formal and scripted than your average shindig, the fundamentals are still there. With that in mind, let&#039;s discuss the basics of how to throw a great party!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Get It Done: How To Throw A (Sort Of) Big Wedding Reception Party &amp; Stay Sane | | TopWeddingSites.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"While most wedding receptions, even casual ones, are a bit more formal and scripted than your average shindig, the fundamentals are still there. With that in mind, let&#039;s discuss the basics of how to throw a great party!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Wedding Planning Tips and Wedding Day Trends TopWeddingSites.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2014-02-19T20:46:38+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2014-03-09T22:51:45+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"736\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"486\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Kent Page McGroarty\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Kent Page McGroarty\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"3 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Kent Page McGroarty\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/#\/schema\/person\/1ecee1d30d8b2c45fea3d070ad0b3772\"},\"headline\":\"Get It Done: How To Throw A (Sort Of) Big Wedding Reception Party &#038; Stay Sane\",\"datePublished\":\"2014-02-19T20:46:38+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2014-03-09T22:51:45+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane\"},\"wordCount\":660,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"finger foods for a wedding reception\",\"reception\",\"top wedding planning tips\",\"wedding planning\",\"wedding planning tips\"],\"articleSection\":[\"No Drama Wedding\",\"Wedding Decorations\",\"Wedding Planning\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane\",\"name\":\"Get It Done: How To Throw A (Sort Of) Big Wedding Reception Party & Stay Sane | | TopWeddingSites.com\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2014-02-19T20:46:38+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2014-03-09T22:51:45+00:00\",\"description\":\"While most wedding receptions, even casual ones, are a bit more formal and scripted than your average shindig, the fundamentals are still there. With that in mind, let's discuss the basics of how to throw a great party!\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d.jpg\",\"width\":736,\"height\":486,\"caption\":\"Source: http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/178666310190944879\/\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Get It Done: How To Throw A (Sort Of) Big Wedding Reception Party &#038; Stay Sane\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/\",\"name\":\"Wedding Planning Tips and Wedding Day Trends TopWeddingSites.com\",\"description\":\"Check out our unique wedding ideas, colors, flower, favors and wedding etiquette for the bride groom and wedding party.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"TopWeddingSites.com\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/preview-lightbox-TWS_Logo_0319.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/preview-lightbox-TWS_Logo_0319.jpg\",\"width\":1160,\"height\":690,\"caption\":\"TopWeddingSites.com\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/#\/schema\/person\/1ecee1d30d8b2c45fea3d070ad0b3772\",\"name\":\"Kent Page McGroarty\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/author\/kentpage\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Get It Done: How To Throw A (Sort Of) Big Wedding Reception Party & Stay Sane | | TopWeddingSites.com","description":"While most wedding receptions, even casual ones, are a bit more formal and scripted than your average shindig, the fundamentals are still there. With that in mind, let's discuss the basics of how to throw a great party!","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Get It Done: How To Throw A (Sort Of) Big Wedding Reception Party & Stay Sane | | TopWeddingSites.com","og_description":"While most wedding receptions, even casual ones, are a bit more formal and scripted than your average shindig, the fundamentals are still there. With that in mind, let's discuss the basics of how to throw a great party!","og_url":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane","og_site_name":"Wedding Planning Tips and Wedding Day Trends TopWeddingSites.com","article_published_time":"2014-02-19T20:46:38+00:00","article_modified_time":"2014-03-09T22:51:45+00:00","og_image":[{"width":736,"height":486,"url":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Kent Page McGroarty","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Kent Page McGroarty","Est. reading time":"3 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane"},"author":{"name":"Kent Page McGroarty","@id":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/#\/schema\/person\/1ecee1d30d8b2c45fea3d070ad0b3772"},"headline":"Get It Done: How To Throw A (Sort Of) Big Wedding Reception Party &#038; Stay Sane","datePublished":"2014-02-19T20:46:38+00:00","dateModified":"2014-03-09T22:51:45+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane"},"wordCount":660,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d.jpg","keywords":["finger foods for a wedding reception","reception","top wedding planning tips","wedding planning","wedding planning tips"],"articleSection":["No Drama Wedding","Wedding Decorations","Wedding Planning"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane","url":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane","name":"Get It Done: How To Throw A (Sort Of) Big Wedding Reception Party & Stay Sane | | TopWeddingSites.com","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d.jpg","datePublished":"2014-02-19T20:46:38+00:00","dateModified":"2014-03-09T22:51:45+00:00","description":"While most wedding receptions, even casual ones, are a bit more formal and scripted than your average shindig, the fundamentals are still there. With that in mind, let's discuss the basics of how to throw a great party!","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/0eb8c3baaf9c77f6b8885a2877795f1d.jpg","width":736,"height":486,"caption":"Source: http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/178666310190944879\/"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-planning\/get-it-done-how-to-throw-a-sort-of-big-wedding-reception-party-stay-sane#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Get It Done: How To Throw A (Sort Of) Big Wedding Reception Party &#038; Stay Sane"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/","name":"Wedding Planning Tips and Wedding Day Trends TopWeddingSites.com","description":"Check out our unique wedding ideas, colors, flower, favors and wedding etiquette for the bride groom and wedding party.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/#organization","name":"TopWeddingSites.com","url":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/preview-lightbox-TWS_Logo_0319.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/preview-lightbox-TWS_Logo_0319.jpg","width":1160,"height":690,"caption":"TopWeddingSites.com"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/#\/schema\/person\/1ecee1d30d8b2c45fea3d070ad0b3772","name":"Kent Page McGroarty","url":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/author\/kentpage"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9783","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/76"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9783"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9783\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10226"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}