The Reception

WHAT: After you and your beloved have tied the knot, it's time to celebrate with the biggest bang for your buck. The key to a smooth-running reception is planning ahead. If you stick to your tasks, your guests will never know the grueling work it's taken to make your reception shine—they’ll just bask in the glow of your love and talk about it for years to come.

WHERE: Unless you’re saying “I do” at a church or synagogue (check out our Local Resources section for houses of worship that allow same-sex weddings), you might have your reception in the same vicinity as your ceremony. Event venues range from simple restaurants to hotel ballrooms to rooftops of city buildings.

WHO: Everyone who was invited to your ceremony should be invited to the reception. In straight wedding traditions, the bride’s parents hosted this lavish affair, but modern-day couples (gay and straight) are taking the reins on this—even if parents are donating money for the overall wedding cost.

WHEN: Always held on the day of your ceremony, but can take place hours later if necessary (though this can take a certain toll on your guests).

HOW: The possibilities are endless from afternoon cocktails to a full-on gala. In the pages of EquallyWed.com, we’ll provide you with inspiration and tips to help you plan this magnificent party.

BY THE WAY: Your reception encompasses many, many, many details. Start planning it as soon as you can so nothing falls by the wayside. With that said, know that not everything will go as planned. Something will be different, whether your orchid centerpieces have inexplicably morphed into gardenias, your DJ plays the wrong song for your first dance or the raspberry garnish on your signature cocktail is missing. The more organized you are throughout the planning process, the lesser the chances of something going wrong. But if it does, keep a cool head. No one likes a bridezilla or a groomzilla. And your vendors who are working so hard to make this the best day of your life will be much more accommodating if you remain gracious and polite.