Okay, you’ve decided that you want your wedding celebration at a reception center, rather than in your backyard or the church gymnasium.  The next step of planning your wedding reception can seem like an overwhelming task.  But if you break it down into simple, easy-to-tackle sections, the process becomes exciting and fun.  You’ll find yourself enjoying the journey culminating in an incredible wedding celebration, your final destination.   Here is how I break the tasks down to size.  Don’t forget to use your choice of a central note-taking tool.  A pad of paper works well, or an electronic tool like a smart phone, or tablet of your choice.  Always have this with you as you make plans, it will save your mind and your time in the long run.

I like to break the first part of planning in to the three W’s – When, Where, and What.  They are pretty big and important parts of the planning, but you can figure them all in one sit-down brainstorming session with your fiancé.  Be prepared to possibly make some little changes along the way, but you’ve got to have a starting point.  The When? Where? and What? is the beginning.

First is to decide WHEN you are having your big day.  It is good to have a couple of date possibilities, but knowing this is crucial for the next decision of WHERE.  You don’t want to waste your time looking for that perfect wedding venue unless you have an idea of when your event is to take place. Imagine finally making a choice of where you want your most important event to happen, only to find out that it is already booked for the day you’ve finally decided upon.  Wedding places in Utah book up quickly, so don’t let this first step pass too quickly.  Get your preferences and start the search of your perfect venue that can replicate your dream wedding.

As mentioned above, the WHERE is now in play.  Google your search as specific as you can.  Some suggested keywords to search could be “wedding reception centers” or “wedding venues” and if you want a particular area, add that city.  For example “wedding reception centers Salt Lake City” or “wedding reception centers in Salt Lake City” will help you narrow your quest to more specific options in your area.  Browse those venues that catch your eye and make your list of top places you want to pursue.  Request more information by email, if only to simply test that company’s responsiveness.  A very good first question to ask would be to check on the availability of that venue for the couple of dates you’ve chosen. This could prove very important in the future if you choose to work with them.  Your search will narrow, it is time to go visit the venues you’ve listed as your top possibilities.  Now it’s time to consider the WHAT’s of your quest.

Third, WHAT are you going to do for your special celebration?  Serve a full course dinner?  Serve only finger foods?  Dance?   Play games?  Serve only your wedding cake?  These are the kind of questions only YOU and your lover can imagine for YOUR special day.

Deciding these three w’s is the first step, then it will be time to do the how’s, but not until these three are complete.  For now, go out and find your dream wedding reception center!  You’ll have plenty to do after you get these three W’s completed!   Reminder!  Don’t forget to keep your wedding writing tool handy!