Latter Day Saints' wedding days are filled with the service at the temple where the couple is sealed and then a celebration of the union at a wedding reception. The wedding hall acts as a backdrop for this ceremony and sets the tone for the guests and for the entire celebration. Friends and family that weren't a part of the sacred ceremony are now invited to join the couple to congratulate them.
Joining man with woman under God is a sacred event. It is a serious commitment that lasts for life. There are several steps and interviews the couple must participate in before they can be approved for marriage. The day they do join is a symbol of a union of two people that have been sanctified by God and by the temple priest. Afterwards, those friends and family close to the couple will want to offer good wishes. The reception, while a focal point of the celebration should not consume the day, leaving the sacred ceremony forgotten.
Every reception is dictated by the amount of friends and family that will be joining the couple during that day. Wedding reception halls come in all shapes and sizes and prices. Some wedding reception halls may only hold twenty or so people, while others can serve several hundred guests. People invited should be people that are an integral part of the couple's life. The couple should not go broke trying to invite everyone they know. Staying within a budget will create a much more stress-free occasion.
If the couple is not restrained by money, then they may choose to plan a formal affair, while other couples may prefer a more casual atmosphere. There is no right or wrong when it comes to a reception as long as the couple remains the center of attention and the wedding hall fits in with the rest of the day's ceremonies.
There are plenty of websites to help guide wedding planning. LDSWedding.com offers all types of useful information regarding etiquette for the reception, dresses and how to plan for the day. For formal affairs, the couple should incorporate floral arrangements for the tables, along with dinner service that is catered. The tables should be set with silver, crystal and china.
Weddings that are little less formal or semi-formal can occur at any time. There is no set hour for this type of ceremony. There should be food for guests to enjoy. The food can be set up as a buffet so guests can help themselves, or it can also be a seated dinner service. Drinks should be available to help guests stay cool or to warm up depending on time of year. If the meal is served, then catering is the way to do it. People should also be informed where to sit with place cards. The venue should be decorated to reflect the day.
When the couple wants to celebrate in a casual manner, then a buffet is a great way to feed guests. Another alternative is to offer finger foods so guests can sample a variety of foods at their leisure. The bride may prepare the dishes, or she may hire a caterer. If money is tight, then exchanging food dishes for gifts is a great way to feed all the guests.
Do remember that the reception should be fun, but it should not take away from the importance of this day. Friends and family should respect this and add to the sense of beauty and grace a day like this brings.