The wedding reception is the first time you formally receive your relatives and friends as a married couple. Properly planned, it becomes one of the most joyous parties that you and your groom will ever host.

It can be as simple and demure as champagne and hors d'oeuvres, or encompass an elegant five-course dinner and dance.

Selecting the reception location really depends on how many guests you are inviting. Your reception can be held anywhere: on a yacht, in a beautiful hotel, in a restaurant, in a loft, at a country club, etc. If you are being married in a season and locale noted for good, reliable weather, there may be a lovely garden or arboretum available. Also contact some of the restored historical mansions; they make delightful fairy-tale backdrops for a wedding feast.

Central Park West
	Central Park West’s beautiful chandeliers, gold chivari chairs and large parquet dance floor are a tremendous value and the perfect setting for your reception. Our delicious menus are prepared on site by our trained team of professionals who are dedicated to the success of your reception. 3141 Central Park West Drive • Toledo 419.841.2140 www.pinnaclecpwevents.com
Metroparks
	Weddings In Beautiful Settings Outdoor wedding locations are available in all of the Metroparks, any day of the week, by reservation. Meadows, woods, riverbanks and ponds are just a few of the natural settings that could be part of your wedding day memories. Let us help you find that perfect, scenic spot. For information/reservations phone 419.407.9700• Northwest Ohio www.metroparkstoledo.com
THE CHALET at Oak Shade Grove Event and Banquet Space
	We would be delighted to have an opportunity to work closely with you as you plan your special event. You'll feel like you planned a destination wedding close to home. Our barrier-free hall is located in Oregon, Ohio. It is one of the area’s most beautiful settings, tucked away with flower beds, well-maintained lawns and ample lighted parking. An outdoor wedding gazebo is available. We have beautiful grounds able to hold an outdoor reception up to 600 . 3624 Seaman Road • Oregon 419.260.2678 www.oakshadegrove.com
The Pinnacle
	For nearly ten years, The Pinnacle has consistently been the top choice as the areas’ finest event venue. With it’s award winning cuisine, state of the art facility and professional hospitality staff, The Pinnacle sees to every detail to ensure that your fairy tale wedding is MORE THAN IMAGINED. 1772 Indian Wood Circle • Maumee 419.891.7325 www.pinnaclecpwevents.com

Whatever you decide, know that the services of a professional banquet facility or caterer can greatly enhance and expedite the planning of your reception.

Once you have decided your preferred setting, the estimated number of guests and your financial resources, you are ready to begin interviewing for reception sites and caterers.

Reserve your reception facility well in advance and promptly pay any necessary deposit.

Visit the reception site and design a suitable floor plan. Decide also whether you will have a formal or semi-formal receiving line. Consider grouping furniture to stimulate conversation without obstructing traffic flow.

There can always be one table designated for the wedding party and one table for the parents. Seating arrangements at the bridal table are usually the bridal couple in the center, maid of honor at the groom's left, best man at the bride's right. Seat the other attendants, alternating men and women, as space provides.

At a sit-down event, the order of service should be bride, groom, maid of honor, other attendants, parents and guests. Once all have been served, the best man and/or the maid of honor present the traditional toast to the bridal couple.

Cake-cutting comes after dinner. The bridal couple will cut the first slice and share it. Then the caterer’s staff finishes serving while the newlyweds visit with guests.

The last reception ritual, before the bridal couple leave, is the bride's tossing of her bouquet and the groom's flinging of the garter.

Finally, you and your groom will leave the reception for your honeymoon, with rice or birdseed being tossed by guests, or a balloon or dove release... all representing wishes for fertility, prosperity and happiness.