Event Planning Budget & Checklist Creator

Wedding Reception Planning Guide

Event Details

• Date: June 10th, 2023
• Location: Hotel Ballroom in Chicago
• Guest Count: 150
• Budget: $30,000
• Style: Elegant sit-down dinner with open bar, DJ, dance floor, and beautiful decor

Budget Breakdown

Category	Estimated Cost
Venue Rental	$5,000
Catering (incl. service)	$12,000
Open Bar	$5,000
Decor & Floral	$3,000
DJ & Audio Equipment	$1,500
Wedding Cake	$750
Invitations & Stationery	$500
Wedding Attire	$1,000
Photography	$1,000
Miscellaneous	$250
Total	$30,000

Planning Checklist

9-12 Months Before

• [ ] Determine budget and guest list
• [ ] Choose and book venue
• [ ] Hire wedding planner (if using)
• [ ] Select color scheme and theme
• [ ] Book officiant
• [ ] Start compiling guest addresses

6-9 Months Before

• [ ] Choose and order wedding attire
• [ ] Book photographer and videographer
• [ ] Select and book caterer
• [ ] Choose and book florist
• [ ] Book DJ or band
• [ ] Plan honeymoon

4-6 Months Before

• [ ] Finalize guest list
• [ ] Send out save-the-dates
• [ ] Reserve hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests
• [ ] Create gift registry
• [ ] Schedule tastings with caterer
• [ ] Select and order invitations

2-4 Months Before

• [ ] Send out invitations
• [ ] Arrange transportation for guests if needed
• [ ] Plan rehearsal dinner
• [ ] Choose wedding cake and desserts
• [ ] Buy wedding bands
• [ ] Schedule hair and makeup trials

1-2 Months Before

• [ ] Obtain marriage license
• [ ] Confirm final details with all vendors
• [ ] Create seating chart
• [ ] Order wedding favors
• [ ] Schedule final dress fitting
• [ ] Write vows

Week of Wedding

• [ ] Provide final guest count to caterer
• [ ] Confirm honeymoon arrangements
  
• [ ] Pack for wedding night and honeymoon
• [ ] Assign someone to manage gifts and guestbook
• [ ] Distribute timeline to wedding party
• [ ] Get plenty of rest!

Decor & Entertainment Suggestions

• Elegant centerpieces combining flowers with candles or lanterns
• Soft, romantic lighting using string lights or uplighting
• Luxurious linens and chair covers in your color scheme
• Signature cocktails named after the bride and groom
• Interactive food stations (e.g. sushi bar, pasta station)
• Late night snacks like sliders or donuts
• Photobooth with fun props for guest favors
• Slow-motion video booth to capture fun guest moments
• Personalized napkins, coasters or matchbooks
• Send guests home with mini bottles of champagne
  

I hope this guide provides a helpful starting point for planning your dream wedding reception! Let me know if you have any other questions.