There’s nothing we want more than a successful, upbeat wedding reception, so we put together our wedding planning checklist in San Diego guide of tried and true strategies to help you get things rolling! This checklist will help you to create a list of goals so you can pace yourself and have a perfectly planned wedding reception that you can enjoy, too!
Wedding Planning Checklist in San Diego: Reception Overview
Once you’re engaged, the questions start coming! When are you getting married? Which venue are you using? Will I be invited?! The first thing we suggest is to actually enjoy those first days or weeks of being engaged! Try to focus on what vision you see for you and your fiance on your wedding day. From a hotel reception to one near the beach, spend time with your partner discussing how you can mend each of your visions into one perfect celebration of your love!
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Budget:
Know your numbers! Are you willing to splurge, or do you need a reception on a budget? Either way, you’ll want to figure this out first when wedding planning in San Diego, because it will save you time and allow you to make the best decisions as you plan. Having an epic California wedding doesn’t mean going broke, but it does mean deciding where you want to skimp and where you want to go all out. Make a list of everything you’ll need to pay for and how much you’d like to spend in each area.
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Date and Venue:
Once you have a budget nailed down, you should pick when and where to have your wedding ceremony and reception. You’ll want to clear this with your wedding party and close families of course, and make note of any large happenings in San Diego or near your ideal wedding location. Along with picking the right date, finding the perfect venue is the other major cornerstone, and be prepared many top venues to have limited availability. Many times, your date will be dependent on what the venue has available unless you’re looking at background reception. Setting the date and venue early on will help you claim the season you’re wanting!
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Pick a Theme:
With an elegant wedding reception, the theme doesn’t have to be as detailed as perhaps a theme around a tv show, movie, or other pop culture trends. The theme can help you and your vendors understand the mood and vibe you want for your event. For example, themes like a rustic farm, wild & whimsical, or luxurious glamour help begin painting the picture for your wedding vendors to understand your ultimate goal. Picking this overall theme early in the planning allows you to make decisions later on down the road. If you need some inspiration to get you started, Pinterest is full of ideas to get you started!
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Guest List:
People make the party! Build your list to include your guests of honor and their loved ones, and everyone else you want to be there, but be sure you’re thinking about space limits and your budget. These should dictate the size of your guest list, and from there you can narrow down your list from “everyone!” to something more manageable.
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Invitations:
With your guest list created, now you need to invite them! Are you designing something on your computer to print, hiring a designer, or even sending a paperless invite? Based on your budget and aesthetic, you’ll need to pick one then begin the process of creating an invitation that reflects the theme you’ve chosen, so your guests know what to expect. Make sure it includes everything your guests need to know — you can use the “5 Ws” here: Who, What, When, Where, Why! Make sure you send invitations well in advance,(6-8 weeks before the wedding) and include an RSVP date.
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Photographer:
A picture is worth a thousand words and so are the memories you make at a wedding. With so many of your friends and family gathered together, it is the perfect opportunity to capture some photos of everyone. Hiring a photographer ensures that you will have these memories forever and that you are included in them, too! For a roster of vetted professionals, check out our photographers in the San Diego area.
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Videographer:
No one ever regrets having video footage of their first dance, their cousins doing cartwheels on the dance floor, and their sibling’s heartfelt speech. Unfortunately, hiring a videographer to capture the reception is a choice many people regret passing upon, and we are working hard to not let this happen to future couples. Our videography team captures all the best highlights of your wedding so you can relive the fun later. It’s like watching home movies — only the upscale version with cinematic background music and high definition picture.
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Music:
Music and wedding receptions go hand in hand. Not all party playlists are created equal, and you want the best soundtrack to set the tone for your wedding reception. Hiring a DJ guarantees your event will be on point with the best tunes: even a smaller reception can benefit from having a professional there keeping the beats and the schedule of events that evening going. Sometimes the best idea will be hiring a DJ who can take care of all of those things for you. We’ll find the right playlist for your party — hear for yourself!
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Entertainment Options:
Whether you are dancing the night away or having an enchanted beachside dinner, each reception has its own unique way of encouraging guests to enjoy themselves. There are endless ideas for party fun and mapping out what that will be is an exciting part of the planning process. Maybe you’re thinking of a giant ball pit, a high-energy DJ to keep the crowd dancing, or perhaps guests will hop in a photo booth for some glamour shots — the choice is yours!
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Menu:
Food can be the highlight or the disaster of an event, so make sure you get this one right and hire a professional caterer. Also, ensure a proper guest count is collected early enough so the caterer knows how much food to prepare to make sure nothing runs out (nothing kills a party faster than hungry guests). Finally, avoid any unpleasant allergic reactions or issues by making sure you know which guests have dietary needs so you can plan accordingly.
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Decorating:
Simple or detailed, decorating is always a fun part of wedding planning! This is the area where your theme comes to life. Table decorations, wall space, food areas, and even outdoor areas all become a canvas for your creative touches. Sometimes it is knowing what you want to get and purchasing it. Sometimes it may require some DIY elements. Either way, if executed properly part of a party that guests will remember most. Looking to fill an empty wall or light up your space? Lighting is an affordable decor option offered by Complete Weddings + Events that make a big impact, whether you’re using a monogram GOBO or uplighting to wash the room with color.
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Flowers:
Bouquets and other flower arrangements add a delicate touch to any wedding. Your favorite blooms will need to be ordered in advance, which most florists recommend you do as far in advance as possible. Once the theme is set, and contact your favorite San Diego florists to see how they can help give your theme life!
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Transportation:
Limo, party bus, horse-drawn carriage… whatever you choose, you need to know how you will get to your wedding reception. No one wants to get left behind, so be sure that your bridal party has a plan, too!
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Favors:
Little tokens of your love and appreciation for your guests is a tradition that most couples like to continue. Many times favors have a personalized touch that requires some prep time, however. This is one item that can be done closer to the wedding date. It is also a great way to let other people join in on the wedding planning fun.
Complete Weddings + Events in San Diego, CA
Wedding planning in San Diego is a big job, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. By making a plan and working one thing at a time, you will find yourself a master party planner in no time. Try our lists to get started right away! And for everything else you have questions about, Ask Complete Weddings + Events to get our expert help on wedding planning in San Diego!