If you buy a good wedding planner book, chances are it will include a wedding reception checklist. With this handy tool, you can plan everything about your reception, from wedding reception rentals to table decorations. Trying to plan your marriage reception without a wedding reception checklist could be a recipe for disaster and just invites forgetting an important event.

While a wedding reception schedule does not need to be strictly planned out, having an order of events that flows smoothly will keep your guests sticking around. Besides the time for open dancing, the only break in activities should be between the toast and the cake-cutting because to allow time for eating.

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After dinner, your reception schedule should move along quickly so the people who have attended your reception can enjoy all of the festivities, including: the cake cutting ceremony, the garter removal, and everything else that is typical of a marriage reception.

With your wedding reception checklist, you can organize your marriage reception rentals and equipment. First and foremost, the reception hall is the most important of decision, unless you have made other venue arrangements.

Wherever you decide to hold your reception, tables and chairs might be another concern on your list of reception rentals. If you are looking for a more sophisticated touch, you can also get linens and seat covers for added accents and styles. Other rentals include a variety of decorations, such as: a decorative arch, a stage and a backdrop behind the head table.

In some cases, you may want to rent table decorations for the reception tables. Since your marriage reception table decorations will be a focal point for the guests at each table, you'll want to have an impressive conversation piece to get people talking.

Creative and unique centerpieces can be an expensive addition to your marriage budget, but some companies specializing in wedding reception rentals have options for marriage table decorations, too. This can be an affordable way to give your reception an added appearance that you spared no expense, even though you may, in fact, be saving money.

Planning a reception is one of the most exciting events in a couple's life together. With proper resources, you can fully enjoy the experience, without getting overwhelmed by the amount of work.

A marriage reception checklist is an ideal tool to help you stay organized and on task. You can get a reliable and comprehensive wedding reception checklist at your favorite marriage planner website or purchase a wedding planner book at your local bookstore.

This is a wedding planning checklist comprising of the main things needed to do in the period of 1 month before the wedding to 3 weeks before the wedding:

One Month before the Wedding:

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o Select a wedding photographer and videographer.

o Check with you local government about any further required documentation.

o Finalize the date with the person that will be officiating at your wedding.

o Agree on an emcee (if you are going to have one) and make a rough-draft outline of the wedding reception.

o Select a band or DJ to perform at your reception and the melody to be played for the first dance.

o Select a hairdresser and schedule an appointment for your hairdo and make-up.

o Order your honeymoon package from a travel agent.

o Book a hotel room for your first wedding night.

o Select a bakery to create a multi-tiered wedding cake.

o Book your limousine and calculate the number of cars needed for the wedding convoy. Also think about how to decorate the cars with balloons and ribbons.

o Finalize the banquet hall, discuss the wedding menu, and do not forget to specify the details of the decorating.

Three Weeks before the Wedding:

o Make sure that all of the wedding invitation RSVP's were returned from the recipients. Calculate the number of guests that have confirmed their participation in your wedding.

o Meet with the emcee (if you are having one) and develop a detailed plan for the celebration. Order "the props" necessary for your wedding script.

o Confirm the participation of all professionals that will provide you with services for your wedding.

o Select and order the bridal bouquet and boutonniere.

o Do not forget to buy underwear and accessories for your wedding attire.

o Make a list of desired gifts and give them to your guests. They should have enough time to buy them.

o Discuss with your wedding photographer and/or videographer the route of your wedding. Listen to his/her opinion and advice.

o Invite your friends to a stag or hen party.

o Make a detailed plan for the wedding day.

o Prepare for your honeymoon.

There are other things, which need to be done up to half a year prior to your wedding, and as close as 1-3 days before your wedding. In general, the more details you compose in your wedding planning checklist, the smoother your wedding will go.