How do I plan a wedding dinner party?

Start with your guest list and venue capacity. A dinner party wedding works well with a smaller group, often up to 60, but you can adapt it for more. Decide on the style: sit-down meal, buffet, or family-style sharing. Talk to your caterer about dietary needs, including allergies, vegetarian and vegan options, and any cultural or religious requirements. Plan the seating carefully. Mix guests who know each other with those who do not, and put people next to someone they will enjoy. Use place cards or a seating chart. Keep speeches to a few short ones, maybe from you both, a parent, and a friend. Ask speakers to keep to three minutes each. Plan the flow: welcome drink, meal, speeches between courses, then coffee and dancing or a relaxed evening. If you are having a legal ceremony earlier in the day, remember the ceremony needs witnesses and the legal steps vary across the UK. For a civil ceremony in England or Wales, no religious content is allowed. Check with your venue about noise, timing and any restrictions. The heart of a dinner party wedding is good food, warm company and a relaxed pace.