Exactly how can you make your wedding reception a success? We realize that not everyone wants the same thing out of his or her wedding reception. Some couples are looking for a more reserved "cocktail party" atmosphere, others may want more of a "traditional' wedding style with the Macarena, Old Time Rock & Roll and Chicken Dance played. Others may want something more eclectic in music style. Each couple wants their guests to have a great time and make sure things run smoothly. Here are some tips to help make your special day run smoothly:

Be on time. If you or your photographer makes your reception start a ½ hour late, you are already behind. Things will inevitably be rushed for the remainder of the time.

You could eliminate your receiving line at the church and instead try to expedite your formal photo session so that you can arrive in time to socialize with guests during your cocktail hour. Both you and your guests will love this.

Stay in the room. I can't tell you how many of my clients miss their own reception. What, you say? They leave the room to take photos, change, or whatever and the next thing you know - an hour of your reception has gone by with you not even in the room. If you have to leave the room - make it quick. More than 10 minutes and it will be detrimental to the flow of your reception.

Keep things flowing. Instead of doing all the formal dances after dinner, consider having your first dance immediately upon entrance. You can plan your parent dances and cake cutting between courses to help this. This will also give you more dance time later.

Eliminate the wedding party dance. In the grand scheme of things, it really doesn't add much to your event. Most of the time, they are not couples and ask any photographer and they will tell you that no one ever buys photos of the wedding party dancing.

Think romance - anything that you can do to personalize your wedding reception will go a long way to make it a memorable event. If you are the groom, consider taking the microphone after the best man's toast and thank your guests for coming and give your own toast to your new bride. Have one of your friends or family take the microphone and tell a story of when you were younger or how the two of you met.

I've told this story hundreds of time about this couple that decided they wanted people to tell a story instead of clinking the glasses to get the bride & groom to kiss. It's time to tell it again. What a great way to really personalize your wedding reception! At a recent wedding, we had nearly a dozen guests come forward and tell stories about the bride & groom. It went over so well! Talk to your disc jockey and master of ceremonies and tell them you want guests to tell a story (not all of them are embarrassing!) instead of clinking their glasses.

Above all - make sure that you are having fun. If you are not dancing and socializing, then you could be setting a bad example. Your guests are looking to the two of you to set the tone of the event. If you are outside, then your guests will be there with you. If you are involved, then your guests will follow your lead.