When you've spent so much time and money planning your wedding reception, the last thing you want to see happen is a disaster that ruins everything – or, at least, seems like it does. The good news is that most common disasters can be averted with a little bit of planning.

MIA Entertainment

A reception without entertainment is like a fair without carnival rides – there's not much to do that's fun. However, many couples have booked DJs, bands, and other entertainers for their receptions only to have them never show up or even cancel their appearance. Generally, you only have to worry about this with entertainers who don't have an established reputation in your community yet. Choose an entertainer who comes recommended by others and who seems professional. Also, never pay the entire fee upfront. Pay a portion when you book them, another amount a couple of weeks before the date, and the balance after the reception.

Dance Floor Problems

Obviously, no wedding reception is complete without a good dance floor. However, some of the most common problems that come up at receptions involve either poorly placed dance floors or dance floors that have been waxed so much they are dangerous. You can prevent the first problem by paying attention to the location of the dance floor or by asking about where the floor will be placed at the location before you book it. You don't want it too close to the tables, but it should be near the area where your band or DJ will be set up. The waxing problem can be more difficult to correct, but you may want to have someone inspect the floor early in the day to make sure it will be safe. If not, contact the reception hall's management immediately and have them make it safe.

Late Wedding Party Arrivals

Because the entire wedding reception is basically in limbo until the wedding party arrives, a delay of a even twenty minutes can put your whole schedule in jeopardy. And delays do happen. You may hit traffic, have problems with the photographs, etc. Make sure you give yourself a comfortable cushion of time so if you do end up running late, your reception won't need to be rushed through and your guests won't be bored out of their minds waiting for you. It might also be a good idea to have a cell phone and the number of someone at the reception handy so if you are going to be delayed you can at least let your guests know.

Unlimited Alcohol Consumption

Most guests will expect a little bit of alcohol at your wedding. You might, for example, have champagne for the wedding toasts. However, if you have an open bar or cocktails flowing for hours, then you're asking for potential problems. While the majority of your friends and family members will be able to handle their drinking responsibly, most parties include a couple of folks who will become so drunk they'll ruin your reception. Plus, they may even put themselves and others in danger by drinking and driving after the reception.

Dealing With Kids

Children have become a common sight at wedding receptions, and there's nothing wrong with having well-behaved young people enjoy the party as well. However, not all children are well-behaved, especially when they become bored listening to thirty minutes of grown-up speeches and watching “old people” dance. If you're going to have kids there, make sure you give them some entertainment of their own. You might want to even hire a special entertainer – maybe a clown or magician – to perform for them. You should also have special meals prepared, have non-alcoholic juices so they can participate in the toast, and fun things at their table to keep them happy, such as coloring books or small toys.

While these aren't the only potential disasters you can avert at your reception, averting these will at least be helpful in getting your reception off to a good start.