After the Wedding - Cleaning Up
©Copyright 2000 Glenna Tooman: all rights reserved
Memory Makers Event Planning LLC
www.memorable-events.com

The reception is over; the bride and groom have left for their honeymoon. Now, who is going to clean up the reception center? If the bride and groom didn't specifically appoint someone, it may not get done, since everyone thinks that it is someone else's responsibility, so no one does it.

Most churches and reception centers require that the bride and groom pay a cleaning deposit when the facility is rented. The couple will forfeit the deposit if someone doesn't clean up properly and in a timely manner. Most facilities, including churches, have activities scheduled for the day after a wedding, making timely and adequate clean-up imperative.

To insure that the facility is cleaned and that you get your deposit back, several days before the wedding ask someone to be in charge of clean up activities. Choose someone that you know will understand the finer points of cleaning. Usually, a young, single brother does not have the same standards of cleanliness as a more mature aunt or an older friend or relative. However, don't ask the parents of the bride or groom to handle clean-up unless they specifically volunteer. They will be tired after several long days of activity and they will appreciate your thoughtfulness in choosing someone else.

The necessary cleaning activities may include the following:
• removing decorations from the church and the reception center
• removing linens and centerpieces
• dismantling tables and chairs
• stacking rented items in a special place for pick-up or returning them to the rental center the following day
• cleaning the kitchen, including caring for left-over food and cake
• sweeping and mopping
• checking rest rooms and dressing rooms for trash and personal belongings
• emptying trash
• turning out lights and locking doors

Be certain that the person in charge knows what you want them to do with decorations and other items. Be sure to provide containers for decorations, particularly breakable items, and for food. If any decorations are to be given to the facility, or belong to the facility, note which ones. Also provide information on how to handle rented items - when will the items be picked up and where should they be stacked? If you are uncertain of the facility's policies, be sure to ask, and if possible, get a written list of cleaning instructions. Most facilities will hold your cleaning deposit until they have had time to inspect the facility, then it will be returned.

A few minutes spent delegating activities can save you money and headaches in the long run.