Planning a wedding reception is no easy feat. You want to create a party that is reflective of your relationship with your fiancé, but you also want to ensure that all of your guests have a great time. If you are handling most of the preparations on your own, this can mean a lot of long nights and hard work—but it can be made easier with a few tricks.

Below, the event team from Havelock Social Hall, a banquet hall in Lincoln, NE, shares their tips for planning a wedding reception.

1. Don’t Try to DIY Everything

Pinterest is full of fun and awesome DIY ideas for decorating your wedding reception, from place cards made of hand-carved wood to mason jar center-pieces. While it’s great to draw inspiration from this source, it may be more cost and time-effective to seek out local makers and online stores that can do the hard work.

2. Keep Track of Gifts & “Thank You” Cards

Most guests will bring their gifts to the bridal shower or reception, but some may send them directly to your home before the ceremony. Keep a running list of every gift received and who gave it, and write your “thank you” cards right away to avoid feeling overwhelmed later on.

3. Save Money Wherever You Can

Nobody wants to begin their new married life in debt, so it’s important to save money wherever you can. Find a banquet hall that offers event catering services, as well as other amenities such as an open bar and flower arrangements. Don’t forget to ask about discounts and other money-saving opportunities.

4. Keep Things Simple

Social media can place a lot of pressure on couples to create a completely unique and photogenic wedding. However, if you want to keep things simple, do so! Use traditional decorations such as flowers, give cookies or almonds as favors, and don’t wrack your brain trying to create a unique hashtag.

5. Plan the Wedding You Want

Your wedding should be a celebration of the love you and your fiancé have for one another. Listen to the advice and tips of others, but plan a ceremony and reception that is true to the vision you have as a couple.

If you are looking for a place to host your wedding reception in Lincoln, NE, call Havelock Social Hall at (402) 467-­3002. For information about wedding rentals and catering services, visit their website to learn more.