The Banquet Event Order

I often find myself emailing brides about two weeks prior to their event asking if they have received a copy of their BEO so that I may look it over for them.

About 95% of them have no idea what this is. I found this in other planners blog who I love to read and wanted to share it with all you lovely ladies that read mine.

Thanks Liene!



When you get married, there is one piece of paper that is probably of equal or more importance than your timeline and that is the Banquet Event Order (more commonly referred to as the BEO).

The Banquet Event Order is what your venue or caterer will use to set up everything for your reception. This document is separate from your contract and you won't receive it until closer to your wedding date. The BEO includes exactly what you are eating, the number of tables you've ordered, the number of chairs at each table, the exact times food will leave the kitchen to make it to your guests while staying hot, etc. It is prepared for you by your venue, so you don't have to worry about creating this.

You or your wedding planner will have to sign off on this document prior to the wedding. Before you sign, make sure you go over it with a fine tooth comb. While you should read every document thoroughly before signing, this is definitely one to pay special attention to. For many catering managers and banquet captains, the BEO is essentially their bible for your wedding day.

If something is not on there, it will likely not be happening during your reception. If something is on there, but you don't want it to be, make sure it is removed prior to signing off on it. The venue staff will execute set up and service according to what is stated on the BEO. It is the document they use to make sure that all staff are literally on the same page.

If you are using a wedding planner, they will take care of reviewing this for you. If you are using a day-of coordinator, make sure they have a final copy of the BEO. This will help them ensure that everything runs smoothly on your wedding day.