It’s easy to get caught up in the traditional things that come with a wedding. We’re sure you already have something blue picked out and ready to go, but have you thought about your reception?
Your wedding reception is an important day in your life, and you want to make it one to remember. So, what can you do to make it an event that everyone is sure to enjoy? We’ve got you covered.
Read on for 10 fabulous and unique ideas for a wedding reception.
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1. Reception Ushers
While ceremony ushers may have already crossed your mind, have you thought of reception ushers? This is the perfect way to create an upscale restaurant vibe, and it’s also a great way to make sure guests don’t get confused while making their way to their seats if you have a large guest list, and here is a cheap table runner.
For larger guest lists, perhaps enlisting the help of waitstaff (if you’re able) is a good idea.
If you have a smaller guest list this idea is still a great one, but if you’re short on waitstaff then perhaps you can enlist the help of your wedding party. If there are children in your wedding party and they’re up for the task, this job is a perfect one for them — and adorable for your guests.
2. Take Song Requests
A great way to include your friends and family in wedding planning is by allowing them to request songs for the reception.
If you take advantage of online RSVPing, then you can often add questions for guests after they’ve done so. You can ask which dish they’d like at the reception, and you can even add a place for their song requests!
This is going to make keeping track of everyone’s requests easier for the planning process.
3. Local Delights
If you’re throwing a destination wedding, keep the cuisine local.
Not only is this a sustainable idea, but it’s a great way to introduce your guests to dishes they may not have otherwise tried. Support local businesses by opting for small restaurants rather than large chains.
4. Eclectic Menu
If you’re not throwing a destination wedding, you can still get creative with the menu.
Take your guests on a journey through your ideal day of food with different meals that you and your partner love. Honor your culture with traditional dishes, or even take your guests into account with things you know they’d enjoy.
You can get creative and include vegan and vegetarian options — especially if there are guests that follow these diets.
The possibilities are endless here, but the most important thing is that you and your partner are happy with your food choices.
5. Get Creative With the Alcohol
Whether it’s small bottles of champagne for guests to leave with as favors or custom wine bottle labels, the possibilities here are endless.
You can create a custom cocktail and a mocktail for any underage guests or non-drinkers. It can match your theme or speak to something different entirely.
6. Open Mic
Weddings have gotten more and more creative lately (you can read more here), but having an open mic might still sound a bit daunting. This idea is definitely best for a smaller wedding reception, but it’s also a great way to hear from people who may not have otherwise had a chance to share their stories!
If you’re on a time crunch, perhaps limit the number of people that can speak so there’s room for everything else on the itinerary.
7. Skip the Favors
If you’re having trouble coming up with favors for guests to take home, set up a donation fund in your guests’ names. Whether it’s honoring a passed away loved one or simply honoring a favorite charity, taking a moment to give back to others can take a special day to the next level.
8. Incorporate Personal Touches
Whether it’s naming each table after a place that’s significant to you as a couple or honoring yourselves in different elements of the decor, including personal touches throughout your wedding adds personality.
9. Shuttle Services
If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, a great thing to do is get creative with transportation. Whether you have relatives coming from out of town or you simply want to make things easier for guests, giving them a free way to the reception is a great idea.
While some couples opt for hot air balloons, a simple car service or bus rental is more than enough to help your guests find their way.
10. Use Secondhand Decorations
Not only can this idea help you save money, but it’s also great for the planet. Searching local forums like Facebook Marketplace or even thrift shops is a great way to ensure that you’re getting unique pieces for your wedding day, and you may even be able to accomplish more than you had originally hoped.
Instead of scouring party stores, take a look at local listings. You’ll be surprised by what you find.
Ready to Use These Ideas for a Wedding Reception?
Now that we’ve covered 10 of the best ideas for a wedding reception, it’s time for you to celebrate! Feel free to change these ideas around to fit your theme, or even think of creative ways to combine them to fit your reception!
Whatever you do, be sure to center it all around you and your spouse-to-be. Have fun with it and celebrate your big day!
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