Top Secrets to a Fun Wedding Reception

by admin / Sunday, 14 January 2018 / Published in Party Rental

An increasing number of couples are challenging outdated wedding traditions in favor of more personalized celebrations. A brief scroll through wedding ideas on any search engine will prove that modern-day weddings are much more than just the meal, the speeches, and the first dance. The following wedding reception tips will help inspire you to bring the most fun into your special day.

1. Think beyond the three-course menu

Wedding food doesn’t always have to be a salad, an entrée, and a dessert. Choosing food that is tasty and unexpected will make for a memorable dining experience for your guests. Offering succulent barbecue, a local specialty dish, or even gourmet pizza are all crowd-pleasing options.

2. Create a DIY Buffet Table

Give foodie guests the chance to tailor their food to personal tastes with a do-it-yourself food or drink bar. Options could include specialized versions of the bride and groom’s favorite foods or could match the general theme for the wedding. Consider food options that are easily customizable, such as ice cream sundaes or tacos, or drinks such as mimosas or sangria.

3. Hire unexpected entertainment

There’s no better way to surprise wedding guests than with an unconventional entertainment option. Hire a mariachi band, dueling pianos, or plan a firework display at the end of the night for the moments before your departure.

4. Set time guidelines for speeches

Kindly give a five-minute time limit to those who will be making a speech at your wedding. While many friends and family members could easily fill an hour with all their endearing anecdotes about the newlyweds, guests begin to lose interest after the first few minutes. Asking speech-givers to narrow it down to the best highlights will make for a concise and charming toast.

5. Curate a playlist for everyone

Many wedding reception tips will suggest the bride and groom select music for the reception that is meaningful to their relationship. However, to get your guests on the dance floor, including songs that remind you of your friendships or familial ties. You can also ask guests to make requests on your RSVP cards.

6. Test your skills and luck with games

Not everyone likes dancing at weddings, so cater to these guests by providing game options at your wedding. Quick and popular board and card games are best, such as Pictionary, Uno, or Connect Four. Having an outdoor wedding? Set up customized corn hole boards, giant Jenga, or horseshoes for your guests to face off.

7. Provide activity bags for kids

To keep parents happy and kids occupied, create small activity packs to hand out to your younger guests at the beginning of the night. These can include coloring pages, customized Mad Libs-style or I Spy games, or small toys like bubbles, glow sticks, or Legos.

8. Opt for a Photobooth over a photographer

Many couples splurge on all-day photography packages to ensure every moment of their wedding is documented professionally. However, many reception guests will have more fun taking their own photos with a Photobooth. Props and costumes allow guests to relax around the camera to better capture the moment.

9. Challenge your guests to a game of trivia

Avoid any lull between the meal and dancing with a trivia game hosted by the bride and groom. Questions can be about the happy couple and their interests, with the option to add in bonus questions about family members and members of the bridal party.

10. Encourage meaningful guestbook entries

Create a unique guestbook to make the most of your friends and family’s thoughtfulness. Provide a Polaroid camera for guests to include a photo of themselves along with a note, or ask for “Bucket List” activity suggestions for the newlyweds.

11. Add extra comforts to an outdoor wedding

Outdoor weddings are beautiful, but the weather can always be unpredictable. Make sure you are prepared for any weather scenario by offering items such as blankets and umbrellas at your outdoor wedding. Many wedding rentals, such as tents and marquees, can make an outdoor wedding more comfortable, regardless of hot, cold, or rainy weather.

12. Arrange a low-key lounge area

Give guests a quiet space to relax amid all the festivities by creating a comfy lounge area tucked away from the dance floor action. Wedding rentals can help achieve the lounge look with comfy plush chairs, couches, and a bit of mood lighting.

13. Design an Insta-worthy wedding

Weddings are a popular place for Instagram users to snap photos. Include a stunning entryway or a lush greenery backdrop to provide the optimum background for these smartphone photographers.

14. Organize the reception space thoughtfully

Consider how guests will enter and move within the space when selecting your table layout. Cocktail tables can be added by the bar for smaller groups to gather, and coffee and snack areas will be particularly popular for those who stay late into the evening.

15. Allow yourself to skip traditions

Ultimately your wedding day is a celebration of you and your other half, and the beautiful life you are making together. If there are traditions you feel uncomfortable with, like a garter or bouquet toss, don’t force yourself to fit into the mold. By allowing yourself to leave your own personal mark, your special day will be an unforgettable occasion for everyone who is sharing this moment with you.

For tips, ideas and party resources read our blog.