Are naked or nearly nude cakes still a thing? Should you go for an outdoor venue for your wedding reception or is that so 2017?
What about entertainment and the after-party? Would it be tacky to hire a sketch artist or even a magician?
These are just some of the wedding reception ideas you may be toying with. It’s good to know the latest trends, as well as classic ideas that never go out of style when you’re planning your wedding reception.
That said, let’s talk about the top 10 ideas that can make your wedding reception an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Wedding Reception Decoration Ideas
The degree to which you can decorate a wedding reception venue will depend on your contract. For example, if you choose a museum or a historic wedding venue, it’s unlikely they will let you use nails to hang signage.
But the good news is you can always opt for wedding decorations that are low maintenance but still far from boring. Here are 3 ideas you can add to your wedding reception inspiration board.
1. Lush Arrangements
If you have a limited flower budget, greenery (and lots of it) are your best option. You can also arrange to have the flowers you used at the ceremony to be transferred to the reception venue.
Silk flowers are also a great idea. They’re easy to arrange and they don’t wilt. That means you can resell them online so that some other couple can use it for their wedding.
2. Gorgeous Draping
It’s amazing what you can achieve with the right amount of fabric and some draping. With overhead draping, you can make a too-large space feel warmer and more intimate.
Or consider using sheer ceiling drape panels. Add some string lights and your indoor reception space will make guests feel like they’re dining al fresco.
3. Creative Centerpieces
From mini-terrariums to roses on a tiered cake stand to succulents and more, there are many ways to get creative with your wedding centerpieces.
You can even DIY them if you have a lot of time. But even if you don’t, you can always get friends or relatives to help you out.
Wedding Reception Food and Drink Ideas
Just because you’re having a traditional wedding doesn’t mean you have to serve the usual fare as well. Remember, it’s all about personalized weddings these days.
There’s no such thing as a food or drink that’s too niche. So why not take this opportunity to serve the foods or beverages you love as a couple? For other unique wedding reception food and drink ideas, here are 4 you might like to try.
4. Wedding Food Stations
With food stations, there’s no need to worry about your guests going hungry even if you planned a long reception program. And they’re completely customizable.
There are fancy options such as sushi or oysters. But you can also go for easier to execute ideas such as popcorn stations, doughnut walls, and taco/nacho bars.
5. Family-Style Service
If you’re looking for wedding reception food ideas on a budget, consider serving food family-style. This way, you get to control the portions, and you don’t have to stress about labor costs, too since everything’s laid out on the tables.
For this type of service, rice-based dishes, casseroles, and so on are good cost-effective choices. You can also be innovative by serving dishes such as tomato and cabbage tabouleh, Moroccan chicken brochettes, etc.
6. Non-Cake Dessert Ideas
What’s better than one dessert?
More desserts, of course. Plus, it only seems fitting to have some extra treats on a super sweet day.
From pop tarts to s’mores to mini pies on a stick, waffle sundaes, and more, there are plenty of non-cake dessert ideas to choose from. You can also check out this company for a fuss-free way to serve these goodies to your guests.
7. Signature Cocktails
There are almost infinite ways to customize a drink for your wedding reception. For a summer wedding, you can serve something like a strawberry or watermelon refresher with a splash of vodka.
Or you can go for something classic like an orange gin cocktail or a grapefruit gin martini.
Other Wedding Reception Ideas Worth Exploring
If you’ve attended a lot of weddings, it may feel like you’ve seen everything there is to see. Now, this doesn’t have to negatively affect your own wedding planning. In fact, you should view it as a challenge to be more creative and have a wedding ceremony and reception your guests won’t forget.
Here are 3 more ideas for wedding receptions you’ll want to “copy.” And by that, we mean to use them as inspiration, while still making them your own.
8. Wedding Games
Want your guests to remember your wedding as a fun affair? No problem. If you set up games that guests young or old can enjoy, it’s going to be easy.
Some examples include a giant Jenga, traditional ring toss, word search, and so on. There are more ideas online, especially for outdoor weddings.
9. Musical Entertainment
Don’t want to a wedding DJ? You don’t need to since there are plenty of other options for musical entertainment.
You can hire a solo pianist, a classical guitarist, or a string quartet. Jazz bands are also worth considering, as well as swing bands.
10. Wedding Favors
The easiest wedding favors to give are the ones your guests will actually use. For example, edible items such as chocolate bars or small bottles of olive oil are unlikely to languish in a shelf somewhere. Your guests will want to consume them asap.
You may also want to give something they can grow such as bags of seeds or succulents. Long after your wedding is over, guests will have a living reminder of your big day.
Need More Wedding Ideas?
Now that you know some awesome wedding reception ideas, don’t forget to share them with your partner. You don’t want to be the only person planning the wedding, and it’ll be more memorable if you explore new and classic ideas together.
For more wedding tips and advice, feel free to browse our blog.
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