Your wedding reception is your time to create a lasting impression on your guests. Want to create a wedding that your friends and family will enjoy and remember forever? In creating your wedding reception, create an event that is a reflection of the couple you truly are. Take this opportunity to create with your wedding designer a reception that is a party influenced by the two of you. Pull from the things that the two of you enjoy. Include aspects or influences that are significant to the two of you. Say for example, he proposed at sunset on a secluded dock over a lake in autumn amongst the shifting hues of the trees; possibly pull from this memory as your color inspiration for your reception. Do the two of you share a common interest in a particular era? If the two of you have always had a fondness for the 20’s, for example, let that be an influence in the design of your wedding reception. Derive your wedding reception influences from common interests in themes, colors, movies, eras, music, and more. A talented wedding designer has the ability to take the things you love and tastefully mold them into influences for your reception. Here are some ideas to help you with the creation of your wedding reception:
–Select the right venue. Opt for a venue that will fit the theme and number of guests your reception will have. If you are having a high end lavish wedding, for example, opt for a venue such as a luxury banquet hall. Many 5 star hotels offer exquisite halls for just such an occasion. If your wedding reception is decadent with a Shabby Chic tone, an older looking venue with a completely modified interior may be the route for you.
–Create a timeline for your reception. Having a timeline for your reception helps the flow of the evening and also helps to provide a definitive start and conclusion time.
Example:
7:00pm- Reception begins. Cocktails are served. Light music is played.
7:15pm- Emcee commences the reception announcing the Bride and Groom.
7:20pm- Dinner is served.
8:00pm- Best man and Maid of Honor speeches are held.
8:15pm- Music begins for dancing. Bride and Groom have their ‘first dance’, followed by guest dancing.
9:00pm- Bride and Groom cut the cake. Guests enjoy cake.
9:30pm- Music and dancing continues. Emcee announces the Brides bouquet toss.
10:00pm- The evening begins to wrap up.
–Entertain the little ones. Consider having a specific area complete with a dedicated supervisor for the children. Including activities and entertainment for the children can help them to enjoy the celebration too.
–Don’t be afraid to try something new at your wedding. If it fits your personality as a couple, go for it! If you and your groom are avid fans of a particular sports team, for example, work it into your reception with taste. All those attending know and love the two of you; adding your touches to your special day is a right you get on your big day.
–Don’t forget about lighting. Lighting isn’t always an aspect we think about, yet it plays an important role in any event, especially when it comes to outdoor wedding reception events. Remember to take into consideration the light that you will have, or the lack thereof if you will be celebrating outside past sunset. Also be sure to be aware of, or make sure your wedding designer is aware of, the building/state fire codes if candles will be involved in your wedding.
These are just a few tips that can help to make your wedding reception memorable. Seek council from your wedding designer for more tips and advice with the execution of your spectacular wedding reception. Be true to who you are as a couple in creating your perfect wedding reception and enjoy your big day!