Weddings are a time of celebration and should be memorable, not just to the bride and groom but for everyone invited. So, here are 6 tips to ensure that your reception will be one to remember.
Theme & Style
Whilst not all weddings have a theme, they can add a considerable amount of fun and style when done right. Whether it is a colour scheme or a consistent thematic element, such as “countryside chic”, you can find a way to make your reception to die for.
The way you style the venue will play a big part in setting the scene, so consider your flowers, centrepieces, colour palette, and other styling elements carefully. Remember that it’s not just the guest tables; you’ll also need to consider the bridal table, entrance, any separate seating areas, the cocktail area, and the cake/gift tables.
Entertainment
The music and entertainment can make a huge impact on the vibe of your special day. Having the right mood music for the situation can really change the atmosphere. For example, playing acoustic music whilst dinner is being served will keep the vibe up without being overbearing so people can still have conversations.
Also, having smaller entertainment pieces, such as a photobooth or magician, can really liven up the party and create an amazing atmosphere. Most entertainment nowadays is a lot easier to book as well, whether you need photo booth hire in Sydney or doves in Darwin, you can always find somewhere from just a quick search online.
Food
Probably one of the most important parts of the reception is the food. If you have a strong menu that everyone loves, they will talk about it for years to come. When you’re planning your food and drinks, consider your guests, vegetarian options, how the courses complement one another, and what the flow of your day is like. Also, make sure to have canapés throughout the night, as people get hungrier during cocktail/party hour and it is best to be drinking and eating together.
Guest Consideration
The more comfortable and happy your guests are, the better the party will be. To ensure your guests are comfortable throughout, try taking simple things into consideration, such as:
How far away is the parking?
Do they have something to do during cocktail hour?
Are there places for them to sit?
Is there transportation from the ceremony?
With just a little extra effort, you can not only make the reception amazing for everyone, but accessible for those who may having trouble getting there, like grandparents.
Keep the formalities short
Try to keep your ceremony simple and short. A long, drawn-out ceremony will lower your guests’ energy levels, and sometimes it cannot be recovered for the reception. So, opting for a shorter ceremony can keep the energy levels high and help get the reception off to a good start.
Another formality to keep short is the speeches. Many fun events have been driven into the ground by deathly long speeches. To keep the party energy up, ask your speech givers to keep their toasts short and sweet.
Have some down time
Back-to-back activities, especially after a long trip, will run both your guests and you into the ground. Have some time and space to explore and relax, as this will allow all involved to be refreshed and excited for the rest of the night’s festivities. This is particularly important if you have a destination wedding, a bunch of guests in from out of town, or a lot of children/elderly people coming, as everything can become overwhelming for them and quickly ruin the fun.
Weddings are a time of celebration and fun for everyone, and with these tips, you can guarantee everyone will have an amazing time.