Wedding Reception Ideas

Receptions are the celebration every couple looks forward to after months of planning. It is the reward for hard work, blood sweat and tears. It is a time to let your hair down and enjoy the moment. A theme is not necessary, but a timeline needs to be adhered to or the party could last all night long.

Here are a few reception theme ideas:

• Haute Hoe Down. Put a twist on the classic barn party. Rent an old classic natural wood barn. Enhance it with natural fabrics and straw decorations. Capitalize on the natural environment and embellish it with browns, tans, oranges, greens and golds. Have tall cabaret tables tied with straw bows to give them a nice shape. Play on the season and serve hot spiced cider and mulled wines.
• Black and white receptions are always classic. All of the colors for the decor are black and white. Add a black and white tiled dance floor. The contrast of the colors is rich and sophisticated. Invite your guests to dress in black and white to further the theme.
• If you leave near the beach, a Luau themed reception would be perfect. The caterer could prepare all of the native food; even have a pig roasting pit for ambiance. While the bridal party is wrapping up photos, entertainment could include hula lessons, fire eaters and native drummers.
• Renaissance theme could be fun for your guests. Decor would be in rich burgundies, golds and greens. Heavy velvets and gold flatware. Candelabra's laced with burgundy roses could dress the tables. A string quartet during dinner would add to the ambiance.
• An outdoor garden party might be the perfect conclusion to an outdoor spring or summer wedding. Yellows and whites with natural fresh florals would make a simple statement to accent the garden environment. This would be suitable for an afternoon reception with light appetizers

Most receptions last 3.5-4 hours. Adding entertainment to keep guests occupied is a nice touch while they wait for the wedding party to arrive. Do not add so much entertainment that it overshadows the main event. Entertainment can be used to help announce the arrival of the happy newlyweds then they should disappear as the festivities get started. Make arrangements that will express your personal style and personalities. Create a fun environment for friends and family to celebrate your most special day.