Make Your Mormon Wedding Reception Fun And Memorable

Mormon wedding receptions are often quite different from traditional wedding receptions. While they do include music, dancing, cake cutting, and a bouquet toss, they are usually dry events, meaning no alcohol is served. They are also typically more low-key and casual, with a focus on celebrating the couple's eternal marriage and providing gifts. The receptions may be held in a church or cultural hall, with simple decorations and snacks or light refreshments rather than a full meal. To make a Mormon wedding reception fun, consider adding some unique touches that reflect the couple's personality and interests. Here are some ideas:

- Include interactive activities or games for guests to participate in, such as a photo booth with fun props, lawn games, or a trivia game about the couple.

- Incorporate personalised details that showcase the couple's hobbies, favourite foods, or cultural traditions. For example, if the couple loves coffee, you could have a coffee bar with different blends and flavours for guests to try.

- Create a fun send-off for the couple, such as a sparkler exit or a bubble send-off, which can be a memorable and festive way to end the reception.

- If the couple is adventurous, you could organise an outdoor activity like a scavenger hunt or a group hike for guests to participate in during the reception.

- Add some entertainment, such as a live band or a fun DJ who can play a mix of music to get guests of all ages on the dance floor.

- Set up a s'mores station or a build-your-own dessert bar to add an interactive and tasty element to the reception.

- If the couple has a sense of humour, include some lighthearted games or activities, such as a Newlywed Game or a funny photo slideshow of the couple.

- Encourage guests to mingle and socialise by having icebreakers or conversation starter cards at each table.

- If children are attending, have a dedicated kids' area with games and activities to keep them entertained.

- For a more intimate and relaxed reception, consider hosting it at a unique venue that reflects the couple's interests, such as a museum, a botanical garden, or even a bowling alley.

Remember, the key is to personalise the reception to match the couple's style and what they enjoy. By adding these fun elements, you can create a memorable and enjoyable Mormon wedding reception.

Dancing, a bouquet toss and a celebratory send-off

Dancing is a great way to get everyone involved in the wedding celebrations and is a staple of most wedding receptions. Mormon wedding receptions are no different, with music and dancing often taking centre stage. If you want to make the dancing element of your wedding reception fun, consider the following:

• Choose a variety of music to suit all tastes and ages.
• If you're stuck for song choices, ask your guests to submit their song requests with their RSVPs.
• You could even ask your guests to submit a song that they think best represents the happy couple, with a prize for the best suggestion.
• If you're having a sit-down meal, place a different instrument on each table and encourage guests to play their instrument and dance to the music after the meal.
• For the couple's first dance, consider taking dance lessons to make it extra special.

The bouquet toss is a fun tradition that gets all the single ladies involved in the celebrations. It is said that whoever catches the bridal bouquet will be the next to walk down the aisle. To make the bouquet toss fun, consider the following:

• Choose an upbeat song to get everyone in the mood.
• There are lots of songs to choose from, including "Single Ladies" by Beyoncé, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper, "Glamorous" by Fergie, and "Roar" by Katy Perry.
• You could even ask the bridesmaids to join in and have a dance-off to see who gets to catch the bouquet.

A celebratory send-off is a great way to end the wedding reception and see the happy couple off on their honeymoon. There are lots of ways to make the send-off fun, including:

• Choose an upbeat song to play as the couple exits, such as "Dancing on the Ceiling" by Lionel Richie, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, or "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors.
• Ask your guests to wave sparklers as the couple makes their exit.
• Alternatively, guests could release paper lanterns or wave mini flags with celebratory messages.
• For a fun photo opportunity, guests could throw confetti or sprinkles over the couple as they leave.
• If you want to avoid any mess, guests could ring small bells or wave pom-poms instead.

There are lots of ways to make a Mormon wedding reception fun, with dancing, the bouquet toss, and a celebratory send-off being just a few ideas.

No alcohol, coffee or tea

If you're planning a Mormon wedding reception, you might be wondering how to make the event fun while adhering to the faith's guidelines on food and drink. Here are some ideas to ensure your guests have a great time, even without alcohol, coffee, or tea.

Firstly, understand the reasoning behind the restrictions. Mormons, or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), follow a code of health called the Word of Wisdom, which is based on a revelation from God in 1833. According to this code, Mormons abstain from alcohol, "hot drinks" (coffee or tea, except herbal tea), and tobacco. This is because these substances are considered harmful, and the Word of Wisdom provides counsel on living a healthy life.

Now, let's explore some ways to make your Mormon wedding reception enjoyable for all:

• Focus on the food: While there are restrictions on drinks, there are no specific traditional foods that you must serve. Get creative with your menu and offer a variety of delicious options that will satisfy your guests. Consider incorporating interactive food stations or a build-your-own bar, such as a taco or pasta bar, to add a fun element to the dining experience.
• Offer signature mocktails: Just because alcohol is off the menu doesn't mean you can't serve creative and elegant non-alcoholic drinks. Craft unique mocktails that align with your wedding theme or colours. From fruity punches to sophisticated sparkling drinks, you can provide a range of options that will delight your guests.
• Embrace the dance floor: Dancing is a key part of Mormon wedding receptions, so make sure you have a great playlist or DJ to keep your guests moving. Include a mix of upbeat songs and romantic ballads to cater to all tastes. You can even organise some group dances, like a line dance or a flash mob, to get everyone involved and create memorable moments.
• Plan interactive activities: In addition to dancing, offer other forms of entertainment that encourage guest interaction. This could include lawn games, photo booths with fun props, or even a karaoke session. If you're expecting children at the reception, set up a dedicated play area with supervised activities to keep them entertained.
• Incorporate special traditions: Mormon wedding receptions often include traditions like the bouquet toss, garter toss, and a celebratory send-off. These rituals add a special touch and provide memorable moments for the couple and their guests.
• Consider a themed reception: If you want to make your reception truly unique, choose a theme that reflects your interests as a couple. Whether it's a vintage-style garden party, a rustic barn dance, or a glamorous Great Gatsby-inspired soiree, a theme can add a layer of fun and intrigue to your celebration.

Remember, the most important aspect of your wedding reception is to celebrate the love between you and your partner. By focusing on what you can offer, rather than what is restricted, you can create a fun and memorable event that aligns with your faith and values.

Modest wedding attire

If you're looking to make a Mormon wedding reception fun, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, these weddings tend to be "dry", meaning no alcohol is served. However, that doesn't mean the reception has to be boring! You can still have music, dancing, a cake-cutting ceremony, and even a garter toss. These receptions often have a flowing, open-house style, with guests coming and going throughout the evening to congratulate the couple. There might be a first dance, parent dances, a bouquet toss, and a celebratory send-off.

Now, onto modest wedding attire. This type of clothing is often chosen for Mormon weddings, with the bride and groom changing into their wedding attire after the ceremony. For the bride, a modest wedding dress can come in many styles, from simple and minimalist to dramatic and embellished. If you're looking for a full-coverage gown, go for a high neckline, long sleeves, and a floor-length silhouette. You can add a statement cape or choose a dress with eye-catching details. For a modern look, select structured crepe or liquid silk fabrics, and avoid sheer, unlined chiffons. Modest wedding dresses can be sophisticated and stylish, with dramatic ball gowns, puff sleeves, and square necklines. For the groom, a suit is a good option, and the wedding party often wears the same attire throughout the day.

A ring ceremony outside the Temple

Choose a Location

Select a venue that aligns with your desired guest list size and wedding theme. For an intimate celebration with close family and friends, consider a large backyard garden. Alternatively, choose a country club or another suitable venue for a larger gathering.

Send Out Invitations

Invite non-Mormon family members and friends to wait outside the sanctuary in the temple lobby during the sealing ceremony, expressing their support. Specify that the actual wedding will precede the ring ceremony, but there will be a program to celebrate the marriage and exchange rings. Include a pamphlet inside the invitations explaining the sealing ceremony's significance. Combining the ring ceremony with the reception can also reduce costs.

Decide on the Program

The ring ceremony typically lasts between 10 to 20 minutes and usually begins with an opening prayer. You can ask family and friends to participate as groomsmen and bridesmaids. The bishop or another religious leader can then discuss the sealing ceremony that has already occurred. This is also an opportunity to share your faith with non-Mormon guests. If combined with the reception, decide whether to open the reception with the ring exchange or have a break between events.

Exchange the Rings

It is crucial to remember that the ring exchange must not resemble the sealing ceremony. The couple can share affections and reflections before exchanging rings. A prayer concludes the ceremony. The couple should feel free to express their emotions and not feel pressured by structure during this intimate moment.

Additional Considerations

• Music and Hymns: Include musical elements such as hymns or musical solos to enhance the ceremony.
• Opening and Closing Prayers: Begin and end the ceremony with prayers to set a solemn tone.
• Discuss the Sealing Ceremony: The officiant briefly explains what transpired in the temple, emphasising its sacred nature and restricted attendance.
• Symbolism of the Ring: The officiant can explain the symbolism of the ring, representing the eternal covenant the couple has made with the Lord.
• Kiss and Introduction: After the ring exchange, the couple may kiss and be presented to the family and friends by their new last name.

Open-house style reception

An open-house-style reception is a flowing event with guests arriving throughout the evening to congratulate the couple and their families. This style of reception can be held in a local chapel's cultural hall or a 5-star hotel ballroom, depending on the couple's preferences and budget. The food served at the reception is also chosen according to the couple's preferences, with no specific traditional dishes or drinks. However, alcohol, coffee, and tea are typically not served at Mormon wedding receptions.

When planning an open-house-style reception, it is important to consider factors such as location, accessibility, formality, and time of day. The reception is usually held near the wedding ceremony or in a central location for guests. It can be casual or formal, with afternoon receptions being more casual and evening receptions more formal. The type of food served can also vary, from a full meal to light refreshments and appetizers.

To make an open-house-style Mormon wedding reception fun, here are some ideas:

• Include traditional wedding elements such as the couple's first dance, parent dances, cake cutting, bouquet toss, and a celebratory send-off.
• Provide a dance floor and music, either with a live band or a DJ playing recorded music.
• Offer a variety of food and desserts for guests to enjoy.
• Consider staggering arrival times on the invitations to manage guest flow and prevent overcrowding.
• Repeat wedding traditions, such as the first dance, for guests who arrive at different times.
• Create a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere for guests to mingle and socialise.

By incorporating these elements and considering the logistics, you can create a fun and memorable open-house-style Mormon wedding reception.

Frequently asked questions