Afternoon Wedding Reception: Ensuring Fun And Energy

Planning an afternoon wedding reception that's fun for all your guests can be a challenge, but with the right activities, food, and drinks, your celebration will be memorable. Here's how to make sure your afternoon wedding reception is a blast!

First, consider the timeline of your day. Afternoon weddings often start earlier, so you and your guests might need to wake up at the crack of dawn to get ready. Plan a rehearsal lunch instead of a dinner, and make sure your hairstylist and makeup artist are available for an early morning start.

Next, think about the food and drinks. A daytime wedding doesn't have to be stuffy or formal. You could serve brunch-inspired dishes, mimosas, and light cocktails. If your reception continues into the evening, provide a second round of food to keep the party going.

Now, for the fun part: activities and entertainment! You can still have dancing at an afternoon wedding, especially if you hire a great DJ or band. Get everyone involved with interactive music and events, like a bouquet toss, familiar songs, and fun props on the dance floor. If dancing isn't your thing, create layers of entertainment with different areas to explore, such as a photo booth, live musicians, board games, and a craft station for kids.

Finally, don't forget to set the right tone and manage guest expectations. Let your guests know what to expect with your invitations and wedding website. Whether you're going for casual or elegant, sundresses or cowboy boots, give your guests a heads-up so they can dress accordingly.

With these tips, your afternoon wedding reception is sure to be a fun and unique celebration!

Lawn games

Giant Jenga

A giant version of the classic block-stacking game Jenga is sure to be a hit with your guests. You can even customise the blocks with "Did You Know" facts about you and your partner to add a personal touch and help your guests get to know you better.

Corn Hole

Corn Hole is a fun and engaging lawn game that can be customised to match your wedding decor. It's a great way to get your guests active and can be played by people of all ages.

Ring Toss

Ring Toss is a simple yet fun game that will bring out your guests' competitive spirit. You can even write the names of guests and bridal party members on the bottles and rings to add a fun twist and see who gets paired with whom.

Croquet

Croquet is a perfect game for a garden-themed or backyard wedding. It's simple to set up, but challenging enough to keep your guests entertained. Plus, you can find croquet sets in different styles to match your wedding theme.

Bocce Ball

Bocce Ball is an Italian game that can be played on soil, asphalt, or grass, making it a versatile option for outdoor weddings. It can be played with two players or two teams, making it ideal for groups of guests to gather and compete.

Giant Connect Four

This classic childhood game can be stepped up a notch by making it giant-sized. You can add a personal touch by painting the playing pieces in your wedding colours.

Yard Pong

A giant version of the popular drinking game, Yard Pong is sure to bring excitement to your wedding reception. It's a great way to get your guests socialising and having fun.

Ladder Toss

Also known as Ladder Golf, this game is perfect for two or more players. It's a simple game that will keep your guests entertained and can be customised to match your wedding colours or theme.

In addition to these lawn games, you can also consider setting up a badminton court, a jumbo set of dice, or a checkers mat. These games will add a fun and interactive element to your afternoon wedding reception, keeping your guests entertained and creating lasting memories.

Alcoholic drinks

While it's not necessary to serve alcohol at your wedding, it can be a fun way to get your guests mingling and dancing. If you're having an afternoon wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to serving alcohol.

First, consider the time of day and the atmosphere you want to create. Afternoon weddings tend to be more low-key and casual, so you might want to choose drinks that reflect that. Lighter drinks such as mimosas, bellinis, or Bloody Marys can be a good option, as opposed to heavier cocktails like martinis or Manhattans. You could also serve beer, wine, and champagne, or create a signature cocktail for the bride and groom with cute names.

If you're worried about the alcohol consumption getting too wild, you can offer a limited selection of drinks or serve drinks that are lower in alcohol content. Another option is to have a drink station where guests can help themselves to non-alcoholic drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or fruit-infused water. This can help ensure that guests have a variety of options and can pace themselves throughout the afternoon.

If your wedding is outdoors, be mindful of the weather and provide shade and hydration for your guests. You don't want anyone getting too hot or dehydrated, especially if they're drinking alcohol.

When it comes to the amount of alcohol you should have, a good rule of thumb is to plan for each guest to have around two drinks per hour. This will vary depending on your crowd, but it's always better to have too much than too little.

Finally, don't forget to have some non-alcoholic options available as well. Not everyone drinks alcohol, and it's important to accommodate different preferences and dietary restrictions. Some non-alcoholic drink ideas include fancy mocktails, sparkling juice, or virgin versions of your signature cocktails.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and celebrate with your loved ones. As long as there are drinks and good company, your guests are sure to have a great time!

Dancing

Music and Entertainment

While an afternoon wedding reception doesn't have to be dull, you may want to opt for a lighter and brighter atmosphere. Instead of a DJ, consider hiring an upbeat live band to perform cheerful music that will get your guests on their feet. A jazz ensemble, acoustic guitarist, or mariachi band are great options for creating a lively yet daytime-appropriate atmosphere. If you do decide to go with a DJ, instruct them to play shorter versions of songs, focusing on the most exciting parts that will get your guests moving.

Guest Expectations

It's important to manage your guests' expectations. Let them know what to expect in terms of activities and timeline. If you want to encourage dancing, consider having your DJ announce that everyone should join on the dance floor for a big group photo. Take the photo, then play an upbeat song to keep the energy high. You can also incorporate interactive and familiar music that invites everyone to the dance floor, such as the Cha Cha Slide or YMCA. These songs might be a bit cheesy, but they are sure to get guests of all ages participating and having fun.

Alcohol and Refreshments

While cocktails are typically associated with evening weddings, there's no reason you can't serve them at an afternoon reception. Mimosas, champagne, and signature cocktails are perfect for toasting and adding a festive touch to your daytime celebration. However, be mindful of the duration of your reception and the amount of alcohol served. You don't want your guests to become too inebriated too early in the day. Also, remember to provide non-alcoholic options and plenty of refreshments, especially if your wedding is outdoors or during warmer months.

Timing and Duration

The timing and duration of your reception are crucial to keeping the energy high and fun. Most receptions last around 3-4.5 hours, including time for dinner, special dances, toasts, and open dancing. If your reception starts in the early afternoon, you may want to wrap up by early evening. This ensures the party doesn't drag on and that your guests don't burn out too quickly.

Alternative Activities

While dancing is a fun activity, it's important to offer a variety of entertainment to cater to different interests and energy levels. Lawn games, photo booths, and interactive music events like a bouquet/garter toss can be great alternatives or complements to dancing. These activities will give your guests a break from dancing while still keeping the reception lively and engaging.

By incorporating these tips, you can ensure your afternoon wedding reception is full of fun, dancing, and memorable moments for you and your guests.

Music

Afternoon wedding receptions can be just as fun as evening ones, and music is a key part of creating a lively atmosphere. Here are some ideas for making sure your afternoon wedding reception is a blast:

Live Music

Live music can add a unique and special touch to your wedding reception. Consider hiring a live band or musicians to perform during the reception. This could be a fun and unexpected twist on the traditional wedding DJ. For example, you could hire a jazz ensemble, a string quartet, or a mariachi band. Live music can also provide a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere, which could be perfect for an afternoon wedding.

Upbeat and Cheerful Music

Daytime weddings tend to be more cheerful and upbeat, so choose music that reflects this. Opt for something bright and happy rather than dark and heavy. You could even theme your music choices to match the time of day, with songs about the sun, morning, or afternoon.

Interactive Music

To keep your guests entertained and engaged, consider interactive music choices. This could include well-known songs that everyone can sing along to, or even a karaoke session. You could also provide fun props for guests to use while dancing, such as big sunglasses, glow sticks, beach balls, flower crowns, hula hoops, leis, funny masks, and hats.

If you're planning on having lawn games at your reception, don't forget to provide some music to accompany them. This could be something fun and playful, like the Cha Cha Slide or the YMCA. These songs are likely to be familiar to guests of all ages and can get everyone involved and having fun.

For a unique twist, you could organise a silent disco. This is where guests wear headphones and dance to music that only they can hear. It can be a fun and unexpected element that will have your guests talking and laughing.

If you're having a themed wedding, don't forget to choose music that fits the theme. For example, if you're having a vintage wedding, you could play swing or jazz music. If you're having a rustic barn wedding, you might choose more country or folk-inspired music.

If you don't want dancing to be the main focus of your reception, you can still use music to create a fun atmosphere. Opt for more relaxed and mellow music that will provide a pleasant backdrop for mingling and conversation. You could have a jazz band or a solo guitarist playing in the background while guests enjoy their meals and drinks.

If you're planning a sparkler send-off to end your reception, choose some upbeat and celebratory music to accompany it. This will create a fun and memorable moment for you and your guests.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose music that reflects your personality and style as a couple. Whether you go for a traditional DJ, a live band, or something more unique, your guests are sure to have a fantastic time.

Food

Timing and Portion Size

Firstly, consider the timing of your reception. An afternoon reception, starting around 2 p.m. and ending by 5 p.m., is perfect for a more informal, creative event. This timing lends itself to a lighter meal, such as finger foods, appetizers, or a tea reception. If you opt for an early afternoon reception, your guests may not be ready for a full meal, so it's best to stick to lighter options that can be easily eaten while standing and mingling.

Appetizers and Finger Foods

If you're looking for a more casual dining experience, consider serving a variety of appetizers and finger foods. This option allows your guests to mix and mingle while enjoying a variety of tasty treats. Think about protein-based options like shrimp cocktail, steak kebabs, or tuna tartare for something more filling. For a more casual approach, chicken wings, sliders, and mini tacos are always popular. If you're worried about guests going hungry, consider offering a variety of substantial appetizers, such as:

• Mini lobster rolls
• Ceviche bites
• Paper cones with fries and personalised packets of popcorn
• Mini milkshake shots with cookie dippers
• Antipasto charcuterie cones
• Mini spring rolls with a signature dipping sauce
• Mini grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup
• Pigs in blankets
• Mini tacos
• Mini grilled cheese sandwiches
• Mini quiches
• Mini sandwiches
• Chicken skewers
• Bruschetta
• Fruit and vegetable skewers
• Salads (try pre-portioned salads in brown paper bags for a rustic touch)
• Cheese and meat platters
• Prawn/shrimp cocktails
• Baked goods, such as cookies or small pies

Tea Reception

For a truly unique and romantic twist, consider hosting an afternoon tea reception. This option is perfect for couples who want to do something a little different and is especially well-suited to large guest lists and small budgets. Offer a variety of finger sandwiches (with the crusts removed, of course), wedding cake, cupcakes, and a selection of teas and champagne punch.

Buffet

If you're looking for a more casual dining experience that allows your guests to mix and match their meal choices, consider a buffet. This option provides something for everyone, with a variety of dishes, including both meat and vegetarian entrées, and plenty of side dishes, salads, and vegetables. However, keep in mind that a buffet may not necessarily be cheaper than a sit-down meal, and your guests may spend a significant amount of time waiting in line.

Sit-Down Meal

For a more elegant and traditional approach, a sit-down meal is the way to go. This option allows everyone to eat at the same time and is particularly well-suited to a formal afternoon reception. Typically, a sit-down meal includes a few appetizers, one or two entrée options, and dessert. Some ideas for a more substantial meal include:

• Cold salmon and chicken
• Gourmet sandwiches with a variety of toppings and artisan breads
• Baked potatoes with various toppings
• BBQ dishes, such as pulled pork sandwiches or ribs
• Pasta dishes
• Pizza
• Salad (try something colourful that ties into your wedding colour palette)
• Seasonal vegetables
• Quail and mushrooms

Frequently asked questions