Junior Rasmussen
Planning a wedding reception can be a stressful affair, but a well-prepared checklist can help ensure that nothing is forgotten. From the wedding cake to the floral arrangements, there are many things to consider when planning the perfect reception. Guests, too, have a role to play in making the day a success, and there are several items they should remember to bring along.
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What You'll Learn
Gifts, cards, and cash
As a guest, you may be wondering what gifts, cards, and cash to bring to a wedding reception. It is always a good idea to bring a gift, card, or cash to the wedding reception. This can be placed on the gift table, which is usually set up with a card box. If you are bringing a larger gift, it is best to send it directly to the couple's home. You can usually find instructions on the registry.
When it comes to gifts, you can bring smaller presents to the reception. These can include items such as a pair of special toasting flutes, a cake slice, or other personal items. If the couple has a unity item, such as photos for a memory table, you can also bring those to the reception. Alternatively, you can give cash or a cheque, which is always a convenient option for the couple. This can be useful for the couple to cover any unexpected expenses, such as transportation or an after-party.
If you prefer to give a card, you can include a heartfelt message and your well-wishes for the couple. It is also a nice gesture to include some extra cash or a cheque inside the card. This can be a more discreet way to give a monetary gift if you feel uncomfortable placing it on the gift table.
In addition to gifts, cards, and cash, there are a few other things you may want to bring to the wedding reception. These include essentials such as a mobile phone, which can be useful for directions, reviewing the itinerary, and capturing photos and videos. It is also a good idea to bring some cash for yourself in case you need to pay for transportation or any unexpected costs. Some other useful items to bring are mints or breath sprays, tissues, and a portable steamer for any last-minute touch-ups.
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Allergy medicine and snacks
If you have food allergies or strict dietary restrictions, it is a good idea to bring your own snacks to a wedding reception. Even if you don't have any allergies, you may want to bring some snacks to stave off hunger pangs while waiting for dinner to be served.
Some allergy medicines may cause drowsiness, so it is important to be prepared with snacks that will keep your energy levels up. If you are spending the night at a hotel for the wedding, bringing snacks is also a good idea.
For those with allergies, it is important to know which foods to avoid and which alternatives are safe to eat. For example, if you are allergic to wheat, you can use rice flour, oats, corn flour, or amaranth as substitutes. If you are allergic to dairy, there are many plant-based alternatives available, such as Country Crock Plant Butter, which is free from peanuts, tree nuts, and fish/shellfish. You can also use canola oil, which is typically safe for those with food allergies.
When packing snacks for a wedding reception, consider bringing both sweet and savoury options. Some savoury options that are free from common allergens include hummus, rice crackers, popcorn, French fries, and plain potato chips. For those with a sweet tooth, candy like Skittles, sweet tarts, and taffy are usually allergy-friendly. Frozen treats such as sorbet, fruit popsicles, Italian ice, or oat milk-based ice cream are also good options.
It is important to be mindful of other guests who may have allergies. If you are bringing snacks that contain common allergens, such as nuts, keep them separate from other foods and clearly label them to prevent cross-contamination.
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Phone, mints, and tissues
While you won't need to bring much to a wedding reception, there are a few items that could be useful to have on hand. Here are some reasons why you might want to bring your phone, some mints, and some tissues:
Phone
A phone is a useful item to bring to a wedding reception. You can use it to take photos of the celebration, but remember that a hired wedding photographer will also be taking photos, so you don't need to worry about capturing every moment. It's also helpful to have your phone for directions to and from the venue, and for calling a cab after the reception. However, it's important to be mindful of your phone usage during the reception. Avoid being glued to your phone, and try to connect with other wedding guests. It's also a good idea to refrain from posting on social media, as the couple may want to be the first to share photos of their special night.
Mints
Mints are a traditional item to have at a wedding reception. They are often served alongside nuts and the wedding cake, and can be offered in little bags or at a candy buffet. Cream cheese mints are a popular choice. If you are hosting the wedding, you may want to calculate the number of mints needed based on the number of guests. If you are attending the wedding, bringing your own mints can be a good way to ensure fresh breath throughout the reception.
Tissues
A small pack of tissues can be useful to stash in your bag, especially if you're someone who tears up easily at heartfelt moments. Weddings are full of emotional moments, from the vows and readings to the first dance, so tissues can be a lifesaver if you're worried about waterworks.
Remember, while it's great to be prepared, you don't need to stress too much about bringing every possible item to a wedding reception. Most of what you need, like food and drink, will be provided, so you can focus on celebrating the happy couple.
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Change of shoes and jewellery
If you're attending a wedding, you may want to bring a change of shoes and jewellery for the reception. While it's not necessary, it can be a practical and comfortable option, especially if you're planning to dance the night away. Here are some things to consider:
Change of Shoes
Changing into a different pair of shoes for the wedding reception is becoming increasingly popular, especially for brides. It offers a practical solution when you'll be doing a lot of walking and dancing. You can choose a more comfortable pair of shoes that will give your feet a break without sacrificing style. Ballet flats, sandals, or even platform sneakers are all great options that can provide comfort and stability.
If you're concerned about your dress length, you can always have it hemmed to accommodate the height of your second pair of shoes. This way, you can ensure that your dress won't be too long and avoid any tripping hazards on the dance floor. Additionally, consider wearing in your first pair of shoes before the wedding day, so you can make an informed decision about when to switch into your more comfortable pair.
Jewellery
Changing your jewellery for the reception is a matter of personal preference and depends on whether you're changing into a new outfit. If you're staying in your wedding gown or outfit for the entire day, you may want to stick with the same jewellery throughout. However, if you're changing into a different reception dress, you may want to switch up your jewellery to match your new look. This could be a fun opportunity to showcase different pieces and create a different style for the evening celebrations.
Remember, the decision to change your shoes and jewellery is entirely up to you. You can always stick with your original choices if that's what you feel most comfortable with. Ultimately, the most important thing is that you feel confident and enjoy your time at the wedding reception.
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Photo booth and entertainment
A photo booth can be a fun addition to your wedding reception, providing entertainment for your guests and creating lasting memories. Here are some tips and ideas to consider when planning a photo booth for your special day:
Types of Photo Booths
There are various types of photo booths to choose from, and a reputable photo booth company can help you select the best option for your wedding. Consider a classic enclosed photo booth that prints out physical strips of photos, or opt for an open-air photo booth with a fun backdrop and props. Modern photo booths may offer digital copies of the images, allowing your guests to instantly share their photos on social media.
Backdrops and Props
Enhance the photo booth experience by providing creative backdrops and a selection of fun props. Backdrops can range from simple curtains or drapes to more elaborate setups, such as floral arches or balloon walls. Props can include items like oversized sunglasses, funny hats, feather boas, masks, and signs with witty sayings. These additions encourage guests to get creative and capture memorable and playful photos.
Personalization
Personalize your photo booth to match your wedding theme or style. You can incorporate your wedding colours, add customized props, or include a special message or your wedding hashtag. If you have a wedding logo or monogram, consider using it as a backdrop or on the photo prints to make them extra special.
Guest Book Alternative
The photo booth can also serve as an interactive guest book. Encourage guests to leave a copy of their photo strip in a provided album and write a message next to it. This creates a unique and visual keepsake that you can cherish long after the wedding.
Additional Entertainment Ideas
In addition to the photo booth, here are some extra entertainment ideas to engage your guests:
- Lawn games: If your reception venue has outdoor space, consider setting up lawn games like giant Jenga, cornhole, or croquet.
- Dancing: Create a vibrant dance floor with a DJ or live band. Provide fun giveaways like glow sticks, colourful wigs, or inflatable instruments to get everyone moving.
- Karaoke: Set up a karaoke machine for guests who love to sing. This can be a fun alternative to a traditional dance floor.
- Magician or performer: Hire a roaming magician or performer to interact with guests and provide a unique form of entertainment.
- Games and quizzes: Place board games or wedding-themed quizzes on the tables to keep guests entertained between courses during the wedding breakfast.
Remember, the key is to offer a variety of entertainment options that appeal to different interests and energy levels, ensuring that all your guests have a memorable time at your wedding reception.
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Frequently asked questions
Aside from your phone, some essentials to bring to a wedding reception include:
- Money (cash, checks, cards)
- A small gift for the gift table
- A portable steamer for your clothes
- A change of shoes
- Blister defense products or band-aids
- Tissues
- Allergy medicine
- Mints or chewing gum
- Your favourite jewellery
You don't need to bring food or drink to a wedding reception, but it is a good idea to bring your own snacks if you have food allergies or strict dietary restrictions.
You don't need to bring entertainment to a wedding reception, but you may want to bring your phone to play music or games.
