George Boyle
Planning a wedding reception involves a lot of work, from seating and food to entertainment and decorations. While it's important to consider the obvious things, such as food and drinks, there are also less obvious but equally important aspects to think about, like power sources for lights and restroom signs. To make the event memorable, some couples choose to include unique and fun extras, such as a magic show, a bonfire with s'mores, or a silent disco. In terms of gifts, it is considered polite to send them ahead of the wedding or within three months after, rather than bringing them to the reception. Couples may also provide small favours for their guests, such as temporary tattoos or edible treats.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gifts for guests | Temporary tattoos, candy, kitchen accessories, photo booth props, sunglasses, glow sticks, etc. |
| Food and drink | Champagne, wine, water, soft drinks, bread baskets, butter plates and knives, salt and pepper shakers, etc. |
| Entertainment | Live band, wedding DJ, magic show, celebrity impersonators, drag performance, silent disco, etc. |
| Decorations | Seating chart sign, guest book, photo frames, dance floor, lighting, etc. |
| Miscellaneous | Glassware, power sources, restroom signs, etc. |
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Gifts for the couple
When it comes to wedding gifts, it's best to refer to the couple's wedding registry. This way, you can purchase gifts they actually want and need. If the couple doesn't have a registry, or if all the good items have been claimed, you can opt for a more creative approach.
Personalised Gifts
- A hand-drawn illustration of the location where the couple will exchange their vows.
- A custom house portrait.
- A hand-loomed throw personalised with names, dates, or a message of your choice.
- Couple caricature fridge magnets.
- Photo personalised mugs and planters.
- A keepsake bowl engraved with a meaningful message, along with the couple's names and wedding date.
- A bottle of wine engraved with the couple's names, wedding date, and an illustration of two champagne flutes.
Experience Gifts
If the couple loves to travel and make memories, consider gifting them an experiential present. You can contribute to their honeymoon fund or gift them camping gear if they're the outdoorsy type.
Homeware
- A set of elegant white wooden photo frames to display their wedding photos.
- A home pizza oven for authentic, mouth-watering pizzas.
- A set of terracotta candles to illuminate their space with warmth and charm.
- A set of stylish wall decor.
Other Unique Gifts
- A heart-shaped bamboo plant, which symbolises good luck.
- A Nakiri knife, a Japanese-style knife perfect for mincing, dicing, and julienning vegetables and fruits.
- A subscription to a meal kit service to simplify meal planning and encourage the couple to cook together.
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Food and drink
When deciding what food to serve at your wedding, it's important to consider the style of service. A plated meal is the most traditional style, but other options include a buffet, food stations, or a family-style meal where guests pass around large platters and bowls of food at their table. If you're having a more casual wedding, you might opt for finger foods or a build-your-own sandwich bar with artisan bread, deli meats, and toppings. For a rustic wedding, comfort foods like corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese are always a hit. If you're getting married in a region known for its fresh seafood, consider setting up a raw bar with shrimp, oysters, crab claws, and other local options.
When it comes to the food itself, there are endless options to choose from. Some couples choose to serve a full meal, typically dinner, to fuel their guests for the festivities ahead. Others opt for a variety of appetizers or a charcuterie spread before the meal. If you're having a summer wedding, consider refreshing options like watermelon and feta skewers or a modern take on the Caprese salad. For a heartier option, go for a classic like country-style fried chicken or get creative with Cajun chicken pasta or bacon-wrapped scallops. And don't forget dessert! A DIY donut bar or grill-themed cupcakes are sure to be a hit.
No matter what you choose to serve, it's important to keep your guests' dietary restrictions and preferences in mind. Be sure to include vegan or vegetarian options, and try to accommodate any allergies or special requests. Finally, don't forget to consider the practical aspects, like ensuring there are enough access points to the food so guests don't have to wait in long lines.
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Entertainment
There are many entertainment options to choose from to make your wedding reception memorable and fun. Here are some ideas to consider:
Live performances
Add a touch of glamour to your wedding reception by hiring live performers. From burlesque dancers, ballet troupes, and fire dancers to singing waiters, live circus performers, and tribute bands, there are endless options to choose from. You could even have a drag queen officiate your ceremony! If you prefer something more low-key, consider incognito opera singers or a Celtic drumming group. These surprise performances will leave your guests with a memorable experience.
Interactive activities
Keep your guests engaged with interactive activities such as casino tables, vintage arcade games, or a piñata. For creative couples, a dart art station can be a fun and unique addition. You can also set up a simple DIY Tic Tac Toe game for outdoor cocktail hours or a mini-golf course for guests of all ages to enjoy.
Unique experiences
Create a magical experience with video mapping, transforming your reception venue into a wonderland of enchantment. Or, hire a silhouette or caricature artist to provide your guests with unique portraits as memorable wedding favors. For something truly extraordinary, incorporate amusement park rides or a bouncy castle at your reception.
Other ideas
- Fireworks display
- Live band or DJ
- Coffee artist or mixologist
- SpeechBooth for guests to record well wishes
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Decorations
Table Decorations
The tables are a great place to start when it comes to wedding reception decorations. Depending on your wedding theme and style, you can opt for simple or dramatic tabletop decorations. For a rustic theme, consider using farm tables, which are stunning on their own and can be accessorized with greenery runners or burlap table runners with candles for a pop of colour. For a hybrid of rustic and glam, try velvet linens and gold chairs. If you want to make a statement, floral centrepieces, grazing tables, and whimsical wildflowers are all excellent choices.
Hanging Installations
Hanging decorations can minimize the number of items on tables, creating a streamlined and elegant look. Floral chandeliers, paper lanterns, string lights, and DIY hanging flower installations are all eye-catching options. You can also hang decor made from paper, such as garlands, paper fans, and macrame backdrops, which are simple to make but look spectacular.
Backdrops and Signage
Custom backdrops, such as a flower wall or a macrame backdrop, can be a beautiful addition to your wedding photos. You can also create a DIY photo booth backdrop to encourage guests to take their own fun pictures. Customized chalkboards, illuminated letters, and neon signs are other fun ways to incorporate signage into your decor.
Lounge Areas and Cocktail Hour
Creating a comfortable space for guests to relax and enjoy cocktail hour is important. Set up high-top tables for guests to rest their drinks and hors d'oeuvres, and consider adding a lounge area with a memory table to honour lost loved ones. Spruce up the bar area with additional decor, and if you're serving signature drinks, you can even name them after each partner!
Other Ideas
- Doughnut walls are a fun and Insta-worthy dessert idea that will grab your guests' attention.
- Outdoor wedding games, such as corn hole, croquet, and giant Jenga, will keep your guests entertained and create a funfair vibe.
- Candles can make the celebration feel more intimate, especially for larger weddings.
- Draping can help make the venue feel more intimate and can be used to cover up plain walls or separate spaces.
- Giant letters are a popular choice for wedding decorations and can spell out any word or phrase you like.
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Favours for guests
Wedding favours are a great way to thank your guests and give them something to remember your special day. Here are some ideas for favours that will delight your guests:
Edible Treats
Food is always a popular choice when it comes to wedding favours. You can get creative and make something yourself, such as cookies, chocolates, or even mini bottles of homemade limoncello. Alternatively, you can source treats from local businesses, like bags of popcorn from a nearby shop. If you're looking for something healthier, you can gift guests fruit from your backyard or locally sourced produce.
Practical Gifts
Practical gifts are always a good idea as they are more likely to be used and appreciated by your guests. Some ideas include coasters, key chains, mini pizza cutters, or even bottles of olive oil. If you're looking for something eco-friendly, you can give out flower or wildflower seed packets, or even small potted succulents.
Decorative Items
While decorative items may not be the most practical, they can still be a beautiful reminder of your wedding. Candles are a simple and elegant choice, and you can make them more interesting by offering different scents. Alternatively, you can gift botanical prints that double as seating assignments, or framed pressed flowers with the guest's name and seating assignment.
Personalised Gifts
Personalised gifts add a unique touch to your wedding favours. You can personalise almost anything, from drinkware to candy cubes. If you want to give something fun and quirky, you can opt for wine glass charms or shot glasses with a playful phrase. For a rustic wedding, you can give out matchboxes with a nature scene design.
Hangover Kits
If you want your guests to have a good time at your wedding, send them home with a hangover kit! These kits can include mints, painkillers, and a choice of Emergen-C, instant coffee, or liquid IV. Your guests will surely appreciate this thoughtful favour the morning after.
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Frequently asked questions
There are plenty of ways to entertain your guests at a wedding reception. Here are some ideas:
- Live band or DJ
- Live wedding painters
- Celebrity impersonators
- Magic show
- Drag performance
- Lawn games
- Bonfire with s'mores
- Silent disco
Some wedding reception extras that can be given to guests include:
- Temporary tattoos
- Photo booth props
- Sunglasses
- Glow sticks
- Candy buffet
- Edible goodies
- Kitchen accessories
Some important items to remember for a wedding reception include:
- Glassware and dinnerware
- Barware and related accessories
- Dance floor
- Generators and power sources
- Lighting
- Seating chart
- Menus
- Programs
- Place cards
To make your wedding reception unique and memorable, consider the following ideas:
- Bouncy castle
- Sparkler send-off
- Champagne service
- Mini golf
- Las Vegas-style entertainment with singers, dancers, acrobats, or contortionists
It is not customary to bring gifts to a wedding reception anymore. Instead, it is recommended to send gifts ahead of the wedding or within three months after the wedding. Gifts can also be shipped directly to the couple's home. If you are on a tight budget, consider donating your time to the couple by helping with wedding errands or set-up.
