Getting married isn’t a guarantee that your wedding reception will be great. It isn’t all that uncommon for the dance floor to remain empty and for guests to go home early. It also isn’t uncommon for guests to forget about the details of your reception weeks or months afterward, and no, it isn’t always because they consumed a little too much alcohol.
Many wedding receptions are easy to forget because they are so similar. The decor is predictable, the playlist is what everyone expects, and they all follow the same timeline.
You deserve a reception that is meaningful and memorable. That means doing things like:
Your love story is how it all started. It’s the reason why you’re together, it’s the reason for your wedding, and it’s the story you will tell your children someday. It deserves to be shared and celebrated when you get married.
Unfortunately, many couples don’t use their love story to inspire their wedding day. They decorate with beauty in mind instead of purpose. Your reception should have both!
Make your reception special by integrating personal touches that reflect your love story. That might include incorporating flowers from the bouquet you received on your first date or using photo centerpieces that document your travels.
Colors are a popular way to incorporate your personal preferences into your wedding, but have you thought about using scent? Using scented candles, fragrant flowers, and air fresheners in specific aromas that are meaningful to you will take your reception to a whole new level.
It will help you and your guests remember your reception too. Smells trigger memories like none of the other senses. Any time you catch a whiff of your wedding-day scent, you will immediately be transported back in time.
What do you expect to see on your plate when you attend a wedding? You probably expect to choose between chicken and beef, or you might plan on walking through a buffet line and choosing between pulled pork and cheesy potatoes.
You aren’t doing your reception any favors if you’re serving food that guests eat at wedding after wedding. Skip the dishes that are convenient and get more creative with your caterer.
If you and your partner like to travel, choose dishes from some of your favorite destinations. If your Italian grandmother is a master at making pasta, ask if she would be willing to make the noodles for your wedding.
If you’re worried about how your unique menu choices will be received, consider finger food catering instead of traditional catering. With smaller portions, guests can get adventurous and try new foods without committing to an entire plate of something they don’t like.
Don’t forget about alcohol! There are a lot of things you have to consider when serving alcohol at your wedding. That includes establishing a budget, but having a budget doesn’t mean you can’t serve meaningful concoctions. It’s actually much more meaningful to create a signature drink and serve it with a few other options, like beer and wine, than it is to have an open bar.
Music is a staple at every reception. So is the type of music that is played. Many couples leave their playlists in the hands of the DJ, which means the DJ will play the songs that are most popular.
If you want your reception to have a vibe that’s all your own, you need to get more involved in planning your playlist. That means doing more than playing everyone’s favorite tunes and theming the music to your event instead.
For example, if you’re planning an old-fashioned black tie event, consider taking dance classes and playing a few waltzes at your wedding. If you’re going retro with your big day, fill your playlist with hits from the 80’s and 90’s.
Consider adding special tunes for those in attendance. For example, your parents will likely be brought to tears if you play their first dance song.
You can’t go wrong with live entertainment. Nothing compares to the energy of a string quartet during appetizers or a live band when you hit the dance floor. If you are looking for something truly unique, consider a jazz band or offbeat entertainment, like a fire dancer.
Most receptions unfold in the same way. First, there’s a ceremony in the late afternoon or early evening. Then, guests make their way to the reception site where they are greeted with drinks and appetizers. The wedding party arrives later, in time for dinner. Cake cutting and the first dance happen after dinner is over.
This format works well because it’s tried and true, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rethink the format of your reception! Consider a brunch wedding that ends in the afternoon, or plan an entire day’s-worth of activities that culminate in a midnight ceremony.
Your venue is another great way to rethink the format of your reception. Instead of booking the ballroom at your local hotel, think outside the box with unique venue ideas that might include breweries, art galleries, and rooftop restaurants.
It doesn’t matter if you want to explore unique venues or you like the idea of finger food catering at your wedding reception, a professional, experienced caterer can help. If you live in the Bay area, contact Left Coast Catering and we would be happy to use our expertise to make sure you plan a wedding reception you won’t ever forget.
