Wedding Notes
Tips for Brides: Reception Ideas
Because the reception is usually the single largest expense in any wedding, there are tons of ideas and inspiration available. Because times have changed, the economy is different, and the bride and groom are different, the focus on the reception as the celebratory segment of a wedding event has changed somewhat as well. Here are some things to keep in mind for your wedding reception:
Leave the reception before your guests…
It used to be the “rule”. The wedding couple changed into their “traveling clothes” and left the reception to begin their honeymoon. Today’s couples have challenged that tradition and are frequently the last to leave their reception. In some cases, it becomes a waiting game. No one is sure who should leave when, so no one does. One can speculate about the reason for this need to be the last to leave the party, but it can prove awkward. Be gracious and leave before your guests begin to not off at their tables. It was a super party, but someone has to leave.
Whatever your budget for the reception, DO IT WELL!
If you don’t have the money for a sit down dinner, switch to a buffet. Don’t skimp. Do what you can afford to do beautifully. Switch days, switch times, switch venues-do whatever gives you the most beautiful ceremony and reception within your budget. Don’t try to reach a level that you cannot afford. Skimping always shows.
Let your focus at the reception be on your guests.
This is a huge party/celebration you are hosting. And hosting means that the focus is on the guests. The first rule of entertaining guests is to consider their time and attention. That means: cut down the time between the ceremony and reception. Don’t make them wait several hours between events. If the lag time is two hours, that is too much. Also, work hard to have the venues for the reception and ceremony close together; or better yet let your wedding coordinator do this for you!
Cut down the guest list…
You don’t need to have the largest reception in the Florida Panhandle! Invite only those people who matter to you both. Surves have shown that after several years, couples look at their wedding photos and are amazed by the number of guests they cannot name. To a person, those couples regret having invited people who really don’t matter to their important event.
Remember, it is your day, but it is also the groom’s day as well. Make the day special for you both. For advice on other issues that can complicate a wedding, ask your coordinator for advice. They can be your best source for answers.
For wedding reception ideas and inspiration, check out our Pinterest boards!
