Wedding Reception

The reception represents the party element of the wedding, with the ceremony behind you now its time to relax and let your hair down.

The Wedding Reception

The centerpiece of the wedding, the reception provides the meal and beverages for the guests. Traditionally thought of as the thank you for the guests and the gift giving process; the reception can be a grand and elaborate affair, or a casual and comfortable party. It can also include favors, and can be coordinated with the initial invitations.

The reception may echo the ceremony in style and décor, or it may be an entirely different expression of the wedding couple. The venue will set the tone for the décor, the more elaborate the location the less décor required.

Check with the catering or wedding manager on site to get a strong understanding of the venue’s capabilities, specialties and unique features that will make the wedding reception a stand-out event.

Lounge areas, dance floors and food stations are staples in the wedding reception. Adding elements that are more personal for the wedding couple like candy bars, cigar bars or photo displays will make the reception more fitting for that couple.

The décor can be a themed event with reference to some special aspect of the couple’s history. Think about favors, cakes, centerpieces and décor that will remind guests of the first meeting of the couple, the most memorable trip or the special hobby they share. Wine cave receptions are perfect for the Napa Valley wedding site, Sunset and bare feet in the sand for the island site, or historical museum sites for the more cultured reception.

Celebrity wedding stylists have elevated the wedding reception to a no-holds-barred level of opulence, dripping in flowers and shining with staged lighting, chandeliers and luxury wedding decorations. At the platinum level wedding receptions and related events can escalate into millions of dollars. At this level no element is overlooked, everything from ceiling to floor is considered with an orchestration of style and luxury. The work of Martha Stewart, Colin Cowie and Preston Bailey has sent wedding reception standards to exhilarating new highs. Grand hotels and resorts have offered the premier level of wedding reception for decades.

When selecting the wedding invitations, the reception should be detailed enough that the guests know to expect. If you are serving cake and coffee only at an evening reception be certain to word that on the wedding invitation. Then you will not have hungry guests wondering where the buffet will be located.

For the more casual event, especially when the guest list is family and close friends consider stepping outside of traditions and embracing new elements to make the reception more interactive and engaging. Wedding reception games create a playful, fun atmosphere for the more casual reception. First dances and bridal bouquet / garter tosses are traditional elements for the reception. This is the party for your milestone, celebrate and do it your unique style.

Consider an event planner to bring the highly detailed reception to life. They can manage all the vendors and will have connections to be best in the area. Look for planners with strong recommendations or references, great portfolios of previous event ideas and wide ranges of services. The reception can be the best party you ever attend with a bit of smart planning and the right resources.

City Guide to Wedding Receptions

New York City is a traditional favorite for weddings and has a wide range of unique reception locations. Fascinating buildings, mansions and lofts are great reception venues.

Miami offers a fabulous destination wedding location with unforgettable sunsets and beautiful resort locations for the reception. This is a city that can throw a party!

Dallas can provide the old school, over the top reception of little girl dreams or the modern venue with gardens, majestic hotels or other unique venues.

Las Vegas is world famous for weddings both quick and planned. Vegas is fast coming the gourmet food center of the country with some of the country’s hottest celebrity chefs in residence. The reception selection here is as big as the town.

Key West is a location that knows how to cut loose and create the perfect atmosphere. Reception halls on board the local yacht or sailboat, sunset at a waterfront resort or in a traditional hotel make for a wide selection of options.