Creative Ideas for Wedding Reception Planning
Your reception is the second most important part of your wedding, as the ceremony is of course the most important. A reception is a time for the happy couple to relax and celebrate their union with family and friends. During this time, you should honor and thank your guests and have a good time. The reception can be casual or formal, whatever you prefer. You can let your creativity have free reign when it comes to the decorations and menu. Here are some ideas for wedding reception planning to get your creativity going.
Try planning the menu to coordinate with the time of year. Spring is a perfect time for a light salad, baked ham and carrot wedding cake. A fun idea for summer is cookout fare such as grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, steaks and barbecue chicken with potato salad and a wedding cake featuring seasonal berries. In fall, move towards heartier foods like rich stews and roasts with savory squash and sweet potatoes on the side. Wintertime is a great time for holiday foods like beef roast paired with warm favorites such as macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes. For a great winter wedding cake, go for red velvet frosted with white icing and coconut flakes.
Decorations can also follow the seasons. You could go for a theme that reflects the beauty of nature. Spring is a great time for colors like grass green and decor elements like Easter eggs. In summer, try a beach theme and consider colors like turquoise and sand beige. Fall is of course a great time to feature autumn leaves and rusty shades of red and orange. In winter you can go for red and green for Christmas, silver and blue for Hanukkah, or a non-holiday winter wonderland theme. These are just ideas, as you should choose colors and/or themes that are significant to you.
During your reception, the focus should be on eating, drinking, dancing and socializing. This is also the time when the traditional toasts are given. The mother and father of the bride and groom often speak, as do the best man and maid of honor. Sometimes, the bride and groom themselves give a speech which thanks all the guests and wedding party members, and expresses their love for one another. The reception is also the time when wedding favors are handed out. Traditional fun favors include miniature bottles of blowing bubbles, tulle wrapped sacks of birdseed to toss in lieu of rice, and disposable cameras so guests can make their own memories. Wedding reception planning is a fun and creative part of preparing for your most special day!
