Planning a wedding reception can be tedious and stressful, but this day will create memories that will last a lifetime. With endless possibilities, wedding planning can get confusing. Here are five timeless necessities your wedding reception should have to ensure a memorable day.
Signature Appetizers and Cocktails
Signature appetizers allow the bride and groom to express their personalities while still keeping tradition. Hamburger sliders, kabobs, and fried macaroni and cheese are all great ways to incorporate comfort food into a more formal affair. Foodies can express their love for creativity and fine cuisine through passed appetizers.
Offering a signature cocktail is another way to make a reception unique. To add charm to your reception, choose a drink that matches your wedding colors or theme, or just a favorite cocktail. Not having to stock a full bar will help your wallet as well.
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Centerpieces
Nothing gives your reception more visual appeal than centerpieces. Flowers, lanterns, and candles are the most popular, but are not your only options. Your centerpieces can follow your theme, or can show off your style or personality. Sea shells are great for beach weddings, and pumpkins and gourds can make a stunning fall wedding centerpiece. Just be creative!
Guest Book
This is one detail that can be easily overlooked. The guest book is another way to show off your reception theme or creativity. You can hang card stock from ribbon on tree branches and have guests write a message on them. Having guests sign an engagement album is a new trend gaining popularity. Check out http://www.rusticoleather.com/ for some ideas. Another idea is to have guests sign a vinyl record of your wedding song. Whatever option you choose, the memories collected in your guest book will be a treasured item.
Games
Having games at any event allow guests to mingle and they serve as great ice breakers. If you are having an outdoor reception, setting up an area for guests to play horseshoes, croquet, or bocce ball can allow for some fun times to be had. Indoor weddings can include games like musical chairs and elimination dances. Or maybe treat your guests to a private poker table. Whatever games you choose, your guests are sure to thank you for watching out for them.
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Music and Dancing
Entertainment is one of the most important pieces of hosting a successful wedding reception. Most brides who cut their budget on entertainment end up regretting it. Hiring a professional DJ or band will not only keep your guests entertained and dancing all night, but will keep your reception on schedule. Your DJ or band will help make announcements and coordinate events like your first dance, cake cutting, and the bouquet toss. You may also need the services of an audio visual technician to setup the AV system in the venue.
These reception must-haves are just the start of planning your reception. There are plenty of other details that can be added to this list to make your day unique and memorable. For instance, if you are planning to have your reception outdoors, you should take into consideration certain things like renting tent structures and hiring portable toilet rentals for your guests.
