We know that the most important part of your wedding day is the ceremony itself - it’s the time when you will say “we do!”. But, we also know that you and your guests are looking forward to celebrating during the reception. I mean, what wedding guest doesn’t want to drink, eat, dance, and be merry? Most of your details will be planned around the wedding reception. Although the ceremony is the most important, most of the day will be spent during the reception. We’ve all been to a reception that… well let’s just say it was a little bit of a snooze. Let’s get some inspiration from some of our favorite reception tips and tricks to create an event that will wow your guests socks off.
01: Make it or Break it with the Seating Arrangements
One of the make it, or break it moments of the reception is where your guests are seated. Creating and thinking meaningfully about where your guests are seated is vital to creating a warm and entertaining environment. As you place your guests, you want to consider who they will get along with, who may become new friends, or what guests can bring others out of their shells. Place your guests with people that are able to create great conversations, bring out the best in others, and dance the night away. This may even include placing children with other children. We’ve had many weddings where kids had a specific area filled with activities to keep them busy and entertained. So, sit down with your partner and play with the seating arrangements until you’ve created a harmonious affair. And keep in mind, as you create your layout, remember you want to the space to have a nice flow.
02: Keep Toasts Light and Sweet
This is a BIG one. As wedding planners, we’ve sat through our fair share of toasts. We’ve listened to toasts that were short and sweet and toast that went over an hour total. Yes, you read that right - an hour. While we all love a story about groomsmen or bridesmaids’ adventures with the couple, toasts are about quality over quantity. Toasts should be brief, but meaningful, and should be about the couple, not the friendships of the wedding party. Keep in mind, you are toasting to the newlywed couple. So, choose the individuals who will give a toast, wisely. Be sure to give a time limit - we recommend around 2 minutes. And if your wedding party wants to give longer notes, find a different time such as the bridal shower, bachelorette party, or wedding rehearsal. But, save your guests by keeping toast light, appropriate, and sweet.
03: Food for Thought
We know that everyone loves food. Food brings people together and is one of the highlights of the wedding reception. As you choose your food, think about what your guests would enjoy. Traditional dinners are not as common in the wedding industry now. There are different options such as: interaction stations, tapas, extended cocktail hours, food trucks etc. Think of your “dinner hour” as an experience for your guests. What do you want your guests to take away after dinner? Carefully choose your menu and offer options for guests. And, don’t forget the kids! If you have children coming to your wedding reception, be sure to be mindful of what kids can eat. Many caterers offer a kid’s menu which can be a great add-on option. Be thoughtful about your choices and don’t be afraid to get creative outside of the traditional “dinner hour” box.
04: Play a Song, Mr. DJ
It’s entertainment time! We all love a good dance party at a wedding. As you plan your entertainment, think about what you prefer and what will keep your guests entertained. You definitely don’t want the party to be lackluster, so be sure to review your entertainment choices. If you chose to go with a band, ensure that you ask questions regarding how long their sets are or if they take designated breaks. If you make the decision to go with a DJ, find a DJ that understands your music tastes and what vibe you want the reception to have. And as always, talk to your entertainment about what you do not want to hear or see during the reception. Creating a do-not-play list is essential to make sure you’re happy with your entertainment on the big day.
05: Hire a Wedding Planner/Coordinator
Having a wedding planner or coordinator for your wedding day is essential. These individuals create your timeline and ensure that each detail is executed perfectly throughout the day. A planner or coordinator at your reception is key to making the event run smoothly. They cue the caterers, check in with guests, ensure everyone has a seat or table setting, cue toasts and even cut off the toasters when they run over time. They are the backbone to your wedding reception and we can’t recommend hiring at least a day of coordinator enough. You don’t want to have to oversee all of the details during the reception, nor do you want your family or wedding party to work. Hire a planner or coordinator - you won’t regret it.
06: Don’t Feel Pressured into Favors
Oh, wedding favors. We’ve seen all sorts of wedding favors. From cookies, s’mores kits, succulents, to bubbles. We urge you to think about wedding favors before you make the commitment. If you want to include wedding favors with your reception, think about what would be meaningful for your guests. Don’t just put a favor there, to have something there. You want to create memories or an experience to remember with your wedding favor. And, if you can’t think of anything, it’s okay to pass on the favors. At the end of the day, most wedding favors end up in the trash, so unless you have a meaningful, purposeful favor – pass and use the funds for something else.
No matter what, your wedding day will be unforgettable. It will always be the day where you married your best friend and your better half. Be sure to think about our tips, to help your wedding guests enjoy your reception to the fullest. Think about meaningful experiences including seating, food, entertainment, toasts, favors, and don’t forget to hire a wedding planner or day coordinator. If you think you need more help crafting a perfect reception, contact a member of our team at Elegant Affairs. Until next time, happy planning!
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 17 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.