A wedding reception is a special event, and often it’s what your guests look forward to the most. It’s a time to celebrate the beginning of a couple’s new life together, making memories to last a lifetime. However, planning a wedding reception can be a daunting task, and couples often struggle to choose from the vast amount of options available. In this article, I share three top tips to make your reception all that more special and memorable.

Think Outside the Box

As the wedding industry becomes more diverse, there are more options for your wedding than ever before. From bouncy castles to fireworks, consider opting for one of the many new entertainment options to make your wedding stand out from the rest. Giant board games are always fun, as are photo booths with wedding props. Choose something that appeals to you to give everyone lasting memories from the day.

As for food, options such as an ice cream van or gourmet hotdog stand are sure to delight guests of all ages, or you could even hire a funfair for the day. Similarly, for table decorations, you could personalise the glasses or provide charms as a keepsake. For children, opt for activity books or puzzles to keep them entertained.

Don’t Forget About the Weather

No matter how careful you are about selecting a date, it’s important to have a plan in case you have to stay indoors due to bad weather. When making your plans, make sure that your reception could still go ahead as planned inside, or consider opting for a covered area outside just in case. Marquees or gazebos are the classic choices, but teepees are growing in popularity too.

If you do decide to opt for a covered area, think about how you’ll decorate the inside, as many decorations may not be suitable outside of the venue. Make sure you have the fundamentals in place, but as it gets closer to your date, keep an eye on the weather reports to decide where to place your focus. The last thing you want is for your plans to fall apart from a bit of rain.

Make Your Wedding Reception Personal to You

Although it’s important to make sure that your reception is fun for your guests, it’s your special day, so make sure you’re not compromising too much. To make it personal, consider including elements that are special to you and your partner. If you love camping, why not toast marshmallows? If you love cocktails, hire a mixologist to hold a cocktail-making class. Don’t be afraid to include personal touches, they’ll make your day that bit more unique and memorable.

The wedding reception is an important part of your big day, so take the time to plan as much as possible upfront. Too many couples spend the day stressing or worrying about their guests. This day is a celebration for you and your partner, so make sure you’re able to slow down and reap the rewards of all your hard work.

Need more wedding planning advice? Check out some of my other blog posts here.