The reception portion of your wedding day is a time to let your hair down and relax now that the legal ceremony is completed. It’s a chance to celebrate your marriage with your new husband or wife, as well as your family and friends, and as such should be a happy and fun time.
Many people choose to have music and dancing, and often invite extra guests who they couldn’t fit into the initial part of the day, allowing everyone to come together for one big party. But if this isn’t your thing, or you’re looking for something a bit more out of the ordinary, how can you create a memorable wedding reception? Here, we look at some ways you can truly wow your guests and make your day a wedding to remember.
Make it creative
You’ll likely have booked a wedding photographer, but have you considered having a wedding artist? It might sound decadent, but having a talented artist paint a scene from your reception can be an amazing experience, as well as giving you a great memento of the day. It will certainly provide interest for your guests, especially as this is still a relatively new idea.
Or, if you want your guests to have something to take home with them, look for a sketch or caricature artist who can do quick family or couples portraits during the course of the evening. Whilst you’ll have to put a limit on the number of pictures available, this can be a wonderful option, especially if you’re choosing to have a smaller guest list.
Get the games out
Wedding receptions can run the risk of feeling a little stuffy, especially if no one is particularly interested in dancing. You don’t want your guests to be glued to their tables all night – rather, you want to create a social atmosphere where everyone is catching up or getting to know each other. Bringing games into the mix can help break the ice if you have a lot of guests who don’t know each other that well, or aren’t particularly talkative.
It doesn’t need to be anything complicated – lawn games such as croquet, giant Jenga, boules or hoopla are perfect as most of your guests won’t have extensive experience with them. This creates a level playing field and keeps the focus on the fun, rather than the winning.
Make it interactive
The best way to make your reception memorable for your guests is to get them involved. Interactive entertainment such as a wedding magician, dancers or even doing karaoke with a live band will add some magic to your day and keep everyone captivated.
If a performance isn’t your thing, why not turn after-dinner drinks into an experience? A talented bartender can offer a unique show in themselves, wowing your guests as they throw and spin ingredients behind the bar. Or, hire a company that creates custom desserts for your guests on demand – think ice creams shaped like flowers with personalised toppings, or ice cream frozen with liquid nitrogen right at the table
Create lasting memories
Undeniably, creating something unique takes extra planning, but there are some amazing experiences on offer in today’s wedding market. You’ll want to get your wedding entertainment locked in around 9 months before the big day, so make sure to do your research early to avoid disappointment. Start your married life off with a touch of wonder and ensure that everyone has an amazing time with a memorable wedding reception.
