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10 Ways
To Make Your Reception Unforgettable

Every couple wants their reception to stand out, to be the most memorable event of their lives. But making that reception memorable for your guests is just as important!

With so much information and inspiration out there, the options are vast and the ideas endless. So in order to make your event that unforgettable, we’ve compiled the top areas and ideas to get you noticed!

1. Give a Grand Entrance: Make your grand entrance more than a formality. Take dance lessons and go right into your first dance, a choreographed number. Or upon entrance play the theme song to his favorite movie or sports team and get the crowd fired up. When each bridal party member is announced ask the mc to tell a funny fact about them, personalize it, give your guests something they didn’t expect and make them laugh. It’s about creating high energy right from the start so make it stand out!
   
   
2. Alternative Desserts: Host a dessert bar or tray pass alternative desserts (either in lieu of the cake or in addition to). Candy and bakery bars are ever-popular, but think a bit more outside the box and serve mini donuts from a cart at valet or host a gourmet popcorn station with a variety of flavors. If your groom loves donuts or a specific sweet, surprise him and your guests by tray passing maple bars around the dance floor at midnight.
   
   
3. Music: Whether you opt for a band, dj, or both – music can make or break your event. Plan a play list that your guests will enjoy and that keeps the tempo of the evening up. Work with your entertainers to select slow songs at the right time and place so not to break up the party. And most importantly, give your entertainers the freedom to go off-script. If your line up calls for a slow song but the party is really rocking, let them keep the pace and fit your slow song in somewhere else.
   
   
4. It’s in the Details: From little touches in the napkin treatments, to creatively placed place cards – be sure the little details stand out and don’t save them until the last minute. Rather than setting your place cards on a table, hang them from ribbon or write seat assignments on a chalkboard. Be creative and the little things will make a big impression.
   
   
5. The Meal: Of course the menu is an integral part of any reception. Work with your caterer to plan a fabulous meal fitting of your location, your audience, your tastes, and your time of year. You can even make it personal. Provide the chef with grandma’s secret soup recipe and make note of the family favorite on the menu. Almost as important as the food itself is the time it takes to get through the meal. Try to keep your dinner to about an hour so guests don’t have the chance to get bored or tired. You want to keep their interest so serve each course quickly, but be sure to walk the fine line between on time and too fast.
   
   
6. Change up the Activity: Every thirty minutes you should provide your guests with another form of entertainment. This can be done through the basic elements such as speeches, to opening up a dessert bar or after party lounge. Keep the momentum and keep guests staying to see what happens next.
   
   
7. Provide Activities: We don’t mean birthday party games (necessarily). Plan other forms of entertainment for your guests like an interactive food station or guest book sign in that requires them to play in a photo booth with props. If you want to stand out from even that crowd, then hire dance instructors, place outdoor games like croquet in the grass (if hosting an at-home wedding), set up gambling stations during the cocktail hour, nothing is off limits as long as your guests are entertained.
   
   
8. Personalize your Event: Invite your guests into your world by sharing with them your likes, passions, and interests. This can be done through telling your love story on a screen set up by your videographer in advance, to naming your tables after your favorite films or places. Incorporate who you are as much as possible and give your guests insight into who you are as a couple.
   
   
9. Don’t Save on Staff: Keeping your guests well fed, well served, and quick to get a drink at the bar is key. The last thing you want is a line for those signature martinis you spent so much time developing. Consider hiring extra staff to tray pass drinks to guests right as they walk in the door and to serve each person their meal at the tables in unison. The presentation will be remembered, the party will be lively, and your guests will appreciate your service.
   
   
10. Lighting: No matter where you wed, if it’s too dark, too bright, or too disco, the mood and atmosphere of the event will be affected. Plan on spending a bit more time and money designing a lighting program that enhances those beautiful flowers, creates a mood you want, and still serves a purpose so guests can enjoy themselves and visit with old friends.