How to Make Your Reception Extra-Special
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Cocktail Hour
Cocktail hour is an informal gathering between formal ceremonies and receptions that provides guests with socialization, food, and beverages – and many couples go all-out to make this hour memorable for all their guests.
Cocktail hour provides an opportunity to have some quality time alone with your new spouse as well as take pictures before the reception begins. Many of your wedding photos will likely be taken during this period; either between just you two, with everyone present or any combination thereof.
Another exciting part of cocktail hour is having the freedom to use decor in different ways. Escort cards leading your guests to their dinner tables is an example, or for more rustic weddings you could incorporate something like Polaroid pictures of guests with their seat number written on it. Furthermore, getting creative with cocktails or appetizers such as beer tastings or choose-your-own popsicle/cocktail pairings are surefire ways to keep guests amused for hours – or add lawn games and break out the photo booth for some added fun or hire an entertainment DJ/band who could play music fittingly for your event!
The Photo Booth
An inflatable photo booth can help your guests break the ice and bond over silly memories, serving as an excellent alternative to professional photographers during any dull moments at your event. A reliable vendor should offer props that complement your aesthetic and print high-quality pictures instantly – the ideal combination!
Photo booth rental costs can quickly outstrip what you expect to spend on a wedding day, so to limit expenses and stay within budget consider going the DIY route by setting up an elevated display that doubles as an interactive backdrop for guests to pose behind.
Add color and elegance to your DIY setup with balloons, or go for the refined approach with an arrangement of elegant flowers like this California nuptial event did with its entire ceiling canopy filled with blooming tulips or other blooms as seen here.
Once you’ve decided on a photo station, place it near the bar or dance floor for easy guest access and easier introduction to this enjoyable addition to your event. Also, this way they won’t feel left out when signing their guestbook!
The Dance Floor
Wedding dance floors provide plenty of opportunity to show your personal style and decorate in unique ways. From stripes and checkered patterns, to lettering and sky-high decorations, there are countless ways to personalize and make the space that much more appealing for guests dancing on it.
An unforgettable space can easily be created using a custom floor, customized to match your wedding florals. One real wedding couple used their favorite blooms to design an eye-catching mandala design which suited perfectly with their theme and aesthetic.
Add an element of fun to your dance floor with this classic wedding reception game: as a love song plays, have the DJ call out increments of years until only married couples remain on the dance floor – an effective yet tasteful way to engage all your wedding party in dancing!
Though some brides may prefer not to participate in traditional garter and bouquet tosses, there are plenty of creative and exciting twists on this time-honored tradition that are just as thrilling and inclusive. Let your bridal party vie for your bouquet by taking turns to grab handfuls of petals to throw to other single women on the dance floor (make sure to add in beautiful string lights to add even more romance to this tradition!). One real wedding that truly made its own mark featured stunning linens with beautiful orbs overhead to create a truly breathtaking and stunning dance space – perfect!
The Bar
August is an 18-hour-long month, so adding a smores bar or cocktail menu into your reception can be an easy and delicious way to keep guests satisfied at your celebration! National Smores Day and National Dog Day fall at the end of this month; why not include your beloved pup as the flower dog! Harmony Walton established The Bridal Bar following her work as Hollywood PR and contributing editor for a wedding magazine; now, she operates both a public relations agency for luxury wedding professionals as well as concierge service connecting couples with them!
