Once the engagement has been announced and the date for the wedding set, it's time to start thinking about how the big day is going to unfold. Every bride and groom wants to plan a stress-free, on budget wedding, and one of the best ways to do this is to look at all the wedding reception ideas and choose the one that best suits the couple's special day.
Planning a Wedding Reception: Questions to Ask
In order to plan a wedding reception tailored to suit the needs of both the bride and the groom, ask each other the following ten questions:
- "What is our budget?"
- "Will our parents help us pay for the wedding reception?"
- "Do we want a destination wedding, or do we want to be married in the town where we live?"
- "Are we having a morning, an afternoon or an evening wedding?"
- "What time of the year are we getting married – summer, fall, winter or spring?"
- "Do we want to hold the reception inside or out of doors?"
- "Do we want to have a sit-down meal at the reception or a less formal cocktail party?"
- "If we want music, do we want live music or a DJ, or should we just bring along our MP3 players and choose our own music?"
- "Do we want to have formal speeches at the reception?"
- "What sort of venue are we most comfortable with?"
Make sure to openly discuss and reply honestly to each of the above questions. When both the bride and the groom have reached ten agreed upon answers, write them down in the wedding planning book, so that there is no confusion about who wants what.
Planning a Wedding Reception: Brainstorm Ideas
Now that the bride and groom have a strong idea of what, where, when and how the reception will look, it's time to brainstorm wedding reception ideas. Here are few ideas, but the list is as big as budgets and imaginations allow.
- Small, intimate dinner in elegant, higher end restaurant
- Beach Barbecue – open to everyone – beach volley-ball, croquet, etc
- Dinner and dancing with DJ or live band
- Sit-down brunch with champagne and orange juice
- Back-yard reception in the home of the bride or groom's parents
- Pool-party reception – rent a local pool for an afternoon of sunning,swimming and snacking with guests
- Treasure hunt and picnic – informal, fun and low-key – get the best man and/or maid of honour to help out
- Outdoor dance, catered snacks
Wedding Reception Ideas – Themes
Some engaged couples like the idea of a themed wedding reception. Decorate the venue according to the chosen theme, and have guests dress accordingly! Some ideas for wedding reception themes include, but are not limited to:
- Western (cowboy/cowgirl) theme
- Hawaiian theme
- Princess theme
- Christmas theme
- Goth theme
- Victorian theme
- Punk theme
- Latin theme
Remember, whatever theme or idea the bride and groom decide upon for their wedding reception, it's important that if parents or other benefactors are contributing financially to the wedding, that the bride and groom include them in wedding reception planning. This goodwill gesture is not only the polite thing to do, but will go a long way toward fostering positive in-law relationships for the future.
Planning a wedding reception can, but doesn't have to be a stressful time for the bride-to-be, or for the groom. Think of it as just one more step toward a perfect wedding day. It's meant to be fun and by following these simple suggestions, the bridal party will find the perfect wedding reception idea – one that will make everyone happy.
Read about How to Plan the Perfect Bridal Shower.
Julie Burtinshaw - Julie is the Reading and Literature and Writing and Publishing Editor for Suite101.com. She is also the author of five books and is ...
