Keep These Suggestions in Mind for an Unforgettable Reception
Planning your wedding reception can often feel very complicated. While it is true that you need to start early and dedicate a good chunk of your time to putting together such a large event, most of what you need to know is quite simple and straightforward. A reception doesn’t need to have a lot of bells and whistles for guests to remember it for years to come. In fact, all you really need to do is consider a few general points to ensure your reception is as enjoyable as it is efficient.
The Seating Situation During The Reception
Perhaps the biggest headache couples deal with when planning a reception is the seating chart. Try as you might to put together a perfect arrangement, there are lots of little details you need to keep in mind. Keeping couples at the same table is a given, but you also want to avoid seating people together who don’t particularly get along. According to wedding experts, putting a lot of thought behind your seating arrangement is actually key to keeping the event light and fun for all.
Weddings can be tiring. If guests don’t have a clear idea of where they are supposed to sit from the moment they enter the venue, it can lead to some immediate frustration. Prominently displaying the seating information is one step. Having a lounge area for guests to relax in can also be key. In fact, the more options guests have for sitting and having a moment to catch their breath, the more likely it is your night will maintain a consistent and enjoyable flow.
The Entertainment
Setting the mood is important for any event. A reception is all about music. Whether you opt for a DJ or a live band, you need to make sure the entertainment is always on top of the mood in the room. Since you’ll be busy enjoying your big day, you want to trust in your entertainers to read the guests and see what tunes need to be played to lighten or calm the mood. This goes beyond getting people up to dance. From dinner being served to speeches being delivered, the music sets the tone.
Music is not the only way to entertain guests, of course. In some cases, there is a big enough gap between the wedding ceremony and reception that guests need to entertain themselves for a bit. If this is the case for your event, you should plan ahead in terms of entertainment. For outdoor weddings, this can mean bringing along group games that guests can engage with. For indoor events, think about how hiring an illusionist or artist can captivate the crowd while they wait.
The Refreshments
Finally, refreshments play a critical part in how guests perceive the reception. While you definitely have put time and effort into selecting the right caterer for your wedding, you also need to think about the pacing of the night. Guests are going to be hungry from the moment they leave the ceremony, so this means that appetizers and smaller plates should be provided as soon as people start arriving at the reception. The longer it takes for food and drink to become available, the more likely it is that you’ll be dealing with a tense group of people.
Though most of the planning process surrounding a wedding has to do with the reception itself, most couples forget that the basics are what truly make for a memorable experience. No matter what decorations or color theme you select to impress people on a visual level, you cannot overlook the importance of having an organized environment where entertainment and refreshments are available from the very start.
