Product FAQ
Before we go to our list of great wedding reception ideas, here are the answers to some common questions we get concerning wedding receptions.
What Is a Wedding Reception?
What to Consider for a Wedding Reception
How Long Should a Wedding Reception Last?
Where Can You Get Wedding Reception Ideas?
How We Reviewed
Image source: Pixabay
We chose the wedding reception ideas on our list based on what we think as practical, feasible, creative, and memorable. We listed the Features, Pros & Cons, and Price of each respective idea.
Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)
Because the costs of a wedding depend on many factors (venue, logistics, people, etc), we did not provide specific price ranges. To be sure, consult your wedding organizer to calculate the costs. One thing for sure, however, is that these ideas are not budget-busters and have been tried and tested.
What We Reviewed
Here is the rundown of the best wedding reception ideas we believe will make your W-day a fun and memorable one.
Reception Ushers
Features
Let’s face it; no matter how detailed your seating plan is, guests will find a way to get lost. This unwanted situation can be remedied by assigning reception ushers.
These “walking and talking” seat numbers will lead the guests to their seats after confirming their attendance at the reception table. There are many ways to go about it: ask your wedding organizer to provide ushers, ask your reception venue staff if they can do this duty, or personally assign ushers (from your pool of friends and relatives) to take care of this task before they sit down for the reception themselves.
Tip: The funnier the usher is the better the experience for your guests.
Price
Ask your wedding organizer about the cost of this additional personnel. Obviously, if you ask your own people, there is no extra expense.
Pros
Cons
Create a Sweets Station
Features
Also known as a “candy bar” or “dessert buffet”, a “sweets station” will give your guests a literal sweet reception. Instead of giving them the cookie-cutter treats tailored by your caterer, your guests can customize the sweets they want. They won’t have to wait to finish dinner before they splurge on this free sugar fix.
A few ideas for the sweets station: a candy shop-style sweets station where guests can mix-and-match their favorite candies; an assorted cupcake bar; or a design-your-own mini-cake station. Just a reminder: have someone in the bar to manage the order and cleanliness of the station.
Price
The price will be determined by the sweets you provide, if you prepare the bar yourself or have it catered, and how many you plan to serve.
Pros
Cons
DIY Flower Station
Features
Weddings are a solemn event, but that doesn’t mean your guests will feel constrained by the formality. Encourage everyone to let loose by asking them to make their own boutonniere/ corsage. Not only will it keep the reception fun and interactive, but it will also add more colors to your special day.
Ask your florist/flower supplier to set up a DIY Flower Station by the reception desk. Pick sturdy blooms like roses and lilies. Provide colorful ribbons, pins, and accents. And, put easy-to-follow instructions or people at this station to assist your guests.
Price
Your florist will be able to give you an estimate on the cost based on the flowers you choose and the number of guests you expect to attend.
Pros
Cons
Hire a Celebrity Impersonator
Features
The newlyweds may be the star of every wedding, but guests are “guests” for a reason: they must be received and entertained. One way to keep them happy is to make them laugh. And, a celebrity impersonator will help a great deal to keep the boredom at bay.
This impersonator can be your wedding host or a special guest entertainer. As much as possible, pick someone that will fit the theme of your wedding or pick someone that means a lot to you as a couple.
Price
The price will be determined based on if you know the person or need to hire this out.
Pros
Cons
Child Care
Features
Kids are lovely until they turn into a tantrum throwing toddler. To save your wedding from child-caused grief, set up a Child Care station at your venue.
Ask your guests to inform you on the RSVP if they will be bringing their kids. If you can, pick a room near your venue and turn it into a play place where your young guests can spend their time. Fill the room with snacks, toys, music, and if you can, a babysitter. This station will give their parents a much-needed breather, so they can enjoy your special day (without little hands tugging on their sleeves).
Price
This will depend if you have to hire a professional or use someone you know. It will also be based on what you put in the room for the kids being watched.
Pros
Cons
Custom Cake Toppers
Features
Cake toppers have become an art unto themselves. The popularity of these mini-you’s has become one of the Instagram-worthy highlights of many weddings. So much so that they are now used as souvenirs.
So, raise your wedding game by finding the best cake toppers. While dolls that look like you are nice, cartoon cake toppers are also great. Funko Pop! and Lego characters should add legit geek vibes to your wedding.
Price
Price will vary depending on what type of toppers are used.
Pros
Cons
Confetti Drop
Features
You already know it; guests are always willing to get involved in your big day. Indulge them by making them part of your reception events.
Everyone awaits your first couple dance, so make it memorable and photo-worthy by adding a colorful touch: confetti. Ask your guests to shower you with flower petals or colorful confetti during this dance number. Give it to them beforehand at the reception desk.
Price
Depending on what is thrown by your guests, this could cost very little with homemade confetti or even store-bought confetti. Flower petals will get somewhat more costly if that is the way you choose to go.
Pros
Cons
Late-Night Food Truck
Features
Wedding receptions can take forever to finish, and guests will often find themselves hungry even after they had dinner. To keep their tummies happy and to make your wedding uniquely memorable, we recommend hiring a food truck for your event.
It may sound gimmicky, but it sure is a welcome one, especially for your hungry guests. We recommend you tailor the truck’s menu to your wedding theme. This food truck will not only serve your guests quick bites, but it also is a spot for your guests to gather and mingle. Set up a photo booth to make it share-worthy!
Price
This will vary depending on the vender and food chosen.
Pros
Cons
Dress Change
Features
Your wedding is that one day in your life that you are allowed to look your most beautiful (or handsome). You and your partner will be the stars of the event, so it is only right to dazzle your guests with your radiant presence.
One idea is to shock your guests with amazing dress transformations by setting up a dress change station at the reception venue. Change from your formal wedding gown to a sexier (and shorter) cocktail dress in a jiffy. For more fun, change into costumes that will fit your Star Wars or Disney themes.
Price
This could cost nothing if you have a cocktail dress to change into in your wardrobe already.
Pros
Cons
Beer Pong
Features
At the end of the day, everyonejust wants to drink and have fun. How about a beer pong game?
Bring this classic college party game into your wedding reception and watch everyone let loose. It adds a more casual vibe to your party, not to mention a quick trip down memory lane with your college friends.
A fun twist would be to make it bride team vs groom team.
Price
Given that you probably have the beer and cups at your reception to begin with, this activity would cost under $10 just to get ping-pong balls to use for the game.
Pros
Cons
The Verdict
There you have it! Ten great wedding reception ideas that will surely make your wedding day fun, memorable, unique, and super special. Pick the ones that will suit your budget, logistics, and overall wedding theme.
Featured image via Pixabay
