Wedding Reception Ideas

Great Wedding Reception Ideas
by taking your venue and making it fabulous

Wedding Reception ideas are one of those details to start thinking about soon after your engagement.

Although you have some time to pull together decorating ideas, your choice of where to host your reception (venue) will need to be chosen quickly, depending on how far out your wedding day is.

Many reception locations book up months or up to a year in advance.

So, while you're looking for a venue, also gather favorite wedding reception ideas for centerpieces, name cards, food etc..

Here are some photo's to get your creative juices flowing - Be sure to scroll down to the important questions to ask when looking for a reception venue as well.


Lime green and orange favors await guests in this fun and playful reception table and wedding colors.	Elevate food at different levels in a buffet, using bricks or bowls under fabric swags on table.	Small beach chair candles, pails and shells set the stage for a beach theme wedding.


A chocolate fountain with various mixed fruit, and candy buffet, is a fun addition to any wedding.	Outside tents make a great, intimate reception location when indoors isn't your style.	This tall flowered centerpiece filled with fruit allows guests to see each other while being big on style.

Wedding reception ideas can also be influenced also by your wedding colors and wedding theme. So, it's great to start thinking about your wedding theme now

This decision may help you decide upon the location that will work best for you. To learn more click on the Wedding Themes link above

There are so many ways to bring the beach theme throughout your wedding. One of the best ways to help your guests remember your special day and your beach theme is with your choice of wedding favors. I always say it should be something that is useful and specific to your theme.

Follow this link for some really amazing wedding favors that will wow your guests and still be very affordable for you!

Find just what you're looking for! Shop My Wedding Favors for a great beach selection and value pricing.

Q and A About Wedding Reception

Here are some ways questions to ask yourself, and the venue managers, before deciding upon the reception location, (and getting your heart set on it)

Venue
What is the place you envision when you think about your wedding reception ideas? Will it be outside by the beach? Or do you dream of and picture a ballroom? Does a beach ceremony sound appealing but you'd like to find a nearby restaurant for the reception? If you're still trying to decide upon a beach wedding location, learn more in our beach theme wedding page.

Your Budget?
What is your wedding budget? Think realistically here, and hopefully you’ve been able to start your wedding budget. There’s no sense looking at reception venues that you know will be WAY over your allotted wedding costs.

Is it available?
Is the reception location you’ve chosen available on your determined wedding date? Do they only cater the party themselves, or will they allow you to bring an outside caterer in? (not as common, but worth asking if you're set on one).

Some spaces for dance?
Does the venue have the space you’ll need for your guests and a dance floor and band or DJ? You may not know the exact number of guests you’ll invite, so overestimate the size you’ll need so you’re not stuck in cramped quarters.

What is the parking like?
Is there valet parking? If parking is far, do they have a shuttle for guests your party could use?

How much do they charge?
I know I didn’t need to tell you this one, but there are sometimes hidden charges you won’t know about. Cake cutting fees? Extra waiting staff? If they’ll be serving the bar, how much do they charge for alcohol? What is an open bar cost and how much if you go over the predetermined amount? Cost of adult meals? Do they offer a children’s menu or smaller portions for young ones? and how much would that be?

Minimum Amount?
What is the minimum amount of guests they require for your party? What is the charge for no shows?

Speak to your vendor
Speak to each of your chosen vendors regarding the location and where you want the band to set up and where the cake table is etc
Be sure to give them the address, phone numbers and contact person of the venue.
Let them know exactly the time they’ll be able to get inside to set up, then make sure you have also arranged it with your contact person at the reception location.
Nothing is worse than grumpy vendors who had to wait outside too long before your party arrived.

Revisited!
After you’ve settled on the reception venue go back, if you can, to plan the set up of the tables and the lighting, find where the outlets are. Picture all the wedding reception ideas you've gathered and where it will all be set up.
Plan ahead for anything you may need. small strand of white lights? Bring extra lights! Think Christmas light disasters!

With those answers in hand, you'll know that you've chosen the right reception venue for your wedding day.

The second half of your Wedding Reception Ideas is gathering some pictures, along with wedding theme ideas, to help it all come together.

Customer survival tips - what's to expected of your wedding receptions halls or wedding reception places. Read your contract in details. and how to get the best of it.

It is a party and there should be some special reception activities planned to entertain the guests. Here are a few great ideas for beach wedding reception activities.

If you're planning a wedding reception under a tent then we have some ideas and tips on how to search for Wedding Reception Tent with reasonable price.

An outdoor wedding or reception is always a fun event. Here are some ideas for outdoor wedding reception that will help your guest get the most out of the event.

If you are faced with a small budget and a lot of guest here are few wedding reception foods ideas to help you meet the need. There will be something for every size budget, so don't despair.

5 practical and inexpensive wedding reception ideas for enhancing your big day without greatly depleting your resources.