Bridology

Do you want your wedding to have an awesome reception?  Many couples search for ways to make their reception a huge party that reflects the personality of the bride and groom.  In order to put together a great reception, you have to think of ways to make your guests feel comfortable and get everyone involved in the fun.

First of all, consider the food.  Do you want a buffet line where guests have to get up and mingle?  Or do you want an elegant, seated meal where wait staff serve the food?  Perhaps you want a combination in which the guests go through a buffet line or to stations for appetizers during a cocktail hour, are served a seated meal, and go back to stations for dessert.  Regardless of your methods, make sure there is plenty of food to feed everyone.  You don’t need many items, just enough of each one.  If alcohol is served, you definitely don’t want anyone to go without food!

When it comes to toasts, boring and long can kill the party.  Talk to those who plan on giving toasts beforehand.  Express that you want fast, humorous, and upbeat toasts.  The tearful, sentimental toasts can be given in more private setting later. 

Don’t forget the kids!  If you know you will have children at your reception, it is always a good idea to have activities setup for them.  You don’t have to hire a clown to make balloon animals, but coloring tables or simple crafts are a good idea.  If your reception is outside, some appropriate outdoor games are always a fun idea to entertain the younger crowd.  Some brides and grooms even hire babysitters to come and play with kids so the parents can enjoy the reception, too.

Liven up the dance floor by setting a good example.  The bride and groom set the tone of the dance floor with their first dance.  Instead of going the traditional, slow song route, you can start with an up tempo salsa.  You also can take advantage of the first few songs.  As the bride and groom, hosts of the reception, get out on the dance floor for several upbeat songs.  Encourage your wedding party to do the same, and before long, the dance floor will be full of people.

Another great way to get people dancing is by handing out party favors such as maracas or shakers.  Sometimes if guests have something in their hands, they are more likely to dance.  These party favors can act as great ice breakers to make guests feel more comfortable.

Think of ways to create a reception that reflects your uniqueness.  Strive to get people involved and remember to have a great time!