Prairie HiveA wedding is always a happy occasion. A wedding reception usually follows the ceremony. It is a celebration of the union of two people shared with their family and friends. But how did it all start? Was it always festive like the ones we are used to having?
Origins
The meaning of the term “reception” is the process of receiving something. The newlyweds “receive” their family and friends for the first time as husband and wife. In turn, their family and friends “receive” them as a married couple.
About a century ago, wedding celebrations were not as grand as today. Before the Second World War happened, wedding celebrations were held at the house of the bride and their family’s financial status determined how the reception was held. For instance, if the bride’s family was well-off, the reception would be a fancy ball. On the other hand, a bride who belongs to the middle class might simply host a luncheon and tea.
In the 1950s, wedding celebrations were held in dance halls to accommodate more guests. Today, the celebrations are being held in big banquet halls, wedding venues, hotel function rooms, and community halls. Those who want a more intimate celebration prefer restaurants, and for some, they marry in their backyard.
Unique Wedding Celebration Ideas That Might Work for You
Typically, you only wed once in your life. Hence, it is understandable that you want it to be a beautiful and memorable day.
To make this day special, we compiled some unique wedding celebration ideas.
Provide a Lounge Area for Your Guests
This should be a comfortable space for your guests to mingle in between breaks during the program. Fill the area with chairs or couches, and add in a lot of pillows for them to sink into. It’s a place where they can rest like a VIP.
Provide Transportation for Your Guests
In most cases, the venue for the ceremony is different from the reception venue. It would be cool to provide transportation for your guests from the church to the reception. Be creative, like hiring yellow school buses for some nostalgia.
Get Ushers for The Reception
They will be tasked to lead guests to their tables. The reception venue or the caterer might be able to provide people for this purpose.
Have a Little Fun with The Table Names
Instead of simply labeling tables by the number, give each of the tables a name that will relate to anything about you and your spouse. Place a tent card with an anecdote on the table. For instance, the table name is “Las Vegas”, and you wrote, “We met 5 years ago at the Bellagio.”
Give out Unique Welcome Bags
You’ve provided your guests some VIP treatment with the lounge, now extend that feeling by providing welcome bags. These welcome bags should not just contain a map and some snacks. Use personalized tote bags. Add in mini bottles of your favorite beer or wine. Maybe throw in a gift certificate from a popular local coffee shop, and add a personalized “welcome” note.
Treat Your Guests to Useful Favors
Your guests from out of town will appreciate receiving scented soaps. If there will be dancing all night long, provide baskets of flip-flops for them. Use flip-flops in your wedding colors. If the reception venue is in the garden or the beach where it might get breezy at night, provide pashminas to keep them warm. During the summer months, you can provide inexpensive sunglasses and sunscreens instead.
Have Fun with A Family Tree Seating Chart
It would be a fun dinner conversation by showing your guests how they are connected and why you made such a seating arrangement. Put up a unique sign showing the relationships between the individuals who will be sitting at the same table or next to each other. This trick allows everyone in attendance to get to know each other, especially those who are meeting for the first time at your wedding.
Let Your Guests Have Fun with The Photo Booth
A photo booth will be a big hit because it is the best way to capture the memories of this special day. There are wedding planners who include this in their wedding packages, complete with different props and backdrops. Just don’t forget to send your guests a copy of their photos with a personalized thank-you note.
A Coffee Table Book as A Guest Book
Bring out your favorite coffee table book about a subject you and your spouse love. Choose the one that you’d like to display at home. Your guests can write their messages on the images in the book or the margins.
Serve Guests with Customized Wine
Ask your wedding planner to get custom labels for wine and water bottles that will contain your personal stamp, or design, or message. If you have the budget, you can even get mini-etched champagne bottles and give them to guests as party favors.
The Simple Table Napkins Can Bring Some Fun
Add another interesting detail to the wedding celebration by printing some fun facts about you and your spouse in the table napkins. You might also want to include trivia questions that can serve as icebreakers, especially for guests who are meeting each other for the first time.
Cool Treats on A Hot Summer Day Are a Great Idea
Are you going to wed during the summer months? Why not rent a snow-cone machine or an ice cream stand for guests to chill out? It’s going to be fun.
Personalize the Dessert Bar
A nice touch for your wedding celebration would be to serve dessert recipes that your family members are known for. A concise explanation added to a printed menu will also be a good conversation starter. For example, “Grandma Rosie’s Mango Pie” or “Uncle Pete’s Chocolate Mousse”.
It’s always nice to think outside the box to make your special day extra special. You don’t have to stick with traditions, and even if you only have a limited budget, there is a lot of creative ways to make your wedding celebration unique.
