3 Ideas For Your
Informal Wedding Reception

Choosing to have an informal wedding reception doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice having a fun, beautiful wedding. There are many great ideas that do not follow the traditional formal wedding planning script.

There are several reasons for choosing this type of wedding reception. This may be your second wedding, you may have a small budget to work with or you may just want to keep things informal.

Below are a few ideas to get you started for having an informal wedding reception.

Reception Location

Depending on the size of your guest list, a backyard wedding can work out really well. Consider having a pool party if you are getting married in the summer.

Other possible locations include your favorite restaurant or lounge, a public park and historic locations or museums. Also, destination or beach weddings can definitely be a laid back and informal atmosphere for your reception.

The Menu

If you are getting married at a restaurant, work with them to come up with an informal menu for your guests. Many Italian restaurants will even serve family style (big bowls that everyone shares) which makes your reception very relaxed and interactive.

For a backyard wedding, break out the grill and serve up a few barbeque favorites.

Doing it yourself is an option, however we would only recommend doing this if you have a lot of time to dedicate to cooking, have cooked for a large group before or have a lot of friends and family to help. A pot luck meal may also be an option where you ask some of your guests to bring a dish to share with everyone.

If you still want to have your reception catered, a cocktail wedding reception should be considered. It is less formal than a sit down meal, but you can still enjoy the food of a good caterer.

Reception Entertainment

First, decide if you want your guests to have the opportunity to dance at your reception. If the answer is yes, then you can hire a DJ or even a good party band.

For very small groups you can even just use an iPod or have a friend handle the music.

We have also seen receptions where the guests play board games at their tables. Hiring a comedian or magician to entertain your guests is a fun alternative as well.

Setting up a carnival atmosphere with booth games, a dunking tank and clowns is an option. Or, consider renting gaming tables for a Vegas-themed wedding.

The sky is the limit really with an informal wedding reception, so use your imagination to come up with something unique.