A First-Class Wedding
Reception Idea

Looking for a wedding reception idea? We have seen many different wedding receptions over the years, and we hope to give you a few suggestions.



We often hear from couples that their wedding day was a blur. Our best advice is to take a few moments during the reception to take it all in. Step back and watch what is happening around you.

Enjoy the menu you selected, have a few drinks and enjoy the time with your family and friends. It will only last a few hours, so enjoy it!

Start planning your wedding reception early. This includes thinking of a wedding reception idea for flowers, centerpieces, cakes and decorations.

It is also a good idea to book your wedding vendors as early as possible. Florists, cake designers and entertainers (DJs and bands) tend to book well over a year in advance, so don't wait too long or you might not get your first choice.

In addition to the ideas listed below, get even more wedding ideas at wedding-planning-101.com. Or you could also check out My Wedding Reception Planning for more wedding reception ideas.


Have a wedding reception idea or questions?
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Now, find a wedding reception idea or two for your wedding...

Reception Planning And Decorations

Bridal Emergency Kit
Be prepared for anything.

Church Wedding Decorations
Ideas For Decorating Your Church.

Informal Wedding Reception
For those that don't want a formal wedding affair.

Irish Wedding Horseshoe
For a touch of good luck on your big day.

Irish Wedding Traditions
Add a Celtic twist to your wedding day.

Wedding Arch Reception Decorations
A beautiful addition to your wedding day.

Wedding Reception Protocol
Make this your first stop to learn the basics of planning your reception.

Wedding Table Numbers
Help your guests find their seats.

Centerpieces

Christmas Wedding Centerpieces
Festive ideas for holiday centerpieces.

Fall Wedding Centerpieces
Photos and ideas for A fall wedding.

Floating Candle Wedding Centerpieces
3 Ideas For Using Water.

Hurricane Wedding Centerpiece
8 ideas for your wedding.

Wedding Candle Centerpiece
7 ideas for you to use.

Wedding Centerpiece Idea
From simple to extravagant, come up with a wedding centerpiece that your guests will fight over.

Wedding Favors and Centerpieces
Combine them for a unique alternative.

Wedding Floral Centerpieces
4 Hints For Using Flowers.

Cakes

Cupcake Wedding Cakes
A smaller option for your cake.

Fall Wedding Cake
An Autumn twist for your cake.

Fall Autumn Wedding Cake
Photos of fall cakes.

Fondant Wedding Cake
Add an elegant touch.

Hawaiian Wedding Cake
Perfect for beach and Hawaiian wedding themes.

Halloween Wedding Cake
A spooky good cake.

Individual Wedding Cake
Give your guests their own cake.

Small Wedding Cakes
Perfect for smaller events.

Square Wedding Cakes
Go with something unique.

Unusual Wedding Cakes
Something a little different.

Wedding Cake Idea
Here's the skinny on ideas for wedding cakes.

Wedding Cake Prices
All about wedding cake costs.

Western Wedding Cakes
Perfect for a country western wedding.

Flowers

Wedding Flower Idea
The right florals can make a big difference at your wedding reception.

Blue Wedding Flowers
Choose the right shade for your wedding.

Bridal Bouquet Design
Ideas for your wedding bouquets.

Fake Wedding Flowers
Are silk flowers right for your?

Fall Wedding Arrangements
Perfect for an Autumn wedding.

Fall Wedding Flowers
Ideas for your fall wedding.

Garden Wedding Flowers
Surround yourself with beautiful flowers.

Pink Wedding Flowers
Brighten up your wedding day.

Purple Wedding Flowers
Add some color to your wedding.

Spring Wedding Flowers
Spring ideas for wedding flowers.

Summer Wedding Flowers
Ideas for a summer wedding.

Wedding Flowers By Season
Find the perfect flowers for your wedding

Winter Wedding Flowers
Ideas for winter wedding flowers.

Reception Food

Cocktail Wedding Reception
Skip the sit down and extend cocktail hour.

Wedding Reception Food
Choose the right menu for your wedding.

Signature Drinks

Wedding Signature Drinks
Finish off your wedding with a creative cocktail.

After The Reception

Post Wedding Reception
The party doesn't have to stop.

Wedding Night Ideas
Make your first night together magical.

Guest Books

Celtic Wedding Guest Book
Capture the memories of your Irish wedding.

Additional Resources

The Balloon Decoration Guide offers detailed step-by-step instructions and photos on how to create your own balloon decorations to add a magical touch to your wedding reception.

Rehearsal Dinner Ideas is a great page from CelebrationIdeasOnline.com. Find tips for managing your rehearsal dinner budget, choosing a venue and more!



Have Questions or Ideas About Wedding Receptions?

Do you have a questions or great ideas to share about wedding receptions? We want to hear about it!

Help Other Brides, And They Will Help You
Leave your comments and tips on submissions from other brides, and they will do the same for you!

To see questions that other brides have asked click here.

What Other Brides Have Said

Click below to see contributions from other brides to this page...

Wedding Reception Trees Not rated yet
I'm planning an inside wedding reception for April 2012 and was wondering how much it'd be to get about 5 ft. planted trees to put around the room. …

Paying For Wedding Reception Not rated yet
Does the groom or brides family pay for alcohol at the wedding reception? Our Thoughts Traditional wedding etiquette says that the bride’s …

Wedding First Dance Not rated yet
When do you usually do the first dance? Before eating or after? Our Thoughts Traditionally the first dance is performed directly upon your …

Out Of Town Wedding Not rated yet
If the wedding takes place in the bride’s hometown can there be a reception in the groom’s hometown? Our Thoughts Absolutely! This is actually …

Wedding Reception Budget Advice Not rated yet
Hi, My name is Lauren and I have a very tight budget for my wedding. I only have $9000 to spend. I have hired a hall for the reception to make it cheaper …

Wedding Reception Protocol Questions Not rated yet
Do I use both of our last names or do I use his last name only when addressing the banquet room at our wedding reception? Our Thoughts …

Wedding Receiving Line Not rated yet
My daughter is getting married in a garden center. The ceremony will take place in a natural amphitheater and the reception under large tents several feet …

Wedding Reception Decorating Questions Not rated yet
My wedding venue has a lot of windows! I want to do some kind of decoration with them without blocking the view of the golf course. My colors are sunset, …

Cocktail Wedding Reception Questions Not rated yet
Can you have a cocktail reception with non-alcohol drinks or champagne only with hors d' oeuvres? Our Thoughts Totally! You can choose to have …

Wedding Reception Bar Questions Not rated yet
How do I let my guests know it is a cash bar? Our Thoughts Good wedding etiquette states that your wedding invitation should not be used to communicate …

Wedding Party Seating Not rated yet
We are having a small informal wedding with reception to follow in my parent’s back yard. Is all of the wedding party required to sit at the head table? …

Outdoor Wedding Questions Not rated yet
I would like to have an outside wedding, and I want a buffet. How does it work with table settings, etc.? Any help is appreciated. Our Thoughts …

Reception 3 Days Before Wedding Not rated yet
My daughter is getting married in Hawaii Sept 9th., and it will be attended by close relatives only. We want to have a reception for the couple, but …

Wedding Reception Entrance Not rated yet
Do the flower girl and ring bearer usually get announced? I didn't plan on having them announced, but I wanted to make sure that is OK to do. …

Great Resource For Wedding Receptions Not rated yet
Just wanted to let you know that I love this page and have been using it A LOT for planning my upcoming wedding! Our Thoughts Thank you very …

Wedding Reception Food Questions Not rated yet
We are not having a catered wedding. There will be sandwich platters, fruit and veggie, cheese and cracker platters. baked ziti, salad, meatballs and more …

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