Wedding Receptions: 10 Ideas to Impress Your Guests

Today’s wedding receptions are becoming more elaborate events with lots of unexpected surprises. If you want to host a wedding reception they won’t soon forget, consider these 10 wedding planning ideas to impress your guests.

1. Taking Care of Transportation:
If your wedding ceremony and reception take place at different venues, providing guests with transportation to and from the reception site is a thoughtful gesture. Stretch SUVs, trolleys and party buses are just some of the ways couples are transporting their guests in style. Find transportation services in your area.

2. Fun Photos:
Wedding photo booths have become a staple at modern wedding receptions. Guests will love to jump in and snap silly photos, which can also serve as great additions to the wedding photo album. From a logistical standpoint, having a photo booth on hand can help to pass time before the wedding party makes their entrance.

3. Fantastic First Dance:
Foxtrot not your style? Consider a lively choreographed piece to one of your favorite up tempo dance songs as an option for the first dance. Another way couples are keeping it interesting is by adding members of wedding party to the big performance. This fun and interactive dance segment will sure to get guests ready to party the rest of the night away.

4. Special Dedications:
Many couples use the beloved toast to friends and loved ones for special dedications. This is a heartfelt way of thanking them in person for their love and support.

5. Luxe Lounges:
For a smaller wedding reception, take a cue from your favorite lounge. Plush couches, oversize pillows, candlelight and cocktails will give off a cool, laid-back vibe at your affair.

6. Better-than-basic Bars:
Introduce your favorite foods in a fun bar style. Ice cream, candy. . . even mashed potatoes, are just a few of the more popular food bars couples are including at wedding receptions. Use a variety of containers (think martini glasses) to add a decorative touch.

7. Favorable Favors
For that extra special touch, why not personally hand out favors to guests at the end of the night’s festivities. Handing out favors gives you a chance to spend a few minutes with each guest and thank them for sharing in your big day. Visit our section of wedding favors.

8. Game Time
Interactive gaming systems are all the rage. Having a game room for popular competitions like Guitar Hero or Rock Band is a smart and hip way to add another element of entertainment to your wedding reception.

9. Thoughtful Themes
A themed wedding reception is a great way to let your personalities shine in your wedding planning. Whether paying homage to your alma mater, revisiting a special time in history or remaking scenes from your favorite movie, themes are a sure crowd pleaser.

10. Hey DJ
At most receptions, the DJ is the life of the party. This person is responsible for announcing segments such as the garter/bouquet toss, the cutting of the cake, even starting the ever-important line dance. Having a DJ is a sure-fire way to keep the evening flowing properly and guests moving to the beat. Find a DJ service in your area.