Whether you want to throw a traditional or modern wedding, throwing a memorable bash after the ceremony is a great way to make your special day even more special. No matter the size of your guest list, the type of wedding you’re having, or the budget you’re working with, hosting a fun and exciting wedding reception can be a lot of work. However, with the right planning and preparation, you can easily create an unforgettable celebration that your friends and family will cherish forever. This ultimate guide will show you how to throw a memorable bashing for wedding, from creating the perfect atmosphere to choosing the right menu and entertainment. With the help of this guide, you’ll have the tools and tips you need to make your wedding reception a night to remember.
After exchanging vows at the Bliss Wedding Chapel, follow this ultimate guide to ensure your wedding reception is a seamless continuation of the joyous occasion, leaving a lasting impression on your loved ones.
Table of Contents
Setting the Atmosphere
The first step to throwing a memorable wedding reception is setting the atmosphere. You can create a good atmosphere by using the right decorations, lighting, and music. Your wedding reception’s atmosphere should be reflective of your personality and the theme or mood you want to set. You can create a romantic or elegant atmosphere by using soft, warm lighting and decorations like flowers, candles, or sparklers. Alternatively, you can create a fun and exciting atmosphere by using bright and bold decorations, like balloons and colorful lights. You can also create a fanciful atmosphere by using decorations like costumes, face paints, and props.
If you’re having a themed wedding reception, you can also tie in the theme into your atmosphere by incorporating the colors, symbols, and props associated with the theme. For example, if you’re having a beach-themed wedding, you can create an atmosphere that is both romantic and tropical by decorating with shells and sand. If you’re having a winter wonderland wedding, you can create an atmosphere that is both magical and cozy by decorating with snowflakes and mini Christmas trees.
Choosing a Venue
Choosing a venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding reception. The venue you choose will set the tone for your wedding and reception, and will also help set your wedding’s theme. When choosing a venue, keep in mind that there are many different types of venues to choose from, each with its pros and cons. Some of the most common venues for wedding receptions include hotels, convention centers, restaurants, and outdoor areas or gardens.
Hotels: Hotels are a convenient and affordable way to host your wedding reception. A hotel typically has a large function space that you can use for your reception, making them a good option if you’re having a large wedding reception.
Convention Centre: A convention centre is a great option if you’re having a large wedding reception. Convention centres typically have large function spaces and can host large crowds. They are also a good choice if you want the wedding and reception to be in the same location.
Restaurant: If you want to keep your wedding reception small and intimate, a restaurant might be the best option for you. Restaurants typically have smaller function spaces that can hold small crowds.
Outdoor Areas/Gardens: An outdoor area or garden is a great option if you want your wedding reception to be casual and relaxed. An outdoor area or garden is also a good option if you want to save money by hosting your wedding reception off-season when prices at hotels and convention centres are typically higher.
Planning a Budget
Before you start planning your wedding reception and setting a budget, make sure you have a clear idea of how much you’d like to spend. You should also sit down with your partner and discuss how much money you’d like to spend on various aspects of the wedding, including the venue, food, decor, and entertainment. Keep in mind that you don’t have to spend a fortune to throw a memorable wedding reception. If you are on a tight budget, you can save money by hosting your wedding reception at a more affordable venue and by choosing a less expensive menu or choosing to skip the dessert course entirely. You can also save money by shopping around for the best deals and discounts, booking your wedding vendors as early as possible, and asking guests to contribute to your wedding by hosting a wedding registry.
Creating a Menu
The first thing you should decide when creating your wedding reception menu is if you want to serve a meal or a finger food-based reception. If you decide on a meal, you should serve a three-course meal that starts with appetizers, followed by the main course and ends with dessert. If you decide to serve a finger food-based reception, you can offer guests a plated meal or a buffet. Also if you choose a plated meal, it’s best to have a starter, a main course, and a dessert. If you decide to have a buffet, you can have a starter and dessert, or just skip the starter completely.
Choosing a Theme
The theme of your wedding reception will help set the tone for the event. If you’re having a themed wedding, you can choose a theme that is both modern and traditional, and a theme that compliments your wedding’s theme. For example, if you’re having a beach-themed wedding, you can choose a modern or traditional theme and a theme that compliments the beach theme, such as winter wonderland or Hollywood glam. Once you’ve decided on a theme for your wedding reception, you can start planning your décor and decorations accordingly. You can find inspiration for your themed wedding reception by looking at themed wedding ideas online or through magazines. You can also ask your wedding guests for theme ideas so you can get some inspiration from them as well.
Selecting Music and Entertainment
The music and entertainment you choose for your wedding reception will help set the tone for the event. For example, if you want to create a romantic atmosphere, you can play slow jams. If you want to create a fun and exciting atmosphere, you can play upbeat dance music. You can also play the music that is both romantic and fun, or that is romantic and exciting. If you decide to play music at your wedding reception, you can choose to have an online DJ or offline music. Also, if you decide to have offline music, you can have a live band or hire a DJ. If you decide to have live music at your wedding, you can choose from a wide variety of musical options, including string quartets, pianos, guitars, or even a DJ.
Setting up Decorations
The decorations you choose for your wedding reception will help set the tone for the event. You can choose decorations that are both modern and traditional, and decorations that complement the theme you’ve chosen for your wedding reception. For example, if you’re having a beach-themed wedding, you can choose decorations that are modern and traditional, and that complement the beach theme, such as winter wonderland or Hollywood glam.
You can incorporate your chosen theme into your wedding reception decorations by using decorations that are related to the theme, like seashells or sand. You can also choose decorations that are themed but are not directly related to the theme of your wedding. And you can find inspiration for your wedding reception decorations by looking at decorated wedding ideas online or through magazines. You can also ask your wedding guests for decoration ideas so you can get some inspiration from them as well.
Organizing the Bar
If you’re hosting a wedding reception, you’ll need to decide if you want to have a cash bar or a fully stocked bar. A cash bar is usually cheaper to host and easier to manage, as you don’t have to worry about serving drinks to everyone. However, a cash bar might make it harder for everyone to relax and enjoy themselves. Alternatively, you can have a fully stocked bar at your wedding reception where guests can help themselves to drinks. Having a fully stocked bar is easier on guests and hosts alike, but it is more expensive to host.
Another thing to consider when organizing the bar is whether or having a bartender or use self-service. Having a bartender can be a good idea if you have a lot of guests, but it’s also more expensive. Alternatively, you can choose to have self-service at your wedding reception, which is cheaper but might not be as efficient.
Assigning Roles and Responsibilities
Before your wedding reception, you should assign roles and responsibilities to the people who are helping you plan the wedding. This way, everyone knows what they’re responsible for and can keep their responsibilities in mind throughout the planning process.
