Category Archives: wedding reception tips

From Start to End: Ways to Put Your Wedding Reception Over-the-Top

unique wedding reception, wedding reception ideas, wedding reception tips

shot of people dancing at epic wedding receptionPlanning your wedding reception is not as simple as it seems. From dinner to the last dance, there are a million details (or so it feels like!)—and a million ways to make your wedding reception an incredible night (from start to finish).

Unique wedding entrance

Boat, helicopter, sparklers, antique car, red carpet, finish line (more info on unique wedding reception entrances in this post). Start your wedding dance off with a bang—or at least with a unique wedding entrance. Choose a wedding entrance that fits you as a couple or ask your DJ for unique entrances they remember (chances are it’s so distinct that your guests’ll remember it too!).

Cool first dance

Every couple has a first dance at their wedding. Make yours different by choosing a unique first dance; use these criteria to decide what that dance is: 1) that you and your partner can do 2) that fits with your wedding theme. If you need suggestions, ask your DJ. They’re familiar with songs that can make a statement, and can refer songs that fit you and your wedding.

Surprises

Everyone loves surprises, which is why the right surprise is a big hit at a wedding reception. Choosing the right surprise can be a challenge (ideas for wedding reception surprises here), but the moon is the limit. Think fireworks, confetti or balloon drop, celebrity or mascot visit…

“Other” Entertainment

Not everybody wants to “cut a rug” out on the dance floor; make sure you give those guests ways to entertain themselves when they don’t want to dance. Think trivia cards, photo booths, yard games…we’ve outlined a few different ways to entertain those guests who don’t want to join in the dancing (or for those who want to take a break!).

Dance lessons

If you want to give your guests a memorable night, give them a dance lesson they’ll never forget. Bring in a dance instructor who can give your guests a fun dance lesson they’ll remember (and use!) for years.

Late night fuel

If you want to keep your guests dancing, give them fuel to keep going. A late night course of sliders, pizzas, popcorn, or another favorite dish is going to be a big hit with your guests—especially after you’ve gone out of your way to make your wedding reception epic.

6 (BIG!) Ways to ENSURE a GREAT Time for Your Wedding Guests

entertaining guests, wedding reception tips

guests dancing to wedding djIt’s easy to get wrapped up in planning every detail of your wedding to make sure it fits you, but what about your guests?  Use these tips from the pros (us!) to make sure your guests, and you, have a GREAT time at your wedding reception.

Give them ALL the information up front

Use your invitations and a wedding website to give your guests all the information they need (above and beyond dates and times): parking (and any fees), local hotel information, and any other helpful information that can assist them as they travel to your wedding.

Put out the red carpet

Make your guests feel appreciated at your wedding with a lot of small touches.  Go out of your way to welcome your local and out-of-town guests with small gifts and outings.  Use signs and other small tokens to welcome them to your wedding ceremony and reception.

Keep the talking to a minimum

Ask your “toasters” to keep their toasts short and sweet.  Long wedding toasts can put a real crimp on your guests’ good time, and delay the real wedding reception fun.

Pull out all the entertainment stops

We’ve never heard a wedding guest say, “That wedding was so awesome. We had nothing to do!”  Ensure that your guests have fun on your big day.  Book a great DJ as soon as you can (the best DJs book fast-here’s how to decide if your DJ is top notch).  Get a photo booth to give your guests something to do when they’re not dancing—and so they have a memento from a great time.  For your youngest guests (the kids!), give them coloring sheets, crayons, and other fun games and entertainment that they—and their parents—can appreciate.

Conspire for a surprise

Part of the fun of hiring one of the best wedding entertainment companies (DJ or band) is the potential to plan a big surprise that none of your guests know about.  Whether it’s a surprise first dance, or a flash mob, or…. (shhh!) another fun surprise, make sure you plan it well advance with your DJ or band to make sure it goes flawlessly during your wedding reception.

Keep them fed

Don’t stop feeding your guests once dinner is over.  Schedule a course of late night snacks that’ll keep your wedding guests dancing (another reason to hire an awesome DJ) and having fun throughout your wedding reception.  Talk to your caterer about options, or make arrangements for a food truck or vendor on your own—your guests’ll thank you when they’re having fun.