Our Top 11 Tips To Have A really fun
Wedding Reception
I want to make this into two separate articles. The more basic one for lead generator, and the second for booked couple with more advanced information. Make sure we let them know that more great ideas will be made available to them ONCE THEY BOOK US!
What if we sell it like a click bait - 5 tips and one radical one. The radical one will be to NOT visit the tables.
We are happy to give you some of our best insights from seeing many receptions over the years. Many of them aren’t really thought of by most brides and grooms.
But these simple changes to your reception can have a big result in making your reception MORE FUN which is what everybody wants.
Make sure you bookmark this page so that you can refer to it during your planning!
Your Wedding Proposal
What it includes, pricing, and how to secure our services.
ADVANCED - Send when the client books!
Bar placement: If you have a bar and have the option, keep it as close to the dance floor as possible. Having the bar in the same room where guests are seated is preferable to placing the bar in the hall or foyer or another room. If the facilities bar is permanently placed in another room, make sure that there are no televisions turned on or other attractions. Guys will tend to hang out near the bar, “The more the merrier” is especially important for creating a celebration and a busy dance floor.
SMALLER DANCE FLOOR:
28. End with a Bang!....rather than a fizzle. Sometimes you wish the night would never end and many guests are dedicated to being with you to the finish. The final memory of a party should make a lasting impression. “Leave them wanting more” is a good adage to follow.
29. The big send off – For the last dance, arrange beforehand for all the remaining guests to make a circle around the two of you. Ask your bridal party to ask all the guests to create this circle for the last dance. This should be arranged well ahead of time so that the process happens quickly so they can join the circle as well.
17. Traditionally, guests don’t begin dancing until after the bride and groom have had their first dance. Think about having your first dance before dinner so that guests can dance (and if the mood is right they will) during dinner or immediately after.
13. Enjoy your party: Your guests want to see you having a great time! You will be surprised how quickly time will pass, so relax and have fun! Take time out with your new partner and pretend that you are at someone else’s party. Ask your bridal party to take some of the workload off you. Assign them certain duties beforehand. If there are any problems during the party, have your friends fix them. You should focus on enjoying your fabulous party.
4. Have the bar switch from glass to plastic ware after dinner: Almost every week we see the dance floor being cleared to clean up a broken glasses on the dance floor. Besides the mess and danger (a lot of shoes come off during dancing) the clean up tends to be a real party buzz killer. Beer bottles are not usually a problem, but dropped coc
Your First Dance
Timing and flow of a reception are very important, but often never given much thought. Consider doing your first dances when you are introduced into the room. It's a beautiful transition and introduction to you two, plus it creates the idea that the dance floor can be occupied by anyone from this point forward. Work closely with us or your planner to make sure the flow is natural and fun for your guests - we are more than happy to share our insights with you.
Keep your special dances short. Historically speaking, first dances were lead by the guests of honor- not done exclusively by them. And for good reason. Now they are a valued tradition and a much-anticipated part of the evening. That is until they start going too long. Our recommendation is to let the first dance run two to three minutes and the other special dances to top off at two minutes. The exception to this is choreographed dances, which are done with the intention to entertain the crowd. This can reduce the time for special dances from 15 minutes to about six minutes.
VISITING TABLES
So this is a our most radical suggestion. We understand the importance of wanting to thank your guests. Its just the polite thing to do. But this will take MUCH longer than you think it will, and once you start with some tables, you will have to do it all the tables. It will take you several minutes for each table that you visit. It takes time to say hi to everyone, hug everyone, and take pictures with everyone. Even for the smallest reception this can easily add 30+ minutes.
Stay together during the reception.
Your guests want to see the two of you celebrating together. If you are separated from each other it detracts from the celebration and the reason your guests are there.
"Where's the bar?!"
"...is a line that everyone will say at least once...but probably twice. The most used pathway at your reception will be the direct line between the dance floor and the bar, so make it an accessible one. Make sure they aren't going to different rooms, weaving through tables or have other access issues to get their liquid courage!"
Other Entertainment
"Are you providing other forms of entertainment like a cigar bar, photo booth, yard games, etc? Make sure there are clear paths back and forth to these areas. Place your photo booth near the DJ and dancefloor so people will hop between the two. If people are needing to go outside to participate in other entertainment, make sure the aisle is clear for them to access it and come back easily."