Planning & Design News - Reception

what to do during cocktail hour how to keep your guests entertained

When people think of cocktail hour, alcohol and hors d'oeuvres immediately come to mind. Yet, there is much more that occurs within that short party hour. This is a time for guests to socialize, sustain their hunger until dinner, and prepare for the festitivites ahead. It’s also your chance to captivate attendees and create a sense of exci... More »

Reception Alternatives to the Bouquet and Garter Toss

If these traditions aren't for you, get ideas for other options.

what to do at the wedding reception instead of a bouquet toss or garter toss

There are a lot of traditions involved in a wedding, although they tend to go through phases of popularity. For example, it wasn’t long ago when the “first look” was virtually unheard of, whereas now it’s a commonplace custom. The bouquet and garter tosses are instances of traditions falling out of fashion. In the case of... More »

The Pros and Cons of a Sweetheart Table

Would you rather sit alone with your new spouse or at a larger table?

pros and cons of a sweetheart table, sweetheart table or head table

It was once the standard tradition for the bride and groom to sit at a long table with the wedding party and/or their immediate family during dinner at the reception. While it’s still a common choice, many couples are instead choosing to dine at one referred to as the sweetheart table, which seats solely the newlyweds. There is techni... More »

25 Rustic Wedding Centerpieces to Inspire Your Big Day

Love the rustic wedding trend? Take a look at these gorgeous table centerpieces!

Centerpiece ideas for a rustic wedding reception ideas rustic centerpiece

One of the most popular wedding themes from the past few years is undoubtly rustic. Many brides desire a classically rustic celebration fit for a farm or barn venue, while others choose to incorporate a rustic motif with otherwise elegant décor. If you love the rustic wedding look but prefer a more formal celebration, co... More »

20 Interesting Ways to Display Seating Charts & Escort Cards

Skip the traditional table and discover unique alternatives for presenting seating assignments.

Browse images from real weddings to create a unique and inspiring display for escort cards and seati

While most wedding-planning decisions focus on ceremony and reception décor, couples should also consider how they'll show guests to their seats. Typically, names of attendees and table numbers are written on escort cards and placed on a table covered with an elegant linen and topped with a towering flower arrangement; however, there are a ... More »

10 Wedding Chair Ideas to Add Glamour to Your Reception

Forget fold-up chair rentals and invest in beautiful seating for your wedding guests.

The prettiest wedding reception seating chair ideas chameleon chair collection reception seats

The look and feel of your wedding reception can be drastically altered with one décor element: seating. Though wedding events with traditional event chairs can be absolutely beautiful, a wedding event becomes extraordinary with the addition of gorgeous and unique chairs. Event rental companies, such as Chameleon Chair Collec... More »

How to Add a Pop of Color to Your Wedding Table

Implement colorful glassware at your reception for easy, vibrant style.

Glamorous glassware for your wedding reception table colored goblets and wine glasses

There are plenty of ways to add color to your wedding reception table by way of florals, linens, centerpiece vessels, and of course china, charger plates, and flatware. However, one clever way to add a burst of vibrancy to tablescapes – that is often unexpected – is with drinkware. While water glasses, wine goblets, and Champagn... More »

4 Important Tips for the Newlywed Reception Toast

Don't forget that you need to say something at the reception too!

tips for writing your welcome wedding reception toast

Generally, advice for wedding toasts is geared towards the best man, the maid of honor, or perhaps the father of the bride. However, it’s important to remember that the newlyweds are also supposed to say a little something at the beginning of the reception. Traditionally, this is done by the groom, but there is nothing wrong with a bride m... More »

How to Figure Out the Timeline for Your Wedding Reception

It's important to have a plan ahead of time.

How to decide on the best timeline for your wedding reception

The reception is typically the longest part of a wedding day, so it’s important to make sure everything goes smoothly. This is the part that tends to be less about your new marriage and more about celebrating having your friends and family around to witness the occasion. As such, the focus tends to be about having fun, while still incorpor... More »

How to Have a Tented Wedding Reception

Which type of tent is right for you?

Your guide to tented wedding receptions advice planning tips

For a romantic outdoor atmosphere that still shields your guests from the elements, there is nothing quite like a tented wedding reception. Not only will it protect everyone from the rain, but it also gives you that classic look seen in so many wedding movies – think Father of the Bride or My Best Friend’s Wedding. Often tented ... More »

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How to Keep Your Guests Entertained at Cocktail Hour

Discover some fun things to do before dinner is served.