Brides and grooms commemorate their legal union by throwing a wedding reception. This is an opportunity for family and friends to join them in celebrating their love and marriage in a traditional, but fun way. This is, by far, the most expensive part of the entire wedding experience, and requires a lot of planning, forethought and, usually, stress. However, it is also the part that the couple enjoys most, as they can relax with those that are most important to them after months of planning.
The wedding reception is usually formal or semi-formal, although some couples simply prefer a completely casual event. It is characterised by cohesive, intertwined décor elements that follow a central theme and / or colour scheme. Speeches are given by the groom and best man and possibly by the bride, father-of-the-bride and / or maid of honour. There are also the traditions of the first dance as man and wife to a special song of their choice, the cutting of the cake and the throwing of the bouquet and garter. Guests are sometimes each given a gift to thank them for their attendance. This is something small, such as chocolates, cookies, or a photograph. When the celebrations are over, the bride and groom leave in a car that has, undoubtedly, been decorated elaborately. Of course, these traditions vary from culture to culture, and some are very different on non-Western countries, religions or societies.
Advantages
- Although a wedding reception is not essential, it is almost always enjoyed by bridal couples. The advantages of celebrating the union in this way include:
- This is an opportunity for the family to get together and catch up with one another.
- This may be the first time that the respective families of the bride and groom meet one another.
- A reception provides an opportunity for gift-giving.
- It is a fun, romantic way to observe the importance of the occasion.
- This party will be remembered by the couple and their guests for years to come.
Food and Beverages
Buffets and served meals are the two most common choices for modern brides and grooms. Because there is a variety of guests to whom to cater, a generic choice of meat, vegetables and starch is often chosen. However, contemporary venues and caterers are now offering a wider diversity and better quality than ever before, assuring the couple and their friends and family of superior food.
Some couples prefer to have an open bar at their wedding day, perhaps capping it at a certain amount. While this almost guarantees a great party, it often leads to the abuse of the free availability of drinks. A cash bar is gaining increasing popularity. There is usually a bottle or two of complimentary sparkling wine on each table (for toasting the couple during the speeches) as well as a jug of water or fruit juice.
It is important that your food and beverage choices appeal to you, as individuals, and suit your personalities, so that they work together to reflect the uniqueness of your big day.
Entertainment
Wedding receptions are about having fun with those most important to you, and entertainment plays an important role. Some entertainment options include a:
- Band
- DJ
- String quartet
- Solo singer / performer
- Laptop with a playlist (great for budget weddings)
- Magician
- Line dance tutor (to get the guests involved)
- Photo booth
- Fire twirling artist
- Caricature artist to draw each guest
Tips
- Stick to a strict budget – overspending on the reception is very easy to do.
- Ensure that your venue has enough toilets, kitchen facilities, access for the elderly or disabled, space to dance and audiovisual equipment, if necessary.
- Try to tailor the entertainment and food so that everyone (old, young, men, women, conservative and daring) can enjoy it.
- Do not allow family politics to interfere with your day.
- Remember that this is your day, as a couple. Do not be pressured into anything that will detract from how special it is for the two of you.
Looking for more info on planning a wedding? Visit the links below:
