No longer are bride's held down by tradition, they can plan anything from a classy cocktail style party, to a wild soiree at a water park. With the only limit being the bride and groom's imagination it is all determined by every couple's personal taste. Here are just a few examples to get started with.
Summer Barnyard Reception
A country style barn can provide a beautiful backdrop for a summer wedding reception. It can also range from very informal family and friends BBQ to a decadent formal affair. It all depends on the details and the time of day.
For example, a semi-formal afternoon reception could look like this:
- Colors: mango orange, strawberry red and sunny yellow.
- Menu: appetizers could be a simple fare of whole grain crackers with cream cheese topped with mango chutney. Salad could be a watermelon salad with feta cheese and a hot pepper infused red wine vinegarette dressing. That would then be followed by grilled chicken breast with a sweet BBQ sauce drizzled on top with a side of grilled squash and zucchini.
- Drinks: try serving mimosas, hard lemonade and fuzzy navels.
- Cake: for something a little different try lemon cake with a strawberry (or other berry) filling.
Pirates of the Caribbean Themed Reception
Themed receptions come in all shapes and sizes and can either accompany a themed ceremony or just stand on their own. For this particular example the couple along with their guests could show up in costume. Or try and see if the catering staff and DJ mind dressing up for the occasion.
It could be set up like this:
- Colors: colors won't be as important with a themed reception as the theme will be what ties everything together. But for this particular theme stick with brown, sandy colors and blue. Decorate with drift wood and "treasure".
- Menu: Seafood fare such as crab, oysters and various fish dishes will be appropriate with this theme. Sushi could also be used. Try serving the food out of chests or other themed containers to liven up the presentation.
- Drinks: Rum is a must for this theme, also try rum based cocktails.
- Cake: The obvious choice would be rum cake. But if that doesn't strike the couple's fancy than any flavor would be fine as long as the cake is decorated to suit the theme.
Picnic Reception in the Park
This reception idea would also be suitable for summer unless the reception will be held in a warm climate then the time of year doesn't matter much. With this one the idea would be to provide blankets (or have guests bring their own) and buy kites as favors. This would most likely be suitable for an informal reception.
For example, it could look like this:
- Colors: This reception idea is open to almost any color combination. For help getting started with choosing colors click here.
- Menu: Either a buffet serving fried chicken and other picnic fare would be appropriate, or perhaps a sandwich making station where guests could build their own fresh sandwiches.
- Drinks: Lemonade and iced tea, hard or otherwise.
- Cake: For those who don't like cake, fruit pies could be used here in place of the traditional cake.
Masquerade Ball Reception
Another decadent semi-themed reception, a masquerade ball is appropriate for a formal evening affair. Guest's favors could be the masks provided for them at the door. Purchase a wide variety for more interest. For this type of reception location will be very important. Try and find something reminiscent of an old world ballroom.
The details would look something like this:
- Colors: Rich colors like red and gold would help to create the atmosphere here. Or try purple and gold for a little darker feel.
- Menu: A sit down dinner with at least three courses of rich, decadent food would help to maintain the atmosphere of an old world ball. The main course could be either steak or chicken drizzled with a wine and mushroom sauce. Asparagus cooked in butter and garlic would make an excellent side dish.
- Drinks: Red wine would accompany the main course. The bride and groom's favorite cocktails could also be served.
- Cake: Have the cake decorated in the main colors, such as red and gold to make a dramatic statement.The flavor of the cake could be the bride and groom's personal favorite.
Rachel Thayer - Rachel has had an inquiring mind ever since she started reading at the age of four. Quickly devouring every book in the house and moving ...
