Pamela Foester Getting married is one of the most significant occasions in your lifetime, so there is no doubt that you’ll want to get everything nailed exactly to your requirements. Once the ceremony is out of the way, it’s time for the celebrations to commence. This once-in-a-lifetime party needs to be special to you both as a couple and, of course, a lasting memory that your guests will be talking about for many years.
If you’re in the early stages of wedding planning and fretting about how to make your reception an unforgettable event, here are some top tips to keep in mind:
Tailor It to Your Personality
No two couples of the same, so don’t feel pressure to follow the latest trends as to how your wedding reception is played out. You’ll have your interests and aspects that are personal to the two of you, so don’t be afraid to integrate these within your reception. Adding an element of fun always goes down well with guests, but if you’re stuck for ideas, it would always be worth hiring a wedding planner to give you some insight into how to make your reception extra special.
Think About Your Guests’ Needs
It’s a privilege to be able to spend your special day with your closest friends and family, so ensure you make the day run smoothly and comfortably as possible for them. This means thinking about the needs of your guests from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave, so they aren’t faced with any annoying obstacles. This could include assigning designated parking spaces, adding plenty of seating around the venue, providing an ‘essentials’ basket in the bathroom, or even cozy blankets in the evening, if you’re having an outdoor wedding.
Book a Photographer
Many couples make the mistake of forgetting to budget for a photographer. However, Wedding photographers in Chicago should be one of your priorities. Your wedding flies by in the blink of an eye, and while you’ll be left with memories, you’ll have nothing to look back on as a memento of your big day or share with family or friends who couldn’t attend. Your wedding photos naturally capture your guests in the spirit of the day and, of course, the immense love and happiness you and your fiancé share with each other.
Ask Your Guests for Song Requests
The choice of songs during the reception is part and parcel of the atmosphere as soon as the party kicks in. Do you fear that the dancefloor will be empty for most of the evening? Allow your guests to choose a song of their choice either when sending back their RSVP or having the DJ announce that they will be taking song requests. In doing so, you’ll never have to worry about your guests getting bored.
Think Carefully About Food Choices
Food is an important aspect of any wedding. After the ceremony, guests are likely to get a little hungry, especially if it is held around lunchtime. If your budget allows, it’s wise to offer a selection of canapes once your guests arrive at the reception venue, followed by the wedding breakfast and a buffet for evening guests. As much as you may wish to cut down costs, self-catering is never a sensible option, as you’ll have far too much to do in the days leading up to the wedding. Your venue may offer a catering service, but if not, research local caterers that serve delicious food most of your guests will enjoy, and don’t forget to ask your guests about any dietary requirements.
