A note from Lauren: Hey there lovely ELD-ers (Yes, I went there again. It’s just so easy)! Remember my official introduction post last week for Kristine? Well it was because she’ll be sharing some tips and advice with you all every now and then! Today she has some excellent advice about the different wedding reception options, which is perfect timing for those of you who are just starting to plan! Enjoy, and don’t forget to show Kristine some love in the comments and ask questions too! :)
Being that it’s engagement season and all, I thought it’d be good to talk about options today. Options are always good when it comes to wedding planning {although too many options can tend you make you go crazy–I’m not talking from experience or anything!}. There are so many decisions to make regarding style, themes, and {of course} details. But what about the bigger elements? Say, the reception? That’s right, there are even options when it comes to the reception! Let’s take a look at a few, shall we?
The Brunch Reception
While this option does require you to wake up fairly early on your wedding day, think about all the possibilities–omelet and pancake bars, Make Your Own Bloody Mary station, coffee mugs as favors, Bellinis. And who doesn’t love brunch? Or a beautiful sunrise ceremony? Plus, you’d be finished with plenty of time to spare so you could head off on your honeymoon or spend extra time with close friends and family.
A Picnic Lunch
Think about it: blankets instead of tables, lunch served in picnic baskets, LAWN GAMES. Doesn’t that sound like such a fun, relaxed, and intimate reception? If you’re looking for something more casual, and you’re drawn to backyard and garden weddings, you may find your answer in the picnic lunch.
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is typically served between 2:00pm and 5:00pm. It’s a touch fancier than your picnic lunch but it carries with it just as many creative ideas. Vintage china as place settings, assorted tea cups as escort cards, doilies as decor, tea bags as favors. I don’t know about you, but I’m completely sold on this one.
Cocktails
Cocktail attire requested. Need I say more? If you’re looking for your guests to dress up in their finest {but don’t want to go all out with a black tie affair}, why not throw a cocktail party? You can serve signature cocktails named after the bride and groom, pass around fun hors d’oeuvres, and set up cocktail tables to encourage mingling. You can make it as posh as you want it!
The Full Dinner
This is the typical reception option: appetizers and cocktails followed by dinner followed by dessert and coffee. It’s a great choice for brides and grooms who want to treat their guests to a full meal–and for those who wish to get married in the late afternoon/evening. Plus, there are so many different ways to do it. Buffet, sit down, family style. The options are endless.
Dessert & Drinks
Or perhaps you wish to bypass dinner and go all out with dessert. Start your ceremony in the evening {so guests have time to eat beforehand} and round up all your favorite confections. Serve drinks if you prefer–a signature cocktail, wine, beer–and dance the night away on your sugar high!
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I don’t know if you were counting but I just listed SIX different options for your reception. When it comes to planning your wedding, there are no limits, my friends. Do what fits you best and have fun with it! So, tell me, any of those six catch your eye? Would you ever choose a reception other than the full dinner?
xo-Kristine
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Love these adorable ideas! We decided to go with a full dinner for our reception, but I would like to do a tea party or brunch for my shower!
Fantastic ideas! We have used several and our clients love the unique touches with the traditional Feel.
We are planning a luncheon reception (around 1pm) – not sure yet what we’ll be serving. Burgers and brats seem to ‘picnic-y’ but we don’t want it to be super formal. Any ideas?
Hi Laura! I would suggest going with a brunch menu. It’s a little more fancy than burgers and brats, and you can have a lot of fun with it! Mini quiches, pancakes, a DIY mimosa/bloody mary bar, etc :)
I was wondering if you had any ideas for after the wedding shower? My niece got married out of state and I would like to do something for her when she comes home around christmas time. Thanks so much and I look forward to hearing from you!