We are planning to get married towards mid 2007 and we are stuck for ideas for where to have our reception. We've been to receptions where there is just a DJ/band and they were BORING. We want something a little different and entertaining. We are looking at a guest list of around 50 ish people. We are both quiet/shy sort of people so dancing all night just doesn't do it for us. Any ideas would be great!
2006-11-29 17:06:27 · 12 answers · asked by Michelle 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
It depends on what kinds of things you like to do. Maybe you could hire a performer of some kind and have your own concert (how many times will you be able to do that?) I've heard that some people have almost like a carnival and have psychics giving readings and other acts (you would have to make sure that this was fine with the religions of most of your guests). Could you make the dinner into something fun? Maybe a fondue or have those actions stations where people fry crepes etc? Everybody loves dessert - you could make that a focus. A dessert buffet, a chocolate fountain, carnival candy like candy floss...I know you said dancing isn't your thing, but maybe you could have a professional come in and teach everyone the rudiments of your favorite type of dancing? Or if you're big game players, play games like trivia, pictionary etc.
I hope this helps with your brainstorming and congratulations!
2006-11-29 17:16:53 · answer #1 · answered by cotopaximary 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Most people out there only think of the hotels as places to hold the receptions, but there are so many other creative ideas. Not to mention that since you are competing for space in hotel reception areas with conferences, it allows the hotel to have higher prices.
For instance, have you ever thought to have your wedding surrounded by dolphins! The Minnesota Zoo rents the space called Discovery Bay, which is surronded by dolphin tanks. It supplies the tables, chairs, linen and china, you just have to get a caterer. Many aquariums and zoos will rent out space, since they make money at night when they are typically closed.
Another idea is breweries. The Coors breweries in Memphis has two large rooms available for receptions and includes all the Coors they can drink.
Same goes for Wineries. Wineries typically have space inside and outside. Many of the wineries are very picturesque and very affordable. Typically less than any of the major hotels.
Also, look at places like www.fieldtrip.com, to get an idea of other potential places. Almost all your gardens open to the public are open to weddings.
If you are set on a hotel, remember that many of them have different menus for weddings than other partys that are sometimes more expensive and for little or no reason. Also, be sure to call the same hotel again and ask to book the same room for a family reunion and you may find the room costs substantially less. Now, sometimes that is for a reason, such as they will decorate for a wedding, but not a family reunion. So, call and ask questions.
The web site below has great ideas and also many photos of a Million Dollar Wedding Dress!
2006-11-30 10:59:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a small reception myself 40 guests and had a destination wedding in Hawaii. It was great because we got married outside and had the reception outdoors next to the ocean under a tent. As for entertainment we had a private luau show. It worked out perfectly because no one was staring at us during dinner but were watching the show instead which meant we could actually eat our dinner and felt relaxed during the reception. Here is a website that was great when I was planning my own wedding.
http://brightweddingideas.com/destination_weddings.htm
Best wishes and good luck!
2006-11-30 04:22:21 · answer #3 · answered by Jen 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
congrats! I have been to tons of weddings...all kinds! First think about what you and your spouse have in common..what are some of your favorite things to do or favorite places make that your theme...say you both been to Mexico and you have pictures of your trip buy small inexpensive frames and put those on your guests' tables...or you could make each table a little memory of something or somewhere special to both of you...you could also add some games that everyone would like to play....or you could make up other little things to do...usually most weddings will have like a dollar dance, bride and groom dance..etc. you might want to either have a cd made of your favorite songs or hire a young friend or family member to kind of dj because you might miss having that first special dance as husband and wife...you can get all kinds of ideas from different online sites... theknot is a good site...just be creative and have fun with it...this is such a special day...if your having fun your guests will too! good luck hope this will help some!
2006-11-29 17:26:05 · answer #4 · answered by dray 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is always a hard question to answer for someone I don't know personally. Everyone's idea of an enjoyable reception seems to be a little different-- just from their personalities, let alone from any religious values, etc.
Personally, I've never found any wedding reception (or shower or other party) boring or unpleasant, as long as there was an interesting and friendly group of guests, decent refreshments, and relatively comfortable surroundings. Dancing, toasts, speeches, favors, and events like bouquet tosses are all fine and can be enjoyable, but their inclusion doesn't (to me) make or break a reception's success or interest.
What will be appropriate and enjoyable in your situation will depend on a number of factors:
~ the personalities and expectations of you, your fiance, and your families
~ the atmosphere you want to create
~ the number of guests and their relationship to one another and to you
~ the willingness of you and your families-- and of the guests-- to mingle and chat
~ the location and physical space/logistics of the reception area
~ the length of time you expect guests to stay at the reception
The things that generally make a reception memorable to guests are:
~ FOOD and beverages, first and foremost, and that it is sufficient in both quantity and quality
~ overall atmosphere/mood
~ feeling comfortable and well-hosted
~ personal moments, such as speeches, time with the bride and groom, conversations with other guests
~ decorations
~ then things like location or activities, but these are much less important to most guests, from my experience.
So I suggest you think through these issues and items a bit to try and find a balance that will be appealing to you, your families and your guests.
As I mentioned, carefully chosen refreshment choices are the best way to ensure your guests enjoy themselves. The food needn't be fancy or expensive, but it should be appealing and served in adequate amounts. Simple decorations and hospitable details can also improve your guests' enjoyment of the reception.
One easy way to improve a reception's atmosphere, without adding any activity or much expense, is to add recorded background music. Whether you choose classical for elegance and ambiance, or for meaning, or something else that seems appropriate for yourselves and your guests, having soft music playing throughout the reception helps fill in any awkward silences in conversation, and adds an element of mood to the event.
Many reception sites have a stereo system, and if yours doesn't you can often rig something up yourselves. Several of my clients have recorded specific tapes of songs that were particularly appropriate or sentimental for them. Others have made use of the random mode on CD players, and just put in a selection of harmonious CDs for trouble-free on-going music.
In the end, however, you, your groom, your families and your bridal party are potentially the best and most unique "entertainment" option. I always remind my clients that no matter who pays for the wedding, they and their families and attendants are the hosts of the celebration, and one of the best ways to make guests happy is to make them feel honestly welcome.
Be sure that you try to greet as many guests personally as possible. You won't have a lot of time with any of them, especially if you have a large guest list-- but most guests cherish their chance to personally congratulate the happy couple. Now that many couples eliminate the formal receiving line, that means that they need to take time from their meal and other activities to "make the rounds" and greet the people who
came to share their day.
If your reception isn't scheduled to last too-too long, just the basic "activities" of one or two toasts, eating, greeting guests, and cutting the cake should fill up the time nicely. And if your refreshments are to be served buffet-style rather than served to the tables, you can also encourage guests to mingle and move about while they eat, etc., which helps keep them busy and interested over a longer period of time.
I hope that these suggestions help to give you some ideas. Good luck to you both, and much happiness. God bless--
Deborah
www.foreverwed.com
2006-11-29 18:09:42 · answer #5 · answered by amber37849forever 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
How about having your reception as a cocktail type hour idea with ambiance music and more visiting. Some art galleries offer their facilities to private parties. You could also hire different dancers and different entertainment acts. Perhaps dancers from your heritage. I recently met some ladies who are belly dancers that do weddings maybe a little too much for you but, there are other types of entertainment. You could even hire a couple comedians and have your own comedy night its up to you.
2006-11-29 17:15:16 · answer #6 · answered by emmandal 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am currently planning my wedding as well, and I am constantly looking for unique venues. My dream reception would have been renting a yacht (that is if you are near water) and just having your family and friends on the yacht. Alot of yacht clubs and charter companies specialize in wedding receptions, so they can help you out with catering, food, bar, etc. Unfortunately I have a wedding list of 500, so it wasn't exactly a good option for me. Good luck with the planning!
2006-11-29 17:30:35 · answer #7 · answered by Waiting 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hmm.. well if the reason that you're not into dancing is that you're shy you might want to take some dance lessons. I've seen many people who weren't comfortable take lessons for their wedding and have the time of their lives, it's fun and a great experience for newlyweds. Think about it... otherwise if it's not your deal do some other kind of theme or form of entertainment to celebrate.. it's your wedding, BE YOU!! Congratulations!
2006-11-29 17:15:56 · answer #8 · answered by Sunshine 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How about a dinner cruise?
Another idea: Change clothes and have the reception at the beach. You can wear your veil and a swimsuit!
2006-11-29 17:16:01 · answer #9 · answered by meoorr 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A wedding singer would be perfect.
They are more entertaining to watch and they mix things up alittle with game songs.
2006-11-29 22:46:13 · answer #10 · answered by LC 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋