A cocktail party reception is a type of reception where no formal meal is served and instead guests indulge in a variety of hors d’oeuvres. You can create a party that includes only the meaningful-to-you traditions, and host a celebration that still feels like a wedding—minus the hefty price tag.
How do you set up a wedding reception in the same room?
When using the same space for both ceremony and reception, consider exchanging vows on an elevated platform so everyone can see. Instead of saying “I do” at the front of the room (where your head table would be), consider standing on the dance floor. That way, more guests will have a great view.
How do you fill the time between wedding and reception?
- Keep the gap as short as you can.
- Organize a group activity.
- Provide activity ideas for your guests.
- Host a “mini reception.”
- Take your family and wedding party portraits.
What is a wedding backdrop?
Your wedding backdrop sets the tone for the entire ceremony. It frames the bride and groom and can double as a piece for the reception table or even a photo backdrop for guests.
Where should aunts and uncles sit at wedding reception?
Members of her mother’s immediate family—the bride’s grandparents, any siblings who aren’t attendants, and aunts, uncles, and their spouses—sit immediately behind in the next one or two rows.
Do the parents all sit together at wedding?
Traditionally, the parents all sit at the same reception table, along with siblings not in the wedding party, the officiant and his or her spouse (if they attend the reception) and any grandparents.
What decorations do you need for a reception?
- A tent (for an outdoor wedding)
- Lighting.
- Draping.
- Dance floor.
- Hanging décor or installations such as chandeliers.
- Backdrop for the head table or sweetheart table.
- Bar décor (if your bar is not the same bar used during cocktail hour)
- Wedding hashtag signage.
What is a dry reception?
A dry wedding is simply a wedding without alcohol. The couple may choose not to serve alcohol for various reasons, from religious to financial. Deciding whether or not to serve alcohol at your wedding is completely up to you.
What is the order of events at a reception?
- Cocktail Hour. While you and your love are off taking pictures or having a private moment before the reception, your guests can be enjoying the cocktail hour.
- Arrivals.
- Dinner.
- Toasts.
- First Dance and Family Dances.
- Dancing.
- Bouquet and Garter Tosses.
- Cutting the Cake.
What time should a wedding reception start?
Many couples also ask, “what time do receptions usually start?” In most cases, the answer is between 5 pm and 6 pm, but your specific wedding reception timeline will depend on several factors. If the ceremony is at a different location than the reception, you have to take that into account.
Is 2 hours long enough for wedding reception?
Mixed into the many questions is often: “How long should a wedding reception be?” The answer to this will vary depending on the couple, but in most cases, the simple answer is generally 4 hours – which is the industry standard for most event venues.
Is 3 hours long enough for a wedding reception?
4-5 hours will be your best bet for reception length. Do note that the ceremony isn’t included in this, as it’s just the reception (and cocktail hour, if you’d like to count that). Some people think that less than 4-5 hours is perfect and I really feel that even 3-4 hours would be plenty.
What kind of backdrop is best?
- V-Flat World Duo Boards.
- Fovitec Reversible Backdrop.
- Lastolite by Manfrotto.
- Neewer Polyester Photo Studio Backdrop.
- Julius Studio Chromakey Photo Backdrop.
- Kate Pop-up Photo Backdrop (Grey/Teal)
- Savage Seamless Background Paper – Fashion Grey.
Which backdrop is best?
- White coated masonite board.
- Vinyl transfers.
- Vinyl or ceramic tiles.
- Linen and cloth.
- Painted colours and textures.
- Recycled doors and shutters.
- VJ panel or wooden slats.
- Textured blanket or throw.
What material is good for backdrop?
Fabric backdrops such as canvas or muslin are popular due to their variety and portability. Canvas backgrounds are generally more bulky and heavy than muslin backgrounds, but can offer some great depth and colour (I’ll cover how to make your own canvas backdrop later).
Which mother is seated first at a wedding?
In Christian ceremonies, the bride’s mother is always seated last and the groom’s mother is seated just before her. The seating of the bride’s mother usually signals the ceremony is about to begin.
Who walks the mother of the bride down?
Traditionally, a groomsman should walk the mother of the bride down the aisle. However, as with most details of a modern ceremony, the couple getting married is free to make any adjustments or choices they would like when wedding planning.
Who sits in first row at wedding?
The parents of the bride sit in the first pew or row on the left, the groom’s parents sit in the first row on the right, leaving the two spaces closest to the aisle for the groom and best man. Space permitting, extra chairs may be placed in front of the right hand pews for the groom and best man.
Who walks mother of groom down aisle?
As the wedding begins, the groom’s mother will be escorted down the aisle, to the first pew, right-hand side, by the head usher or a groomsman who is a family member. A nice touch includes the groom escorting his mother down the aisle. As the groom’s mother is escorted to her seat, her husband will follow along behind.
Which parent walks down the aisle first?
The groom’s parents precede the bride’s mother during the processional. Here’s a rundown: After the ushers have seated all of the guests, the grandparents start up the aisle, followed by the groom’s parents. Then the bride’s mother takes her turn. She is the last to be seated before the bridal party procession begins.
Who walks with the father of the groom?
The Groom’s Parents (MOG & FOG): The parents of the groom should follow the mother-of-the-Bride as they are 2nd in line in importance….. especially if they are contributing to the payment of the wedding. The Groom: Traditionally, the groom will enter next, walking down the aisle solo or accompanied by the groomsmen.
How do I beautify my reception area?
- Put Out Some Plants. lichaoshu/iStock/Getty Images.
- Hang Eye-catching Artwork. sergey02/iStock/Getty Images.
- Use Books as Décor. Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images.
- Hang a TV on the Wall.
- Keep It Neutral.
- Choose Easy-clean Furnishings.
How can I make my wedding reception not boring?
- Make introductions at the rehearsal.
- Stick to the schedule.
- Don’t let guests go hungry.
- Plan an exit strategy.
- Consider your venue.
- Work your seating chart.
- Put a time limit on toasts.
- Bring in the entertainment.
How do you fill a space at a reception?
- Flowers. Floral arrangements can be a stunning way to fill a large space at a wedding reception.
- Wall hangings.
- Long estate-style tables.
- Square and rectangular tables.
- Tall centerpieces.
- Strategic draping.
- Artistic lighting.
Does a reception usually include food?
The most traditional reception style, a plated meal is what the majority of couples choose. This is when all the guests are seated and served a formal dinner. Typically, it consists of two courses (an appetizer and an entrée), plus dessert if it’s served tableside.