Unique Wedding Reception Ideas

From personalized toasting flutes to custom designed cake-tops, more and more brides are using their creative side when planning their wedding. Whether it's a hint of personalization or a full-blown signature theme, brides can implement these unique wedding reception ideas that will not only express her creative side but it will also make her special day even more memorable.

Entertainment- For reception entertainment a bride will generally choose between a band and a DJ. However in order to personalize this part of the reception she should rent a Juke Box instead of having live entertainment. Not only is this a creative and unique wedding reception idea it may even save the bride money.

Décor- There is so many different ways to decorate a reception venue and everything from the lighting to the table skirts can be personalized. When it comes to the centerpieces instead of purchasing them a bride can make her own by enlisting the help of her bridesmaids and mother. One idea she can implement is made with kerosene lamps and paraffin paper. She can purchase the small clear kerosene lamps from her local discount store which generally cost under $2.00 and when selecting the paraffin she should do so to match her wedding colors. Not only is this idea creative and unique it also brings out the beauty of the reception area. For a fruit centerpiece brides can use a variety of their favorite items such as pineapple, mango, or grapes; I don't suggest using bananas as they turn colors quickly if seated too long. In order for the centerpieces to look like a flower bouquet, brides can cut the fruit into a variety of shapes, put them on skewers and then arrange them in a decorative vase. If using candy brides can purchase bite-sized chocolate bars, taffy, or skittles and then add them to a decorative vase. These ideas are not only creative they are very cost effective, a great alternative to flowers, and can also be used as a wedding favor.

Memory Book-On her wedding day a bride is usually busy getting ready to walk down the aisle, greeting guests, and posing for photos, so it's no surprise that she misses special happenings throughout the day. A bride can station multiple pieces of paper and writing utensils on the guest book table and encourage guests to write down their most memorable wedding day moment. After the wedding a bride can gather all of the documented happenings and place them in a memory book. This will not only allow her to see what she missed but will also bring back fond memories of her day.

Wedding Favors-Every guest loves wedding favors as they are a great memento of such a special day. Instead of purchasing ready-made favors from a bridal salon or store, a bride should consider making them herself. For instance she can purchase paper that is embedded with flower seeds and type up her favorite saying or bible scripture to add to it. This is not only creative and unique but guests will be able to enjoy the favor for years to come. For brides planning a winter wedding they can purchase Christmas ornaments that can be decorated from their local craft store such as "Hobby Lobby" or "Michael's." This too is a great way to personalize the reception and allows brides to show off their creative skills.

Reception Speeches- It's very common for the Best Man and Maid of Honor to give a speech but to personalize this part of the reception a bride can do something different. Again she can station multiple pieces of paper and writing utensils but this time near the escort card table and encourage guests to write down their most favorite memory of the couple. While the guests are waiting for their entrees to be served, the bride and groom can read each memory out loud. This creative alternative will ultimately save time during the reception, keep the guests entertained, and the papers can be added to the Memory Book.

Alternatives for Guests with Children- Depending on the guest list brides may have several children attending the wedding as well as the reception. Although this is welcomed by many brides others do not want children to attend. A great alternative is for brides to hire or appoint one of their teenage cousins to oversee the younger children during the reception. This would be a perfect opportunity for them to play games, watch a movie, or even make a greeting card for the bride and groom. Not only is this a creative and unique idea, the children will be entertained and the greeting cards can also be added to the Memory Book.

Every bride sets out to create the wedding of her dreams but unfortunately not everyone has a creative side. These wedding reception ideas will serve as a guide to the creatively challenged so that they can ultimately plan their wedding to reflect their style, tastes, and unique personalities.