It’s time to relax, dance and celebrate! Your reception should be enjoyable for you, and your guests.  Your planner and DJ/Band will take care of making sure that everything stays on schedule so that you can enjoy your night seamlessly. Here are some tips that will help your reception flow smoothly. 

1. GUEST CONSIDERATION: Take your guests into consideration when planning your timeline. If you have a lot of elderly guests that will not be staying until the very end, schedule special events like the first dance at a relatively early time so that they can be a part of it. Grandma’s love seeing this sweet tradition.
2. IT’S OKAY TO RELAX: I have found that this celebratory time can often become quite stressful for couples because they feel pressed to do a lot of ‘things’ during the reception that may or may not really be important to them. Work with your planner to set aside time during the reception to sit down and eat your meal, to visit with the people you’ve been waiting all day to see, and to simply relax and take in all the excitement of the day. If you WANT to do table visits or a receiving line, that is your call. If you would rather simply visit casually during dinner, do that!
3. MAKE IT YOUR OWN:  If you want to have a special dance with your grandparents, make it happen. If you are not excited about a bouquet and garter toss and want to simply mingle, dine, and enjoy your friends and family, it’s okay to say no thank you. Make your reception a reflection of who you are and don’t feel tied to traditions. 
4. BE OPEN MINDED: I have seen some pretty incredible receptions from open-minded and adventurous couples paired with a talented designer.  From long, winding reception tables as a focal point for the evening, to dining under a canopy of twinkle lights and lanterns, to a beachside lounge area with passed cocktails – anything is possible! 
5. CREATE AN EXPERIENCE: The reception affords so many opportunities to create a truly unique experience for your guests. Greet them with an awe-inspiring escort display. Consider favors that are unique to your love story. Provide them with a dining experience that appeals to the senses; beautiful blooms cascading down the table, a gorgeous place setting and menu for the meal, the ambience of candlelight. There are countless ways to make the reception feel like a one-of-a-kind experience that your guests will never forget!

Featuring images from our Botanical Bridal Inspiration with Kaleb Norman James, Monet Vineyards Wedding with Willow & Ivy Events, Lakewold Gardens Micro-Wedding with Chloe Nicole Floral, a Waverley Country Club Wedding with Luxe Event Productions and Chihuly Gardens wedding shot for Amanda K Photography.