Weddings are all about the little details, so give these hot new wedding reception ideas a try…
A is for Afternoon Tea
Refined, elegant and quintessentially British, it’s set to be the hottest alternative to a formal wedding breakfast in the Queen’s Jubilee year. Cucumber sandwiches (no crusts), scones, cream cakes and lashings of Champagne are just the start. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it!
B is for Budget Blooms
Gypsophila is the budget bloom for 2012 weddings. It makes a significant, stylish impact, whether used on its own or to bulk out larger arrangements. The tiny delicate white flowers are perfect for a vintage theme and will never date in your photographs.
C is for Ciné Cameras
Capture your day in classic style with a wedding video shot on Super 8 film. Magical and timeless, this medium creates a very flattering, soft light that gives an ultra-romantic, vintage feel.
D is for Disguises
Fun disguises are the latest addition to the photobooth trend, so visit a fancy dress shop and stock up on oversized glasses, fake moustaches and beards, plastic noses, feather boas and top hats for your guests to adorn themselves with for their snaps! Ask them to stick their pics into your guestbook for a fun-filled memento, too.
E is for Eton Mess
With its crushed meringue and bright red strawberries, Eton Mess is the epitome of summer desserts. Serve yours with lashings of cream, custard or ice cream for a truly yummy homemade-style dessert.
F is for Finger Food
Finger food is a great alternative to formal dining, and suits laid-back receptions down to the ground. Rather than waiters serving guests individually, they deliver large dishes of food to each table so people can help themselves then pass them along.
G is for Gramophones
The guys from vintage78dj can get the party started with classic 78s from the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. From Louis Armstrong to Glen Miller, they’ve got the perfect tunes to create a vintage rock ‘n’ roll vibe at your reception.
H is for Home-time treats
Don’t leave your guests feeling hungry at the end of the night. Send them away feeling full, either with a late-night snack of cheese and biscuits or a goodie bag filled with sweets. Include a little personal thank you note and you have the perfect favours.
I is for I-Spy
Put disposable cameras on each table, along with a printed sheet of things to spot (bride and groom kissing, bride admiring her ring and so on), with the promise that once the photos are developed, you’ll award a prize to the person who ticks off the most. Your guests have a giggle, and you get some fab unposed shots at the same time.
J is for Juice Bottles
On arrival at the wedding reception, give each guest a retro-style glass bottle of freshly squeezed juice, with a tag round the neck bearing their name and table number. Pretty and practical!
K is for Katas
No, we didn’t make it up – Katas are a funky alternative to a marquee for your under-canvas reception! These stunning Nordic tipis can accommodate up to 300 people seated, and ooze festival chic. Just the job for a boho wedding.
L is for Layered Cakes
Tiered wedding cakes are making a comeback after being overshadowed by cupcakes in recent years. This year’s brides are mixing it up by combining tiers of different shapes, sizes and flavours. Watch this space!
M is for Monograms
Monograms are just the ticket for a chic, contemporary wedding – after all, if they’re good enough for Chanel and Louis Vuitton… Design a distinctive icon that incorporates your initials, and use it to personalise reception details such as place cards, menus and favour boxes.
What are your favourite things about planning your wedding reception?
Finished part one? Check out Part 2 right here!
