Wedding receptions continue to impress guests with towering centerpieces, gourmet cuisine and elegant ballrooms. For a busy bride and groom, it can be difficult to add personality to one’s wedding reception. Here are five must-haves for planning an exciting, one-of-a-kind wedding reception:
1. Location, location, location
Choosing the venue for your nuptials sets the tone for your entire event. Look for spaces in trendy neighborhoods like the West Loop that offer unique features like exposed brick, modern décor or large windows to let in natural light. Remember, having the ceremony and reception in one place can be a convenient option for your guests.
2. Set the mood
The ambiance of your space can transform an average reception into a lively, memorable party. Pay careful attention to lighting and set the mood with upbeat music that fits the formality of your event but gets the party started.
3. Choose unique food and cocktails
According to the Knot, about 50 percent of your total budget should go toward the reception with much of that covering the food and cocktails your guests will enjoy. To make your reception stand out, choose unexpected entrees with unique flavors, and have the bartender concoct a signature cocktail for your event.
4. Infuse your personality
Based on projections from Demographic Intelligence, the number of weddings each year will continue to rise, reaching more than 2.2 million in 2015. To stand out among the rest, choose a handful of details to add an extra ounce of creativity to like your table numbers, guest book or head table décor.
5. Add a splash of color
Modern and clean spaces look chic in ivory linens, but you can still incorporate accent colors like deep purples, vibrant yellows or muted pinks in your flowers, table runners or dinnerware. Even in small doses, color can add excitement to your space.