You’re celebrating your love with a wedding and a party—okay, you’re right; the reception is more than a party. Traditionally, the reception “presents” the couple as “Mr. and Mrs. Newlywed.” But whether you consider it a party or a traditional presentation of your couple-hood, the fact is, it’s yours and yours alone. When planning where to hold your reception, it helps to think of it in those terms.
Holding your reception inside the local church hall, or even at a hotel or party center is fine—and it’s also totally expected. Brainstorm for a minute (or less) and you can think of a dozen other places to hold your reception.
Thinking of outdoor venues, the places you’ve attended receptions are the first ones that come to mind--a park or the backyard of a friend or family member, or the city gazebo, for example. But why not at the zoo? Or an amusement park? Inside the art gallery or another local museum? In most cities, these venues are available for rent, and are also adept at working with large groups of people to manage food catering and musical entertainment, as well as handling maps, parking and overnight accommodations nearby.
What about the couple who has a distinct hobby? Your wedding is no time to ignore that hobby—rather, it can be a good time to celebrate it. The couple who likes to bowl could ask the Bowling alley about renting the place for an afternoon or evening. In many cases, holding a wedding reception at such a non-traditional venue will cost less than more ‘traditional’ locations—plus, it will be more memorable for all involved!
The couple who met at the office—if they are blessed with a very understanding boss and company culture—might be able to get hitched at the workplace. On a Saturday. When it wouldn’t interfere with business. Of course.
Added benefits to planning non-traditional venues (not a hotel or party center):
-You can choose your caterer and wedding-cake supplier, not be at the whim of the hall
-Many have servers already on staff
-Many are available to rent for less than the cost of reserving a party center/hall
-Many are not booked up as far in advance as more traditional locations
-Guests will look forward to your wedding with its special “something” and they’ll remember it longer
-Your wedding pictures will be viewed more so than the traditional wedding photos.
Small Ways to Be Non-Traditional
Of course, it’s entirely possible that you and your intended have a lighthearted view of the wedding reception that’s not shared by your parents…who may be footing part of the bill, and therefore, have considerable say in the matter. What can you do? Plenty.
The couple who loves to bike together can ride from the church to the (traditional, ho-hum) wedding reception location on their bikes—whether they’re roaring motorcycles or pedaling a bicycle-built-for-two. Or they can ride to the reception in a horse-drawn carriage, or an antique car, rather than the more traditional limousine.
Even inside the reception, there are many ways to incorporate non-traditional touches that will be meaningful to both you and your guests.
- Instead of the money from ‘dollar-a-dance with the bride’ going to the couple, put notes on the tables that indicate the money will be donated to a cherished charity. For example, to a homeless women’s shelter or a cause the two of you have supported together.
- Instead of throwing your bouquet, throw sunglasses or lais to all the guests to signify your impending honeymoon to a sunny locale.
- Instead of wedding cake, have a make-your-own sundae bar set up for guests to enjoy.
- Instead of throwing rice or birdseed at the couple as they depart the church or reception, ask for donations of a canned good or non-perishable item (such as rice) be brought to the reception to be donated to a local food pantry. (In this case, you’ll need to include your intentions in the wedding invitation.)
However you celebrate your wedding, only you know what the just-right special touch will be. Be creative, and have fun.
