When choosing your wedding reception venues there are many factors to consider. The most obvious is budget and capacity. Can the wedding venue accommodate the number of guests attending and is it in the appropriate price range. Whilst many couples consider different things selecting their wedding reception venue, it is important not to overlook some basic points. After all the wedding reception is usually the wedding guest’s most memorable experience.

The best wedding reception venues are the ones with a room layout that is conducive to socializing and partying. When selecting a reception venue you should pay attention to where the dance floor is situated. The best place for the dance floor is to be positioned in the center of the room. This allows all the guests to have easy access to and from and allows them to watch the action even if they are not participating.

Centralized dance floors are usually best in a square room where the bridal table is positioned at one end of the dance floor and the stage for the wedding entertainment at the other end. This room positioning allows all the guests to view both the action and bridal table easily and from everywhere in the room. Another benefit of this reception venue room layout is that it allows for the fair and even division of both families with the brides family on one side and the grooms on the other. It is most effective at wedding and events to keep guests who know each other together. This allows for the natural mingling of guests and they can also encourage each other to get up and party.

Most weddings where the dance floor is situated away from the guests either in a corner or away from the tables makes a lot of guests feel uncomfortable to get up and dance. Tables which are not separated by family and mixed together with the brides and grooms family makes for a less social event. In some instances this mixing of groups can lead to guest disputes and fights (the last thing you want on your wedding day).

When looking for your reception venue also take into consideration the size and shape of the tables. The larger the tables the more difficult it is to have conversations. Often food on the larger tables is missed and it is difficult for the guests to see what is on offer. Remember don’t decorate your venue with cumbersome and bulky centerpieces as these can also distract and affect how well guests can converse. If the venue is supplying the centerpieces or floral arrangements you may want to have a look at them. Oversized candelabras or floral arrangements look impressive but can get in the way of guests at a wedding or event. Ask the venue for an itinerary. It is always good to know how each wedding reception venue does things.

On your day you don’t want to be bogged down with formalities. You also want the reception to flow naturally and easily from one thing to another. After guests are seated it is usual for the bridal party and parents of the bride and groom to be formally introduced and seated. Upon entering the bride and groom usually cut the cake. Then the venue should typically start serving the entrees. The entrees are followed by the first dance/ bridal waltz and a set of dancing.

Speeches can come before or after the main meal. After speeches the main meal is served, followed by another set of dancing. Desserts are then served and dancing continues once again after dessert. The wedding cake is usually served with coffees during the dancing set and should not interrupt the dance music. Before the end of the night the exciting tossing of the bouquet and garter, followed by a couple of more songs take place.

Once the music concludes the family and friends gather in circle to see off the bride and groom. No matter what wedding reception venue you choose it is important to plan and book as early as possible. This will help avoid any stress and ensure that you get the best wedding reception venue for you. Your wedding reception choice will determine whether you reception will be a success or failure. So choose well and enjoy the day.

Top 10 Wedding Reception Ideas

If you want to host a wedding reception that screams you, consider this top 10 list:

1. Show up in style

If the wedding ceremony and reception take place at different venues, providing guests with transportation that meets the feel you want for the party. A limo, or crazy hummer ride can set the tone. Recently, I did a wedding reception in Fonda, NY, a big parachuting town, in an old airplane hanger that was decked out in a German/Swiss theme. I played polkas and yodel music to start, while they served beer a brats for the cocktail hour. When it came time for the introductions of the bridal party, I hit the Mission Impossible theme and had everyone look up in the air. People marveled at the party parachuting down to join the festivities.

2. Wedding Cup Cakes:
While you may absolutely love the idea of a classy cream cheese carrot cake, Uncle Charlie may absolutely HATE IT. That doesn’t mean you have to be unselfish and not have carrot cake, it only means you have to think outside of the box. In this case, why not try WEDDING CUPCAKES. You tier up a wedding cake display with many different types of cup cakes, in displayed in the shape of a traditional wedding cake. Everyone, including you and Uncle Charlie is now happy.

3. The First Dance:

Many bride and grooms have dropped the 100% serious tone to the first dance, opting for 50% slow and 50% ridiculous. Rascal Flatts “My Wish” plays just past the first chorus, when Sir Mix A Lot belts out his love for big butts. This is quickly becoming more regular than not, with the added touch of elaborate choreographed moves.

4. Video Game Time

Believe it or not, interactive video game competitions are a new trend. Having a later hour set aside for popular competitions like Guitar Hero or Rock Band is a smart and hip way to add another memorable element of fun to your wedding reception. I have seen digital projectors come into play at night-time tent weddings on the ceiling where a massive screen is created for the game play to unfold.

5. SAY CHEESE! Wedding Photo booths:

Guests will love to jump in and snap silly photos, for great additions to your wedding photo album. Have you seen this yet? Wedding photo booths are quickly becoming a new tradition at modern wedding receptions. It also helps to pass the time when the photographer runs late and the people are waiting t=for the grand entrance of the wedding party.

6. Funky Snack Attack:

Candy tables, ice cream bars, your favorite trail mix… There are no rules to what you can serve anymore. If you think the snack is cheap, but something everyone will appreciate, you can use a variety of containers (think martini glasses) to add that special decorative touch. On the Fourth of July, 2009, I did a great Pakistani-American Wedding, where all kinds of great Pakistani curry-laden dishes where set in tandem next to the groom’s favorite American chow, you guess it, PIZZA. The pizza was served on elegant silver platters under a heat light, like a prime rib carving roast!

7. Karaoke Hour

Want fun! Add karaoke! This can be really awesome in the right party, but be careful. Place this activity late, if not last, in the event and limit people’s participation, or else it could be come a karaoke concert!)

8. Digital Slide Show Projection

 
Collect up as many pictures that you can of the bride and groom growing up, then add shots of them together now. (You can go right to Walmart with the old shots and scan them to disc for a couple of bucks!) Next, with the wonders of modern technology, a power point slide show can then be created with ease. The power point can run continuously while the guests eat, or can play once as a scheduled activity set to music. Maybe you even know someone who can work photoshop, to make you a funny one like this slideshow for Ben and Joanna, who by the way got married at an aquarium!

9. Reception Themes

 
A themed wedding reception is a great way to let your personalities shine. I have done weddings with many different themes including Heavy Metal, Hawaiian luau, Ethnic-specific, and even Vegas.

10. Hey, Mister DJ!

Great bands rock, but are sometimes limited to only a few sounds that may not be everyone’s cup of tea. A good DJ, however, can be like the weather in New England and change on an instant. At most wedding receptions, your DJ is the life of the party and can shuffle.