Unique & Fun Wedding Reception Ideas for A Night to Remember

Your wedding ceremony is a moment that will change your life forever. So, it’s only natural to celebrate afterward with a wedding reception including all of your friends and family.

What happens at a wedding reception, step by step?

Every couple’s wedding schedule will look slightly different. But most wedding receptions typically involve the following activities.

How do I keep my wedding reception unique?

For many people, a traditional wedding reception sounds like a dream come true. But others may find the traditional route stuffy or boring. If you find yourself in the latter camp, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways you can upgrade your celebration with unique wedding reception ideas, from interactive guest books to one-of-a-kind activities.

Unique Wedding reception ideas

Pick a wedding reception theme

Most wedding receptions will continue the theme from the wedding ceremony, especially if you’re hosting at the same venue. But this is also your opportunity to branch out and create a distinctive atmosphere for the occasion. Consider the following wedding reception themes as a starting point.

• Carnival. A carnival-themed wedding reception gives you the opportunity to include fun activities and treats for your guests, like game booths, cotton candy, and popcorn.
• Fairy Tale Ball. If you fancy a little more elegance, hosting in a ballroom can help your wedding reception feel like a formal event straight out of a fairy tale.
• Holiday Themed. If your wedding takes place near a holiday, embrace the spirit of the season at your wedding reception. Grab pumpkins and moody flowers for a Halloween themed wedding, or Holly and evergreen garlands for a Christmas wedding

Bonus tip: Choose decorations of the same color palette or design type as your ceremony to intertwine the two events.

Elevate your cocktail hour

At formal celebrations, cocktail hour allows guests to mingle with snacks and drinks. Plus, it gives them something to do while your wedding party snaps photos.

To make your cocktail hour unique, consider providing activities for your guests, like these ideas

• Yard Games. For outdoor cocktail hours, games like cornhole or croquet can give your guests a more laid-back way to enjoy themselves
• Oversized Board Games. Grab a giant version of a classic board game, like Connect 4 or Jenga, to give your guests some outdoor entertainment.
• S'more Roast Instead of traditional hors d’ouvres, you could provide more interactive food, like roasting s’mores around a bonfire.

Use a unique guest book

If a traditional wedding guest book feels too basic for your taste, consider choosing an alternative way for your guests to leave well-wishes, like one of the following ideas.

• Polaroids. Set out a Polaroid camera and have your guests snap a selfie. Then they can sign the picture, like a traditional guest book. Plus, you’ll get to see parts of the reception that you might’ve otherwise missed!
• Globe. If you and your partner love to travel, have your guests sign a globe. It creates a more interactive guest experience and allows you to use it as a decor piece afterward.
• Phone Guest Book Not a fan of clutter? Instead of a physical guest book, set up a voicemail box and ask your guests to leave a message. You can listen back to their well-wishes without anything taking up space in your home.

Curate fun activities

While music and dancing provide the traditional entertainment for a wedding reception, no rule says you can’t have more than one form of entertainment.

• A wedding Painter. Event painters paint a scene from your wedding reception in real-time, like your first dance or dinner with your spouse. Not only is it fascinating to watch, but you’ll also get a wonderful keepsake.
• Caricaturist. Consider hiring a caricature artist to create portraits of your guests and wedding party.
• A Magician. Wow your guests by hiring a musician to perform tricks during cocktail hour or dinner.

Play with wedding reception lighting

Lighting can totally transform the atmosphere at your wedding reception. So, consider the following reception lighting ideas to set the mood.

• Candlelight. Soft candlelight in a chandelier, candelabras, or free-standing candles, can help the reception feel warm and cozy. They also make beautiful decorations for wedding tables.
• Monogrammed Light. A spotlight monogrammed with you and your partner’s initials creates a way to customize the dance floor.
• Illuminated Drapery. If you’re using a tent for an outdoor wedding reception, consider using lighted panels to give your wedding a more dimensional look. The entire tent doesn’t need lights to get a gorgeous effect – a few well-placed panels will do.

Use wedding dance floor props

After dinner and drinks, it’s time to dance! You can make the dance floor feel more festive by providing your guests with wedding dance floor props like these.

• Glow Sticks. Light-up props, like glow sticks or wristbands, can create a rave-like atmosphere on your reception dance floor
• Wearables. Apparel, like personalized sunglasses or hats, are fun to pass around while you’re dancing and make for adorable photo ops.
• Headphones. Transform your wedding reception into a silent disco by giving your guests headphones to listen to the music. Other guests can talk without the music interrupting their conversation, and dancing guess can crank up the wedding playlist.

Make a memorable getaway

As you and your partner leave for the night, your wedding guests will see you off. While it’s common to throw rice or confetti at the couple as they leave, these items can present a choking hazard for birds, and they’re tough to clean

But luckily, you can still make your honeymoon getaway feel special with the following substitutes.

• Blowing Bubbles. Give your guests bubble wands to bid you farewell. Not only do bubbles make for a more environmentally friendly farewell, but they also provide a whimsical atmosphere.
• Sparklers. If your venue allows pyrotechnics, have your guests light sparklers as you run to your getaway car for a flashy exit
• Paper Airplanes. Have your guests toss paper airplanes as you depart. You could combine this idea with your guest book by asking guests to write something on the paper.

Offer fun farewell gifts

After you’ve made your exit, wedding favors can help you show your appreciation to your guests and give them something to remember the day by. Ideas to send your guests off on a high note include the following.

• Candy Or Baked Goods. Give your guests a sweet treat to take home, such as custom-decorated cookies. Some candy companies even offer personalized treats, like M&Ms with your initials.
• Flower Seeds. Offer your guests seasonal flower seeds they can put to good use in their home gardens. Bonus points if they are the same flowers from your wedding decor!
• Scented Candles. Give your guests candles with your favorite scents and a custom label. When they light the candle, they can remember the night of fun you all shared together.

Wedding reception FAQ

How many hours should a wedding reception be?

According to Brides, most wedding receptions last between four to five hours. But more casual affairs may be shorter than formal events, depending on your plan for the evening. For example, a self-serve buffet will take less time than a multi-course formal dinner.

Who usually gives speeches at a wedding reception?

Traditional wedding speech participants are the maid of honor and best man. But it’s also appropriate for other guests to offer speeches, like parents, grandparents, siblings, or close friends outside the wedding party.

Is it rude to not have a wedding reception?

It’s not necessarily rude to forego a wedding reception. But the event is a great way to thank your guests for attending with dinner, drinks, and dancing. It also gives you the opportunity to meet and talk with everyone since you likely won’t have a chance before your ceremony.

Book one of the best wedding venues in Rhode Island

If you’re ready to host an unforgettable wedding ceremony and reception in Rhode Island, Kirkbrae Country Club is here for you.

Our wedding event spaces can accommodate small gatherings with a handful of friends and family or large-scale receptions of up to 300 guests. We also offer in-house catering and dedicated wedding planning services so that you can take even more tasks off your plate. Contact us today to tour the grounds.