Wedding Reception Ideas

We break down everything you need to know about planning your wedding reception—from the basics like setting your wedding budget and finding a reception venue to the small (but important!) details like table setting ideas, place cards, wedding favors, and reception playlist ideas. Plus, we share helpful tips for making your seating chart!

Most Recent

How Long Should Your Wedding's Cocktail Hour Really Be?

How Long Should Your Wedding's Cocktail Hour Really Be?

Can a cocktail hour be anything other than 60 minutes long?
How to Host a Wine Tasting During Cocktail Hour

How to Host a Wine Tasting During Cocktail Hour

If you and your soon-to-be spouse are self-proclaimed oenophiles, this could be a nice way to highlight your passions.
When Should You Close Down the Bar at Your Wedding Reception?

When Should You Close Down the Bar at Your Wedding Reception?

Should booze be available until the band plays its last song, or is there another timeline you should follow?
How to Choose the Perfect Wine for a Small Wedding

How to Choose the Perfect Wine for a Small Wedding

Whether you're planning a virtual or socially-distanced celebration, make sure to uncork a bottle of wine befitting of this important event.
What to Know About Baking Your Own Wedding Cake

What to Know About Baking Your Own Wedding Cake

Practice makes perfect!
How to Choose the Right Linens for Your Reception Tables

How to Choose the Right Linens for Your Reception Tables

They're a surprisingly important part of your overall décor.

More Wedding Reception Ideas

When Should the Parent Dances Take Place During the Wedding Reception?

When Should the Parent Dances Take Place During the Wedding Reception?

So many options! Which one's right for your wedding?
When Is the Right Time to Choose Your Wedding Cake Design?

When Is the Right Time to Choose Your Wedding Cake Design?

Like most wedding-related details, there's an ideal timeline for finalizing the plans for your big-day dessert.
Four Ways to Highlight Wine at Your Wedding

Four Ways to Highlight Wine at Your Wedding

Where Should Your Wedding Lounge Be?

Where Should Your Wedding Lounge Be?

How to Keep Bugs Away from Drinks During Your Outdoor Cocktail Hour

How to Keep Bugs Away from Drinks During Your Outdoor Cocktail Hour

A Baker Outlines the Pros and Cons of Using Either Fresh or Sugar Flowers to Decorate Your Wedding Cake

A Baker Outlines the Pros and Cons of Using Either Fresh or Sugar Flowers to Decorate Your Wedding Cake

Unique Alternatives to the Traditional Post-Wedding Brunch

A seated breakfast is far from your only option.

All Wedding Reception Ideas

Three Expert-Approved Tips for Displaying Your Wedding Favors Like a Pro

Three Expert-Approved Tips for Displaying Your Wedding Favors Like a Pro

How to Ensure Everyone Is Well-Fed the Day of Your Wedding

How to Ensure Everyone Is Well-Fed the Day of Your Wedding

How to Keep Your Wedding Guests on the Dance Floor

How to Keep Your Wedding Guests on the Dance Floor

How Much Does a Wedding Dance Floor Rental Typically Cost?

How Much Does a Wedding Dance Floor Rental Typically Cost?

The Ultimate Guide to Giving a Wedding Toast

The Ultimate Guide to Giving a Wedding Toast

Four Ways You're Accidentally Ruining Your Wedding Cake

Four Ways You're Accidentally Ruining Your Wedding Cake

Yes, You Can Save Money Hosting an Open Bar at Your Wedding—Here's How

Yes, You Can Save Money Hosting an Open Bar at Your Wedding—Here's How

Do Wedding Venues Offer High Chairs?

Do Wedding Venues Offer High Chairs?

For the Moms: Here's How to Write an Amazing Mother-of-the-Bride or -Groom Toast

For the Moms: Here's How to Write an Amazing Mother-of-the-Bride or -Groom Toast

Simple Wedding Cakes with Exquisite Embellishment That You (or Your Baker!) Can Easily Replicate

Simple Wedding Cakes with Exquisite Embellishment That You (or Your Baker!) Can Easily Replicate

How Much Dessert Do You Really Need to Order for Your Wedding?

How Much Dessert Do You Really Need to Order for Your Wedding?

Your Burning Wedding Food Questions, Answered!

Your Burning Wedding Food Questions, Answered!

Three Reasons to Have a Candy Buffet at Your Wedding

Three Reasons to Have a Candy Buffet at Your Wedding

Do You Have to Have a Traditional Wedding Cake Topper?

Do You Have to Have a Traditional Wedding Cake Topper?

Why Do Some Caterers Charge for a Wedding Food Tasting?

Why Do Some Caterers Charge for a Wedding Food Tasting?

How Long Should Each Course of Your Wedding Meal Be?

How Long Should Each Course of Your Wedding Meal Be?

Is It a Good Idea to Ask My Caterers to Create a Wedding Menu That's Different Than Their Signature Style?

Is It a Good Idea to Ask My Caterers to Create a Wedding Menu That's Different Than Their Signature Style?

How to Keep Food Safe at Your Outdoor Wedding

How to Keep Food Safe at Your Outdoor Wedding

The Dos and Don'ts to Keep in Mind as You Choose Your Fall Wedding's Signature Cocktails

The Dos and Don'ts to Keep in Mind as You Choose Your Fall Wedding's Signature Cocktails

How to Decide If an Open Bar Is Worth the Cost

How to Decide If an Open Bar Is Worth the Cost

Five Things Wedding Planners Say They'd Want to Receive as Favors

Five Things Wedding Planners Say They'd Want to Receive as Favors

19 Grazing Tables Perfect for Your Cocktail Hour

19 Grazing Tables Perfect for Your Cocktail Hour

Do the Bride and Groom Have to Give a Speech at Their Wedding Reception?

Do the Bride and Groom Have to Give a Speech at Their Wedding Reception?

Four Tips for Creating a Modern, Upscale Candy Buffet at Your Wedding

Four Tips for Creating a Modern, Upscale Candy Buffet at Your Wedding

Expert-Approved Ways to Incorporate Local Cuisine Into Your Wedding Menu

Expert-Approved Ways to Incorporate Local Cuisine Into Your Wedding Menu

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