Are you looking to do something different at your wedding reception?
Keep reading to learn my top tips for a perfect wedding reception.
Mini sparkling rose (or water) for a unique wedding send off
(Above photo not taken by me, it was taken by Jerome cole in Australia)
You know how much I love champagne pop photos. Ugh, they are everything. But what if all your wedding guests had mini “champagne” bottles of non-alcoholic rose (so kids can participate) and sprayed toward the couple during your send off? Another option is having gorgeous bottles that are filled with sparkling or regular water to avoid getting sticky. (But like, y’all could take a sexy shower together on your wedding night to get things going 😜)
Water drops photograph in the most magical way. And if your photographer is seasoned, they’ll know how to photograph and direct some epic wedding exit photos using “champagne” pops.
Tips for photographer: make 2 aisles like you would for a sparkler exit. Space everyone close enough that you’ll see the water spraying but far enough that the couple won’t get soaked. When the couple is ready to come out, have everyone shake their bottles aggressively. Direct wedding guests to get ready and have their thumb cover the top after removing the lid and shake the bottle toward the couple. Make sure they understand this is NOT a water fight and that they are not to intentionally soak the couple (make sure the extra drunk ones are clear on this) but are to enthusiastically spray toward the couple, shaking the bottle around to create a sprinkler effect. Backlighting with a flash would make these shots extra freaking epic.
Artist corner
An artist corner is a unique reception idea that you can put your own spin on.
Have a photo of the couple and instruct everyone who visits the artist corner to recreate the photo with the art supplies provided. Have a space on the bottom the guest can leave a note for the couple on. And you can have a gorgeous scrapbook they can place their creations into, giving you the ultimate wedding gift you can look back on to remember your day.
Other artist corner ideas
Temporary tattoos with photos of the wedding couple. One wedding I photographed was of an artist who does illustrations, while her husband is a tattoo artist. She had her illustrations turned into temporary tattoos and a tattoo station for guests to apply the tattoos and have a photo opp.
Origami station. Wedding guests can make origami creations with wedding themes.
Snowflake station. Having a winter wonderland wedding? Have a snowflake station! Your guests (kids especially) will love getting creative with snowflake designs during your reception, and you can have them given to you to hang up, or let them take the creation home to remember your day.
Pizza instead of wedding cake
Ok. Hear me out. Pizza instead of cake?
When was the last time you had a slice of wedding cake that was so good you can remember every subtle flavor it had and almost passed out it was so good? Never? (If you have, leave it in the comments).
Ok now think about a super cheesy slice of pizza bursting with flavor and gooey cheesy goodness. Now you’re hungry, right? So why not have something you and your wedding guests actually want to eat?! And the wedding photos will be SO SICKKKKKK. It’s way more fun putting a piece of pizza in your partners mouth then having 100 guests watch as you put a forkful of cake in your partners mouth. Both of you can go at the same time for an epic photo. Also, can we do the math on how many pizza boxes cost the same as a 3-tiered wedding cake? Like, pretty sure every family could take an entire box of pizza home with them. They’ll remember that forever.
Donut game
Have you ever played the donut game? Where you put donuts on a string, attach to two sides, and make everyone eat the donut without using their hands? We did this game at every birthday party growing up so it’s extra nostalgic for me.
You could do the donut game instead of wedding cake or just include it as a wedding reception activity. Make sure you have some epic prizes for the winner. Everything is more fun when it’s competitive.
Carnival rides
Weddings should be a PARTY and who doesn’t love a little adrenaline rush?
Consider having carnival rides at your wedding for the most memorable wedding reception!
A mini Ferris wheel is the ultimate romantic ride while swing rides will give your guests a nice rush. Top it off with free carnival treats like cotton candy and your guests are sure to put your day into their top core memories.
Karaoke room
My sister had a karaoke section at her reception and it was SO.MUCH.FUN.
By separating the karaoke into its own room you won’t disturb guests who would rather not hear your loud rendition of “spice up your life”. And you’ll keep guests entertained for hours, whether they choose to sing or just listen.
Do you have unique wedding reception ideas to add to this list? I’d love to hear them!
Happy Sunday!
NOW GO HAVE THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS!
About the author: Jules (Datura photo) is a top rated wedding and elopement photographer in Utah county. She is also a utah engagement, maternity, child, and family photographer in Utah.