Choosing Your Reception Style
Autumn Rhea Carpenter
Wedding receptions should reflect the spirit and style of the couple’s wedding. A breezy beach affair, complete with tiki torches and hula skirts might be just the reception theme you’re seeking. However, a black tie event, coiffed in the finest table linens and sparkling champagne glasses might be a better fit. The choices are unlimited and couples should fully research their options.
Hotels, catering halls, country clubs, and restaurants are some of the most popular sites for receptions. Other sites often used for wedding receptions include clubhouses operated by organizations including athletic clubs, ethnic clubs, service organizations, university unions and even museums. These venues range in capacity from intimate parties to grand affairs. These various facilities also range in style from extremely casual to the utmost formal.
With trends always changing, the couple’s personalities should ultimately determine their reception-style choice. Their personalities will definitely influence their reception venue choice, from traditional to contemporary. Also, if they are one of the first of their peer group to get married, their wedding tends to be more traditional, whereas those who are the last to get married often want something more unique.
Trends constantly vary, but local wedding consultants explain that receptions have become more comfortable, yet remain stylized. There is currently a trend toward family-style dinners. Guests are seated around a table and large platters are placed in the center. Everyone can interact with each other and sample whatever food they like. Another big trend is parties with movement. Guests travel though different environments throughout the evening. During the cocktail hour, after the ceremony, guests are greeted with a bright tone, which includes live jazz music and a yellow décor pallet. The main ballroom opens for dinner where the space is quieter with a wash of comforting red, piano accompaniment and candle lighting. As dinner ends, curtains are drawn to show off a velvet lounge and disco shimmering in silver purple and blue. Guests follow the newlyweds into the “club” bliss for after-dinner drinks, dessert and dancing.
The current reception trend is called ‘relaxed elegance.’ Many brides still want a semi-formal party, but they don't want it stuffy. They want their guests to have fun.
When a couple is deciding where to hold their reception, they must discuss whether they like the more traditional ballroom feel (everyone in one room), or if they like the idea of people circulating. Other issues they should discuss are if they want an outdoor area (especially if some of their guests are smokers) and how far reception locations will be from the ceremony and the out-of-town guests’ hotels.
The physical comfort of the venue is a key element to discuss. If your wedding is to be held outdoors, the possibility of rain, wind, humidity or heat must be factored in. You will also need to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Indoor venues need to be checked to make sure they have adequate heating or air-conditioning, changing rooms for the wedding party, restrooms and kitchen facilities.
Couples should not be afraid to ask questions. Some important questions to ask include: “What is the capacity seated with a dance floor, for buffet service and for plated service? How much time do I get and does that include set-up and clean up? Am I obligated to use vendors on your list or may I choose my own?”
Other questions couples should consider asking are: “Is there a possibility there will be another event right before or right after mine? Are there charges for bringing in your own décor? Is the fee all-inclusive? What are some of the options available to the bride?”
Consider factors such as rental fees and discounts for choosing a day of the week versus the weekend. Is there an adequate ratio of staff to guests? Do you need valet parking? Is the venue handicap accessible?
Other things to keep in mind when searching for the perfect reception site is whether the site can accommodate dance space and music requirements. What are the policies on beverages, food and catering services, time restrictions and decorations? Are tables, chairs, linens, silverware and other accessories provided? Check on rental fee, deposits, and date guarantees.
It is important to tour the facility before making any final decisions. Looking around, asking questions and if possible viewing the facility when it is set up for a similar type of reception will assure that the couple will be happy with their decision. Once a choice is made the couple should discuss any special needs they or their guests may have with the banquet or site manager. The day of the wedding will be too hectic to deal with any of the details and when the couple arrives at the reception, it will be time to celebrate.
Wedding receptions come in various styles and are usually determined by taste and budget. A morning wedding often begins around 10 am, and usually includes a breakfast or brunch event. This may be served buffet style or the guests may be seated at specified tables. Pastries or a wedding cake should be served, as well as coffee or tea. Serving alcoholic beverages is optional and may include champagne, champagne or wine punch, screwdrivers or Bloody Mary’s.
Luncheon receptions generally follow a late-morning or high noon ceremony and are served between 12 and 2 pm. They may be either sit-down or buffet style. Buffet luncheons may include a variety of salads, such as: potato, fruit, chicken, pasta or vegetable. Sandwiches, cold cuts, and cheeses are often served and are relatively inexpensive.
Tea receptions are generally held between 2 and 5 pm, usually starting not later than 3:30 pm. Coffee, tea or punch, with and without champagne or wine are generally served. Tea sandwiches or other finger food, along with wedding cake, is the basic requirement. This type of reception is the least expensive to host and perfect when there is a large guest list and a small budget.
Cocktail receptions are held between 4 and 7:30 pm. If only cocktails are being served, with no dinner to follow, the reception should start by 5:30 or 6 pm at the latest. Usually champagne, wine, punch or beer is served and in many cases there is an open bar, depending on the budget. Usually tuxedoed waiters carry silver trays with hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, garnished with flowers and tend to guests' every need.
A dinner reception usually starts between 6 and 9 pm. At a sit-down reception, the guests are served at the table. Often the dinner is preceded by a cocktail hour so the guests can mingle. A sit-down reception provides for more organization and has a more formal feeling. It is easier to get the guests' attention when the traditional ceremonies are to begin. There's a set menu, with courses selected by you and waiters to serve each course.
A buffet reception is one in which the guests serve themselves. They may choose to sit at a table of their choice or seats may be assigned. Try to avoid making the guests wait in a long line. For a larger number of guests, have two buffet tables, one at each end of the room. Guests have more menu choices and a buffet tends to create a more casual, sociable atmosphere.
In addition to determining the reception time, a couple must decide whether their affair will be formal, semi-formal or informal. A formal event is usually held at noon or later in the day and a meal with several courses is served. Tables are formally set with a complete service of silver, crystal, place cards, menu cards and a centerpiece. Guests arrive to a live band or orchestra playing music ranging from chamber music to pop for dancing.