As a multi-award-winning wedding planner, there’s nothing I love more than a cracking wedding party!
While the movies like to show us huge wedding parties with sumptuous dinners, and many, many guests, that’s not your only option when thinking about what kind of wedding party you should have. Here are some alternatives, and some ways to decide if they are right for you.
Simple canapés and drinks reception
The simplest wedding party is a drinks reception. Rather than have everyone sit down for a three-course meal, some couples host a simple drinks reception, with light canapés as an accompaniment.
This is a particularly good choice if you want to shoot off for your honeymoon soon after the reception, or if you have a more modest budget. You can invest more money in the nibbles and drinks if there is no huge meal to follow up. And a reception like this is usually shorter and would not typically involve dancing. It is an elegant and simple option – but do let your guests know they won’t be receiving a full meal so that they can plan accordingly!
Rustic celebration
Why not choose a rustic style wedding party? With a handmade and informal vibe, and country decorations such as repurposed horse boxes and bales of hay, this is a charming and fun way to celebrate your marriage.
You can still provide a seating plan if you would like to, but if you would prefer to avoid that stress this option allows people to simply choose to sit with friends. Typically, a provider will bring all the accompaniments and can include cutlery too.
To complete the rustic theme, a barn dance is always great fun. All the instructions are called by the band and everyone can join in! The perfect end to a rustic wedding party.
Festival feel Wedding
If you are planning to celebrate all day, then a nice twist could come through a festival theme. This is particularly suitable if you’re thinking of booking a large outdoor space, or taking over a hotel with access to multiple different rooms. You can set up different marquees, employ different artists such as musicians, aerialists, and magicians, and have the food provided by food carts. It’s a wedding party with a fun and eclectic vibe that’s sure to create many standout moments!
This is a good choice if you want to provide different atmospheres for different groups of guests, or if you want to completely avoid the formal style of a traditional reception. There’s no need to worry about a sit-down meal, or choosing a menu that everyone will enjoy. The multiple options ensure everyone is happy. You can even add fun touches with festival passes and maps for guests.
Traditional Wedding Breakfast
The familiar wedding party format of drinks, a three-course meal, and dancing with a band and has become traditional for a reason – it works very well! If you have a large wedding party and more traditional family to please, or if you love the idea of a more formal affair, then this is for you. There’s nothing like a classy, live Jazz band if you’re looking to create that sophisticated atmosphere.
When considering what to do for your wedding party, remember that this is ultimately about you and your partner. It’s a celebration of your marriage and you should enjoy it!
If you fancy finding out how I can help you create an amazing wedding party, why not get in touch, I’d love to hear from you!
You can reach me on 0800 772 0765 or [email protected] or book a free, no-obligation wedding consultation here.
In the meantime, keep up to date with my wedding planning adventures on Instagram!
