You don’t have to reinvent the wedding reception to make your party unique and joyous. In realizing that goal, there’s nothing wrong with borrowing a little.
How about making your entrance through an archway?
“Guests can hold up an archway made out of halved hula hoops decorated with ribbon, glitter, colorful flowers, lush fabric or balloons,” says and Donna Lawrence of Donna Lawrence Events in Silver Spring.
Much as weddings look to the future, they can benefit from taking into account the nostalgic past, says Wendy Raab of Rave Reviews in Rockville.
“You might want to incorporate an heirloom item as part of the cake table or escort table, such as using the bride’s mother or grandmother’s wedding veil,” says Raab.
And speaking of tables, some brides and grooms may prefer everything fully coordinated. But if you want to stand out, “try designing all the reception tables with different heights, tabletops, linens and shapes,” Raab says.
For example, consider blending mirrored tops; sharing tables with stools; and a mix of square, rectangular and oval tables.
Here are more ideas for a memorable wedding:
Go ethnic with dress, music and food to match. At Jeremy and Neeti Liss’ wedding, the ethnic flavor was authentic. They had a mixed Indian-Jewish wedding at which both bride and groom wore Indian garb, a DJ played Jewish and Indian music, and the menu had an Indian flair.
Get magical. A magician can perform card tricks and other prestidigitations while everyone is waiting for the main course to arrive.
Be kid friendly. If there will be youngsters in attendance, set up a kids’ room, complete with cots, small tables and chairs, bean bag pillows, arts and crafts, large coloring pages, kids’ food, games and movies.
Be proud as a peacock. Brides often change from high heels for the ceremony to dancing flats for the party. Some dye their dressy shoes in peacock blue. Try decorating yours with peacock feathers.
Just remember that with all the planning in the world, what will make your wedding day truly memorable is the avid participation of your friends and family.
Barbara Trainin Blank is a Washington-area writer.