10 ways to personalise your wedding reception

 

 

While every couple is unique and the way in which they choose to celebrate their day will be too, we’re big fans of the added touches that really set a wedding apart.

We’re talking personalisation. From hand-written notes to clever signage, incorporating the things that make you you, and ensuring your guests know exactly why they’ve been chosen to join in the party.

Take a read for some ideas on how you might go about personalising your wedding reception.

 

Write your guests a note.

A lovely way to express appreciation to your guests for attending your wedding celebration is placing a note at their seat in lieu of a place card. This is a chance to express your gratitude for the role they play in your lives and thank them for their attendance. While it requires advance planning, it is well worth the effort and makes a wonderful keepsake.

 

 

Audio guest book.

Guest books are a lovely keepsake, but why not fun it up a little with a modern take on guest books. Off The Hook created a new way to capture the energy of loved ones in a totally fun way – a retro-looking phone that allows long-lasting audio messages from your guests! Your loved ones will be lining up to leave you voice messages that will entertain you forever. The hilarious from your best mates. The sentimental from your mum and dad. And the downright outrageous from everyone as the night rolls on.

 

 

Feast on your favourite foods.

Personalise your menu to reflect you and your partner. Was there a memorable meal you shared on a date? Is there a particular sweet treat you always indulge in? Or perhaps you had an incredible holiday abroad whose cuisine you just love. Work with your caterers to design a dream menu that is authentic to you and the food you love.

 

 

Serve a signature drink.

Is there anything better than a signature drink to kick off your celebrations? Design a cocktail that’s infused with your favourite flavours that remind you of a trip/date/celebration you’ve shared. Or choose a beverage that matches your venue – think summery cocktails for a garden party, or an industrial themed wedding might call for espresso martinis or an old fashioned. Get creative and kick off your party in style.

 

 

Meaningful favours.

Select favours that mean something to you and your relationship, or fun elements that tie into your wedding theme, adding a special touch to your dream day. It could be macarons from your favourite bakery haunt, bottled cocktails of a drink you enjoy, cute coasters they can use on the evening and in their home, personalised luggage tags for a destination wedding. While not compulsory, favours are something you can definitely have fun with and can add an extra special touch.

 

 

Honour deceased loved ones.

While weddings typically focus on the joy to be had and the fun and excitement that goes into planning, it can also be challenging if you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one who you so wish could be there to witness this moment in your life. A beautiful way to honour a deceased loved one is displaying a photo of them. This serves as a reminder for you and your guests that whilst not physically present, there is somebody dear to you that is very much a part of the day in other ways.

 

 

Creative and fun signage.

Signage is a great way to personalise your wedding reception, and can be heartfelt or even humorous and add personality to your party. Stellar signage is often a sign of the good times to follow. Have your name up in neon lights, customise your seating chart with a humorous tag line, personalise your welcome sign with a heartfelt message, design your menus with clever copy that will give your guests a giggle. If you’re not sure what signage you should consider having on your day, we’re here to help.

 

 

Make an impactful entrance. 

Walking into your reception is a big moment. The guests are excited to see you both as newlyweds and the vibe in the room is often palpable. This could be the moment you’ve switched up outfits and surprise your guests, you could enter showing off your best dance moves, kick the reception off with a champagne tower, or go right into your first dance. Either way, take advantage of the happiness of your guests and have fun with it.

 

 

Have your guests request a song. 

Personalise your playlist by allowing your guests to choose a song for the dance floor action. It’s a great way to involve your guests (ask them to send their request when they RSVP) and guarantees they will be setting the dance floor alight when they hear their song of choice.

 

 

Ditch traditions that don’t mean anything to you.

Part of personalising a wedding reception is only doing the things that mean something to you. If you’re not dancers, then ditch the first dance. Cake not your thing? Then opt for a champagne tower, dessert bar or nothing at all! Not a fan of tossing the bouquet? Don’t do it. Some traditions are meaningful to couples, and other’s not so much. Discard what you don’t love, and keep what you do, and what you will end up with is a reception completely reflective of you.

 

 

 

Another thing that can make (or dare we say, break) a great wedding reception is the speeches. Getting the right length, tone and delivery for those all-important words can be tricky, but we have some tips that can help, take a read here.