When it comes to your unique wedding reception, the possibilities for making it custom to you and your partner are endless. Elevate your celebration with unique and memorable ideas that will leave your guests talking for years to come! In this blog post, I’ve shared eight unique wedding reception ideas that will set your special day apart from the rest!
Unique Wedding Reception Ice Cream Bar
There’s no sweeter way to beat the heat or satisfy your guests’ sweet cravings than with a wedding reception ice cream bar. Offer a variety of flavors, toppings, and sauces, allowing everyone to create their dream dessert. It’s a delightful treat that’s sure to cool down and delight your guests! It can also be a fun alternative to having a wedding cake and can streamline the dessert portion of your reception!
Mobile Bar or Food Trucks
Add an element of surprise and convenience to your reception with a mobile bar or food truck! Whether it’s a vintage cocktail van or gourmet food trucks serving up your favorite dishes, this unique touch will keep your guests entertained and well-fed. Not to mention, with a food truck guests will be able to grab a bite whenever they’re hungry to keep themselves fueled up and ready to dance the night away!
Outdoor Games
For a fun and interactive atmosphere–and as a way to keep kids preoccupied–consider setting up outdoor games like cornhole or giant Connect Four. These games provide entertainment for guests of all ages and add a playful vibe to your reception. It’s also a super cute prop for photos and a great way to get some adorable candid shots of you and your guests!
Weather-Appropriate, Functional Souvenirs
Show your thoughtfulness by providing weather-appropriate, functional souvenirs that can be used day of AND brought home with guests. In winter, offer cozy blankets that guests can use during outdoor moments and in the summer, provide fans to keep everyone cool during your outdoor celebration or koozies to keep guest’s drinks from getting warm!
Themed Wedding Cake and Decor
Go all out with a themed wedding cake and decor that reflects your favorite movies or interests. Take inspiration from this Disney-themed wedding I photographed below! Incorporate elements that pay homage to your favorite fairy tales, characters, musicians, artists, or time periods. Doesn’t an 80s themed wedding reception sound like so much fun? I would love to see that in action!
Custom Photo Wall
Create a custom photo wall as a backdrop for guests to take pictures in front of as a unique wedding reception element. Incorporate elements that match your wedding theme or showcase your unique love story. It’s a fun and interactive way to capture memories with loved ones. One of my favorite ways to do this is by getting a custom neon sign with you and your partner’s last name or a quote that means a lot to you for people to take photos in front of. See the photos I shot at a recent wedding reception below for inspiration!
Polaroid Guest Book
Replace the traditional guest book with a polaroid guest book to spice it up and encourage your guests to sign it! Provide Polaroid cameras for guests to snap a picture of themselves and write a heartfelt note in a dedicated book. It’s a tangible and nostalgic keepsake of your wedding day and having photos of all of your guests as a keepsake will be so fun to look back on years down the line.
Unique Photo Booth
A photo booth is a classic addition to any wedding, but make yours unique by adding props and backdrops that align with your theme. Encourage guests to let loose and capture candid moments.You can also make your wedding photo booth experience unique by hiring a mobile photo booth or themed photo booth based on your wedding aesthetic! Old fashioned tin-type photos would be AMAZING.
If you’re inspired by these unique wedding reception ideas and are still on the lookout for a wedding photographer who can bring your vision to life, look no further! I’m your gal. Visit my website here to learn more about my photography services and view my portfolio on Pinterest and Instagram. Let’s work together to make your wedding day truly unforgettable!
And if you’re looking for more wedding planning or wedding reception ideas, be sure to check out the rest of my wedding related blogs here!
Until next time & happy planning!
Shelby
