After you’ve said your “I do’s” in front of friends and family (or virtually), it’s time to celebrate and enjoy the moment at your reception. From tasty deserts to fun photo booths, here are seven of our favorite small wedding reception ideas to make your day unforgettable.
Go Outdoors
Depending on the time of year, taking your reception outdoors means fresh air and fire pits. Gather your guests around a fire to cook some s’mores, share stories and just relax. If it’s still light out, you can also play some lawn games such as corn hole, croquet or darts.
Wedding Hashtag
In the age of social media, creating a wedding hashtag is a great way to keep all of you and your guests’ photos in one place. We recommend keeping it short and sweet, and incorporating one or both of your names as well. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family to help brainstorm as well if you need a little creativity!
Food Truck
For smaller receptions, it’s easy to go more casual and opt for a fun food truck rather than a formal wedding caterer. You can keep the menu as simple as you’d like with items such as pizza or street tacos. However, depending on your venue, you may also need to obtain paperwork or licenses ahead of time as well.
Photo Booth
A photo booth is a great addition to any reception. And with a smaller guest list, your friends and family will have even more chances to get some great photos from your special day. You can also get creative with your photos and opt for a GIF booth to easily share on social media, or a cute VW bus that acts as a photo booth AND reception decor.
Open Mic
While speeches are a large part of wedding receptions, you can take advantage of your smaller guest list and open up the speeches to anyone and everyone who would like to say a few words. Just beware of the time limit (if you have one) and don’t be surprised if some inside jokes sneak in!
Desert Bar
No celebration is complete without some tasty treats. If you’ll be having a smaller reception with fewer guests, we recommend something fun such as a donut wall, cupcake tower or even a DIY ice cream sundae bar for an interactive experience where guests can make their own deserts.
Wedding Favors
A smaller wedding reception gives you the opportunity to get extra creative with your party favors since you won’t need to make too many. Pack your gift bags with gifts such as candles, fresh succulents or even some cozy pajamas for a destination wedding. Confetti is also a fun idea to include to end the celebration and send you both off on your honeymoon!
Still looking for the perfect venue for your wedding ceremony? Check out some of our favorite small wedding venues in Michigan to find one that’s right for you! And when you are ready to find the dress of your dreams, contact our team so we can bring your vision to life.
A Virtual Bachelor or Bachelorette Party They Will Never Forget