Wedding reception themes have become increasingly popular, as people have become more focused with injecting their own flavor, interests and personalities into their wedding ceremonies and related events. The reception has become almost as popular and important as the ceremony itself and it has become an event that is as intricate, managed and planned as the ceremony in many respects. To make your reception special, there are many options and degrees of themes you can incorporate to make sure that it is a component of your wedding day that everyone will remember with enjoyment.
The key to any theme is that the atmosphere you select merges solemnity with a festive spirit. You do not want to have an environment where people feel stifled, but at the same time, you want to avoid a “frat” like atmosphere or that could rival something on an episode of “Cops.” Luckily, merging the two, with glamour, elegance and festive enjoyment is easy to do and your options are many.
While the wedding is mostly about the bride, a reception is a chance to show appreciation to guests and to introduce the newly betrothed for the second time officially and the first time in a more informal setting. Even receptions that exude elegance are less formal than virtually any wedding ceremonies. To that end, regardless of any themes you choose, the reception needs to have a few basics.
Your wedding reception themes should be reflected in your wedding favors, table settings, glassware, cake toppers, wedding place card holders and decorations. Some ideas for themes can include an interest you and the groom share, a setting you both like to experience or more traditional themes that emphasize decorations and the table settings for your event. What you choose is up to you, but remember that your guests are also in on the theme so what you should choose should keep them in mind as well.
Some ideas for wedding reception themes are geography, vintage, periodic, hobby or sports/game related themes. The degree to which the theme is incorporated in the reception is dependent on the bride and groom. Some wedding receptions, for instance, will make the place settings part of the theme, but nothing else.
There are many simple to complex ideas for themes. These include a Heart Shaped Unity Ceremony Set with different sized vases, bottles and glass stoppers. Another suggestion of a simple theme is to emphasize flowers and to appoint each table with a Single Flower Tube Vase. The possibilities are endless.
For the couple that loves boating, metal boat centerpieces containing mints are a great idea. Also, glass cylinders with candy or mints are always popular. One very innovative theme is a Heart Shaped Fondue Set for each table; something that will strike a desired ambiance and provide a tasty treat to wedding goers as they wait for the dinner fare.
For more specific themes, couples that enjoy “classic rock” might want to consider having a classic rock DJ and place settings or decorations that emulate the various decades of the eras of classic rock. Other couples might want to incorporate a sports theme, such as those couples who wed in a sports arena and their cake toppers and place settings reflect their passion for the local teams. Another popular theme is periodic, which can include Victorian, Western or whatever era interests you; one couple even adopted a Mystery Theater wedding reception theme that featured a guest who “met their demise” and one wedding party participant who was “guilty.” Guests put together clues left around the reception hall and asked questions per their table in an attempt to nab the guilty party.
What you choose among the many wedding reception themes is up to you and should reflect your tastes and personality. Remember to make sure that it is all-inclusive and it does not hurt to have an activity or two for children. The key any wedding theme is to leave your guests wanting more after the last dance and talking about it for weeks to come.