Tag Archives: Alternative Wedding Ideas

A No-Stress Guide to Hosting a Cocktail Wedding Reception

Many couples are shying away from the traditional reception and considering something different — a cocktail party. Instead of sitting down and being served, guests can move about and mingle as they please. 

The type of cocktail reception you host is entirely up to you. You can make the event as special and unique as you and your partner. If you want to plan an event to remember, read the no-stress guide below to hosting a cocktail wedding reception. 

Tell Guests What to Expect

Keep guests satisfied by telling them what to expect on your wedding day. People can become uncomfortable or disgruntled when they feel they don’t know what is going on. 

Communicate your wedding day schedule to friends and family, including the time and format of the reception. Add a short timeline on your save-the-dates and invitations. If you have a wedding website, provide an itinerary for the day that guests can follow. And be sure to list if you only plan to serve hors d’oeuvres, as some people may want to eat ahead of time.

Choose Non-Traditional Times

Most planning couples think a reception has to be around dinner time — between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. During this time, guests will expect a full meal. Whether you want to stick to appetizers only or want a party that’s different than most, consider choosing a non-traditional time for your reception. 

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Alternative Twists For Your Reception

It’s easy to add quirky touches here and there that will make your wedding unique. The perfect place to do this is at the reception; it offers the best opportunities to do something different. Stray away from tradition, or add your own twist to it. Today on Marry Me Ink, I’m posting just a few ideas to get you started.

1) Modernise your guest book

Wedding guest books are a fantastic way to involve your guests in your special day, and create something that you can both look back on for years to come. People can leave messages and pieces of advice, but who says it has to just be a book? 

il_570xN.681057450_bt8k-1Cascading Champagne Tower Signature Guestbook“i do” it yourself

How about leaving a golden-framed canvas for your guests to write on, so you can hang it in your home as a constant reminder of your beautiful day? Or instead, have a jar with tokens that guests can write on – it could be ideas for date nights or trips abroad, and your guests can leave their suggestions for you to pick out. You can find tonnes more unique ideas right here.

2) Turn the place cards into favours

Usually, place settings are just pieces of card with a name on, but who says that’s all they need to be? Why not incorporate the favours into the place settings instead, creating something that is not only a piece of your wedding, but personal to the guest. 

8db322c747e85bda1a8f140a7e0d240bToffee Apples

If you’re having a forest theme, why not have little plant pots studded with flowers and a miniature wooden sign with their name on? Or if you’re the practical kind, go for miniature bottles of champagne for the ladies and whiskey for the boys, each with themed name tags on.

3) Hire a photo booth

One of the most important parts of your day is the photographer. This is the person that is going to help you remember your special day forever, but also capture those moments you didn’t even know were happening. You’ll be able to see the reaction of people as you throw the bouquet, or to your first dance as a married couple.

But these days, there are a lot of photographers who can bring many more unique twists to your reception. For example, this Leeds wedding photographer also hires out photo booths are part of the service; you can even tie it into your theme by having props too.

An Evening Under the Stars – Maria & Sam

4) Give your drinks a signature twist

Everyone has the usual champagne and canapés, but how about creating your own drinks menu with the caterers? You can have cocktails inspired by your favourite drinks, your passions in life, or to fit in with your theme. And what about modernising those canapés too? Go for miniature 50s burger sliders if that’s your theme, or hold a beach-style reception and serve Spanish tapas.

vtphoto-77A Woodland Tea Party With Band Merch and Bunnies – Erica & Adam

These are just a few ideas for how to give your reception a unique touch, but don’t forget to leave me a comment if you have your own!

Cool Guest Books For Your Wedding Day – Etsy

I love signing my name with words of luck and well wishes in a wedding guestbook. Today on Marry Me Ink I’m sharing all the cool and quirky ways you can provide a guest book for your guests to sign at you awesome wedding that I’ve found on Etsy.

il_570xN.910488334_digxTwo States Canvas Watercolour Guestbook  – Miss Design Berry

This watercolour wedding guest book map is customised with the two states or countries of your choice in the watercolour colours of your choice. Your guests can all sign this print at your wedding and afterwards you can hang it in your home as a beautiful keepsake.

il_570xN.847166188_p9q8Advice Bride & Groom CoastersInkytoadprints

These cute coasters are an alternative to the usual guestbook. Leave them on the table for guests to write advice or to capture a memorable moment of the occasion. Personalised coasters and specific colours can be created upon request.

il_570xN.905886890_6mkhHand Drawn Illustrated Wedding Guest Fingerprint Tree  – Picture This By Kelly

A lovely alternative or addition to a traditional Guestbook, this tree can be framed and displayed proudly in your home as a reminder of your special day! Unlike many others on offer, this is not a print and every tree will be drawn to order, meaning that you can customise your way. Names can be changed, the text included can be changed whether you want date, venue, a meaningful phrase or all of the above! You can also include a pet by the tree, a carving in the tree or any other ideas! All is drawn completely freehand.   Continue reading