![image of a reception table with champagne glass and flowers](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.brides.com/thmb/ypEP2yDJwH23zAFs1YNdhEwkUPs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(200000):strip_icc()/Weddingplanning-8659c2ed5a9845e4a4db811e5c288d16.jpg)
Wedding Reception Ideas
Once you finalize the details of your ceremony, it's time to turn your attention to the party—your wedding reception! Our budget tips, décor ideas, and practical advice on everything from seating charts and food service to signature cocktails and speeches will help you plan the perfect wedding reception.
![Bride, Groom, and Wedding Guests Toasting With Champagne Flutes](https://www.brides.com/thmb/Ohp-Tc88nIX8VyVUvd4V6vPuxVM=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/order-of-wedding-speeches-getty-recirc-0524-294b347021554fde835845508c77e808.jpg)
The Wedding Speech Order You Should Follow at Your Reception
![Groom in Blue Suit and Bride in Gold Gown Posing for Wedding Portrait at Sunset](https://www.brides.com/thmb/DPv7nWcURXRWbeLBKs0MsW0AnHo=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/groom-bride-outdoor-wedding-portrait-kt-merry-recirc-0424-2ab4b29dafd44f898935dce7b84df381.jpg)
The Best Timeline for Your Wedding Day
![Two Brides in Floral-Filled Wedding Reception Laughing at Funny Wedding Toast](https://www.brides.com/thmb/MYwlbI4stDAtP8eZ5kKSrx3N8EU=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/brides-laughing-wedding-toast-abby-jiu-photography-primary-0623-10778c51868e4ca2b259d40daf11d374.jpg)
39 Funny Wedding Toasts and Speeches That'll Get the Whole Room Laughing
![Wooden banquet table with pink flower table arrangements and matching wooden chairs](https://www.brides.com/thmb/qpgmx-YhK-P6DP9uZWAa0Nl9psw=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Wedding-Seating-Chart-KT-Merry-Main-61c571ca1576499ebebdd5195e2bd78e.jpg)
How to Create the Ultimate Wedding Seating Chart
![bride and groom in colorful attire walking next to pool with monogram](https://www.brides.com/thmb/3MdRtttyp2xOsqOsbXvqnX7NHZ0=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Pool-Decorations-Erich-McVey-Main-953e5ecae6184f5eaa5d4f96165c3e38.jpg)
15 Pool Decoration Ideas for Your Wedding
![two men giving wedding speeches](https://www.brides.com/thmb/lx6I_TJiHxJSLFzmr_6NJo3oq88=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Wedding-MC-Elizabeth-Austin-Photography-Main-019abf0696d040d38f4bb9a9e0142461.jpg)
Should You Hire a Wedding MC for Your Reception?
![tablescape](https://www.brides.com/thmb/prlgHgs9V0DUzRc7JJLJzrwQPlM=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Wedding-Rentals-Buy-Sydney-Noelle-Photography-Main-0c89b6d5b9fe4a66980e397008dabd28.jpg)
Here's What You Should and Shouldn't Rent for Your Wedding
![A wedding ceremony arch with greenery and wooden chairs for guest seating.](https://www.brides.com/thmb/isD33hiGNH3Lq53PmftGGjIFRWk=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Wedding-Checklist-Jacqui-Cole-Recirc-c2c3473800c34a3bb012d16eed49de5a.jpg)
The Ultimate Wedding-Planning Checklist and Timeline
![wedding guest standing in an open field with a mountainous backdrop](https://www.brides.com/thmb/AviEQ2QqhX7Psp8zHniUQqnV91c=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Potluck-Wedding-KT-Merry-Main-b496ef6d91364d2eb46320c326f5a458.jpg)
Planning a Potluck Wedding Reception? Here's Everything You Need to Know
![bride, groom, and wedding guests raising wine glasses while seated at tables during sunset wedding reception](https://www.brides.com/thmb/x5G2-Q-iXMnaR0QZpdsWjEQgL3A=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/guests-at-reception-toasting-logal-cole-photography-recirc-0923-60cb1c61779a48bc95dd61e42a5d2b06.jpg)
What Is a Wedding Reception? Here's Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Party No One Will Ever Forget
![An white bar outside decorated with a neon sign displaying the couple's hashtag](https://www.brides.com/thmb/wq7Q4Nd0MqpjJOeNVevyfLSMeuQ=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wedding-hashtags-neon-sign-bar-recirc-janet-lin-photography-b870b54670a64d6dadea6b4730f3ad46.jpg)
How to Create a Wedding Hashtag—Plus, 45 Ideas to Inspire Your Own
![wide shot of wedding guests standing at an outdoor reception](https://www.brides.com/thmb/QNKrI6rGEMN9_WIp5lkKHY26xXQ=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Cake-and-Punch-Reception-Jose-Villa-Main-040787e0af2b4ce59b88f914f201fee5.jpg)
How to Host a Modern Cake and Punch Reception
![A bride and group pouring rose champagne over a champagne tower as an alternative to the first dance during their indoor wedding reception.](https://www.brides.com/thmb/cMycYL3QldSKihod6bAJ-QyaAiI=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/first-dance-alternatives-Brogan-Jessup-july-2023-917b0a4b16274c5ea6e9a9a5c6336c48.jpg)
10 Unique Alternatives to the Traditional First Dance at Your Wedding
![bride and groom playing the wedding shoe game](https://www.brides.com/thmb/7h_y2ZGVEdD7qhlZ4TOg53HbpPU=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shoegame-b0c204a63a454002b15ccc256154d291.jpg)
How to Play the Wedding Shoe Game—and 50 Questions to Ask
![Bride and groom kissing while their guests form a tunnel with lit sparklers outside](https://www.brides.com/thmb/iy-wunLhbKqwJczdlPc-nRpFnnY=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wedding-sparklers-send-off-recirc-jenny-quicksall-photography-a3a668050e71482c964cf5048497cba5.jpg)
Want to Use Sparklers at Your Wedding? Here's What You Need to Know
![Wedding Reception Tablescape with Fresh Flowers and Ribbed Glassware](https://www.brides.com/thmb/Ww-FwXsRzCLVESrtm-E4Qo-X3xU=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wedding-glassware-tables-oliver-fly-primary-0823-1bdce2d741ba48b0b60f572fbf4b5713.jpg)
How to Choose Glassware for Your Wedding
![Champagne glass escort card display with round red and white cards on a greenery wall](https://www.brides.com/thmb/k_9pumRu78WDjZ5poL8PECUC53I=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Belle_Mer_Wedding_-_Newport_Rhode_Island_by_Chi-Chi_Ari-431-5d8788bcd9e84c6ab2097b190ff08db4.jpg)
17 Boozy Wedding Escort Card Ideas to Get the Party Started
![Wedding Ice Sculpture with "A&J" Monogram](https://www.brides.com/thmb/T3QM03qRul0BjHCXc_oMKKshasI=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wedding-ice-sculpture-rouxby-primary-0823-ef3cc1bcd3e34bb89a81b7bec8283c26.jpg)
Everything to Know About Having an Ice Sculpture at Your Wedding
![old-fashioned van photo booth](https://www.brides.com/thmb/_cxRWhBFKIMxZbhLFU4MQk0rzlg=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Photo-Booth-Costs-Paige-Vaughn-Photo-Main-7be3c33458654d3f97cb8efc812d4c5d.jpg)
A Simple Guide to Wedding Photo Booths
![Naomi Biden and Peter Neil with Joe and Jill Biden on her wedding day](https://www.brides.com/thmb/Fe9ZMlx3Cp9U9AFz-qadKFozv2g=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1244909291-3e9e12d0926849d6a723b39b5e555889.jpg)
We Finally Know What Naomi Biden's White House Wedding Reception Looked Like
![Joi and DeAngelo holding hands at their ballroom reception](https://www.brides.com/thmb/733aYxcliPdONmW7poDjM-5cvRQ=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Joy-DeAngelo_25-1b7e9717788248b8acdd86ea348560ea-3f11df60cc65414085df6563c6744581.jpg)
20 Ballroom Wedding Reception Ideas Guaranteed to Elevate Any Space
![A bride and maid of honor cheers with champagne.](https://www.brides.com/thmb/h7JukwPCT3WaWovNmyhVU4rCsks=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1327445328-c711ce39c33d483ea2410ea9676619ec.jpg)
Our Favorite Unique Maid of Honor Speech Ideas
![bride and groom make wedding reception entrance in front of guests seated at tables](https://www.brides.com/thmb/muyMq8lTG31x_o4RbvQHsDGsXr8=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bride-groom-reception-entrance-logan-cole-photography-recirc-0923-f45b170ce06049d39008ef98dcd1cd63.jpg)
30 Wedding Entrance Ideas for Any Reception Style
![Hotel wedding reception](https://www.brides.com/thmb/qWtG0LXDgtvIJ8opZmSo2Cow51Q=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/recirc-6d387981191049b097c68b3ce67ef5df.jpg)
How to Plan a Hotel Wedding Reception
![custom dance floor with florals and monogram with floral installation overhead](https://www.brides.com/thmb/VXeN0GEz8A77AKXCWOrnDixiVto=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/recirc-d0aae81cb42e4d4abed3156ac5cff679.jpg)
How to Create a Custom Dance Floor for Your Wedding Reception
![Man playing the piano](https://www.brides.com/thmb/msWAXdchRaF1L2kqZlpfw3-UfsA=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-578198027-7e47bfcc9c3645d1b6bb96cd5efe4f0c.jpg)
How to Have Dueling Pianos at Your Wedding Reception
![Bougainvillea Wedding Bouquet](https://www.brides.com/thmb/NzMDeMSRkdZcPTFSf_MmVodxH9M=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bougainvillea-bouquet-erich-mcvey-square-eacdf6e3151e4f779df2f49000e32840.jpg)
Pantone's Color of the Year 2023 Is Viva Magenta—Here's How to Use It in Your Wedding Design
![Wedding reception](https://www.brides.com/thmb/IlCtWrTHMj1dPcTVzhhlliK82FM=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/deyandre-vishal_square-3bdd9b0214644af49919c560693291a7.jpg)
21 Special Ways to Personalize Your Wedding Reception
![table runner idea](https://www.brides.com/thmb/Q0_GDPWVFWic3SG1b3wwDKZWhcI=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LaurkenKendall-8e10a9d0abd24ff184378523c83885b0-b44d3d79c28b4b4180a11acbeaef175b.jpeg)
25 Eye-Catching Table Runner Ideas for Your Wedding Reception
![kids at a wedding](https://www.brides.com/thmb/dY-P46tW9_nwbXa_7OtufnQuijE=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pqSK1sWA-b0cf9800e81b43259b8d05366dfcbf34.jpeg)
13 Fun Things for Kids to Do at Weddings
![wedding table setting with olive oil](https://www.brides.com/thmb/K_AaEq9qydc3ZRIicXalAfXLqVU=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lqEj9bzw-0aed0233796e43d29a36ac4521aaed4f.jpeg)
20 Table Setting Ideas for a Food-Focused Wedding
![Place settings with white etched chargers, ribbed glassware, white florals, and candles](https://www.brides.com/thmb/N5CodXpSQObAVoQ--LOBk8FoT04=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/re-4b0bea173aea48f5b042982807650d70.jpg)
45 Lovely Table Settings for Weddings to Inspire Your Reception
![how to make your first dance go viral](https://www.brides.com/thmb/4o0J2sK0icAhVcbEFFoaaFwXCf8=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/FirstDance-RECIRC-v3-c90b3adb6d264868b508059c5bccab30.jpg)
How to Make Your First Dance Go Viral (& Have Fun With It, Too)
23 Wedding Dance Floor Ideas to Kick Up Your Feet
![large green tree centerpieces and votive candles in an all white venue with floor to ceiling windows](https://www.brides.com/thmb/_SQEWGdAgjhxiV5dzm5-8_oYTqc=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/clayaustin-66a1b5910d8a41cbb48d7223edc7a1d2-868d12ab49a54f108d780f6806f303b8.jpg)
25 Tree Centerpieces to Bring Your Reception to Life
![husband and wife on tik tok video](https://www.brides.com/thmb/T5s4xZIi6sgrZMdHpNwRDM4ovoM=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RECIRC-StocksyGetty-99aa858347244b63a6f7886f0b0239e7.jpg)
20 Wedding Ideas We’re Stealing from TikTok
![groom laughing while listening to speech](https://www.brides.com/thmb/UrozvB9Da1gO38ll56dbd3Vqan4=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/rebecca-and-greg-wedding-45-b55924de39ce4fdd94c88dbf10da8d19-815ed50b9eae4b1494b6bf005cf4b13f.jpg)
How to Write a Father-of-the-Groom Speech
How to Set Up a Polaroid Guest Book Table at Your Wedding
![bride and groom kissing](https://www.brides.com/thmb/djn2Ae_uooOq_-ETSETAXtFcdFY=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lrelyea-events-beltane-ranch-gretchen-gause197-9232ef37e65d432889980fac40e6f0af.jpg)
How to Plan an Anniversary Reception: Tips and Etiquette
![bridgerton](https://www.brides.com/thmb/G5RzFyzeDF8JiJ9JxN_F_kCAm2k=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bridgrerton-promo-75427a619d254cba893ec4b5d6519ccb.jpg)
Exclusive: Here's Why the 'Bridgerton' Wedding Was So Low-Key, and How to Recreate the Intimate Ceremony
![Groom giving a speech during wedding reception looking at bride](https://www.brides.com/thmb/NDgWPEkaA6LLzRxW-b7yM2HGCq4=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/groom-speech-92fa346997ee48d9a3ce5a0f4d092975.jpeg)
Everything to Know About Your Groom Speech: Tips, Advice, and Examples
![a young woman dressed in burgundy giving a wedding speech](https://www.brides.com/thmb/SgtK-34ho6JBzRDG3kVHzVVIIUc=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sister-of-the-groom-speech-recirc-Kristen-Marie-Parker-2a53f844961d4674af035198a24026da.jpg)
How to Write a Sister-of-the-Groom Speech
![A round wedding reception table with white table cloth, pastel flowers, glassware, wooden chairs, and upholstered high-back booth seating.](https://www.brides.com/thmb/XB1Wv8McAzyipBJQhbruIixRR_w=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tables-75bd17c8b2704b4eb68e327c838ca787.jpg)
How to Choose the Right Wedding Reception Tables
![colorful bouquet with peach and white roses](https://www.brides.com/thmb/JDbx-5tF60cplqxkxOTlSYapy_s=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bride-groom-bouquet-beatrice-howell-recirc-0923-03d2495b4f814494a03cd07cc5d24f67.jpg)
Everything You Need to Know About the Bouquet Toss
![couple](https://www.brides.com/thmb/RlEOCxKFyZrj7ZtZ9AT2JpKTJNM=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Money-dance-tradition-5074509_1000x1000-7792828faa2a44369297adb2003829f8.jpg)
How to Celebrate the Money Dance Tradition on Your Wedding Day
![Large sign that says "PHOTOS" on top of photo booth van at a wedding](https://www.brides.com/thmb/GK-Ltc-kwUcGrAPI0pE6FKa9jTs=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/photo-a192142167be48c1b5bef522057207c4.png)
30 DIY Photo Booth Ideas Your Guests Will Love
![Bride and groom celebrating while guests wave sparklers in the air as they leave their barn reception venue](https://www.brides.com/thmb/dS5VHQys2UGPlEroyB5BnUHvFcw=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wedding-sendpoff-sparklers-recirc-nyk-and-cali-40309e689fcd48618bcb76e23f3ce8b2.jpg)
35 Unforgettable and Unique Wedding Send-Off Ideas
![Jewish Hora Dance](https://www.brides.com/thmb/L6gjNjQidkd5JlRNs7aUvacEMhM=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pic-194c6bcf56cf472485986149dc56029c.jpg)
What to Know About the Jewish Hora Dance
![winter wedding tablescapes](https://www.brides.com/thmb/35NDGY-nOQkja41-rp1GOevFkt8=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/dreamytablescapes-b067dbe2c63a4c33b3684a5de04e205a.jpg)
25 Dreamy Tablescapes for a Winter Wedding
![Members of a wedding celebration playing croquet on the lawn during a wedding reception in front of a large home on a sunny, summer day.](https://www.brides.com/thmb/C5D_xhE5dVrvHR50Ouo3A2YrjJ0=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/croquet-wedding-reception-games-june-2023-e636556ada5e43f99dffb8d5a86f1769.jpg)
30 Fun Wedding Reception Games and Activities
![Best Wedding Table Decorations](https://www.brides.com/thmb/3UTb1bCcgDwo9lTUgZs0qaxjcEc=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BRI-best-wedding-table-decorations-5223595-0c1b5e90d47b4fecae2d8e1aba36a064.jpg)
The 11 Best Wedding Table Decorations That Will Brighten Up Your Reception
![Bride in floral embroidered white gown and groom in tuxedo on steps with colorful butterfly installation](https://www.brides.com/thmb/nceKKIgwsMNS3e-cJK5sPbkmsrY=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/re-1545da0d9b494781b87d5e64fdfd2f27.jpg)
55 Colorful Wedding Ideas to Make Your Big Day Pop
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20 Best Wedding Guest Books for Every Wedding Style and Theme
![Dining tables and chairs set up for a wedding reception with string lights](https://www.brides.com/thmb/xhy_GbLvqVhewQaEXFdhws0omjg=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/photo-d011b9734d484ae5ad01b685970a0708-f802d834a79e4800a0bf72bc8c766dcb.jpg)
5 Free Digital Wedding Seating Chart Templates to Simplify Planning
![A bride and groom holding hands and dancing beneath string lights and star pendants](https://www.brides.com/thmb/oT-X_E_mk8h1_CvA6NPs4u_mwDM=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/_recirc-ce9b2ce3fb5949a6a6b921166c724826.jpg)
25 Celestial Wedding Ideas That Are Out of This World
![maid of honor wedding reception speech](https://www.brides.com/thmb/-8kEduF_gVS49jB5Msmy4leHsjw=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MaidofHonor-1427555f42be4eb790337689307813e9.jpg)
How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech
![a guide to wedding reception toasts](https://www.brides.com/thmb/ezHAgOZvFFF6YXvLRRM0lWOb5QU=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/recirc-671e3e99cc074576a03cf1722ede558a.jpg)
Who Gives a Speech at the Wedding Reception?
![bride and groom wedding reception toast](https://www.brides.com/thmb/rvW4vDJJ8InR7-0Ib7lfmxP-hus=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/recirc1-ade0efd59e9244f0981259378b161914.jpg)
60 Wedding Toast Quotes for Every Speech
![Mother of the Bride in Blue Dress and Daughter in Veil Posing for Photo](https://www.brides.com/thmb/FI9SbpFFUHfS32sP-VJfpgRzNAo=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mother-of-the-bride-speech-perry-vaile-primary-0624-ef0ebf00dc1c422fafa6fdeefccf14df.jpg)
Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Examples and Writing Tips
![Happy bride and groom holding hands in a field](https://www.brides.com/thmb/F8kH91Tt5ha1i2sIEkMHp5-idUY=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sixmonth-6972cbf3e6d04fe0978f77c4cbd4ad1f.jpg)
How to Plan a Wedding in 6 Months or Less
![bride and groom wedding day portrait](https://www.brides.com/thmb/TLU4x-SotuF95_UVLsjH1goddLg=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sq-576c3876684343a08078425b66e27716.jpg)
20 Unique Wedding Lighting Ideas
![Bride and groom kissing outdoor at minimalist wedding](https://www.brides.com/thmb/WtU-G1wmuJaHqeyH9FzMkg8iIPQ=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/minimal1-8df3c3aac2ac44f885868da19c67bed7.jpg)
30 Minimalist Wedding Ideas for the Cool Bride
![post wedding brunch](https://www.brides.com/thmb/XD9TolO81ouS-XWRANJfCAODXvs=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sq-5d1af5dcdea44e0bb05bfbe47ac0ab9c.jpg)
What to Know Before Booking a Brunch Wedding Reception
![restaurant wedding](https://www.brides.com/thmb/2kYc0XV8oEOL11eKv2930MoaYzc=/600x600/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sq-9993863a7d29451c99bedbc97653cabb.jpg)
How to Have a Restaurant Wedding Reception