Incorporate a fun theme

Image Credit: BookBub 

One way to make a lasting impression is to have a unique theme for your wedding/reception. Perhaps Ancient Greece is your passion, or you can’t get enough classic literature. Turn it into a theme! Maybe you love the Kentucky Derby or Fairy Tales, or Harry Potter, or something on the more unglamorous side, like camping! Think about what you and your partner love and put that at the center or your wedding; the unique elements will follow. People won’t forget a groom in chainmail riding a horse up to the altar or an invitation that requests a hat to be worn in true Derby style.

So. Many. Activities!

Giving guests fun and unique things to do at your reception also will set it apart from the crowd. Create a piñata for guests to drop a note in. When your 1 year anniversary rolls around, break it open and read all the sweet things people wrote to you. Alternately, have a piñata for guests to break open at the reception! Have a large canvas set up with with paint filled balloons attached. Guests can embrace their competitive sides taking turns trying to pop the balloons with darts and you a get a piece of art to remember your special day. Once it’s dark, gather the guests outside and set off floating lanterns into the sky. A beautiful sight to see from the ground; this is definitely something guests will tell their friends about. 

Pro Tip: Floating Lanterns are not legal in all states, so check your state's laws before adding this to your reception plan.

#Instaworthy Food  

For many people, the food is the main event at a reception. Changing up what you serve or how you serve it is a great way to get people talking about the evening. If you choose a unique theme, keep the food in line with it to add some extra oomph to your event. People are impressed when all the pieces of the day fit together perfectly. Food can be another way to get guests involved in the event! Set up a DIY grilled cheese buffet. DIY bars give your guests a fun activity and also allow them to customize their food to their liking. This is great for them and relieves the stress of serving food that accommodates ever varying food preferences. Set up a DIY coffee station, spud bar, or even a pickle bar! Make it something you love, even if it feels a bit crazy.

Pro Tip: Your guests won’t want to do all the work, so keep their involvement light so they don’t feel like it’s all on them.

Not feeling the DIY bar idea? Make the food memorable by thinking outside the box. Hire some food trucks to park next to your reception venue or have multiple chef stations set up around with all different styles of foods prepared on demand.