Author: Sydney Forbes

Images: 

The Uttkes

Jake Anderson

Paper Elephant 

Your reception is more than just dinner and dancing—it’s the moment you and your partner get to celebrate with family and loved ones. Whether you envision a lively dance floor that feels like prom all over again or a more intimate celebration, couples are finding fun and creative ways to make their receptions feel more interactive, personal, and unforgettable.

One of the most popular reception trends in recent years is hiring a live wedding painter. Not only is it unique to each wedding, It is an entertainment piece that you and your guests get to see happen right in front of you. It is such a unique way to see your wedding from an artist’s perspective. Maybe the biggest plus of it all is that it makes a great keepsake from you and your partner’s wedding you get to display in your home. A memory and a beautiful piece of art all in one. 

If a live painter isn’t your thing and you want something that is more guest interactive, a fun way to do this is by hiring a caricature artist. You and your partner could get a caricature and your guests could follow. This is both hilarious, memorable, and something your guests would be talking about for years to come. If you would like something more romantic, hiring a live poet is a unique way to make your reception more intimate and memorable. For couples looking for something truly one-of-a-kind, a live poet creates personalized keepsakes that guests will treasure long after the celebration ends. 

On the same topic of art, photo opportunities are also a great way to engage your guests and so you can have the best pictures ever during your reception. One of our favorite examples is a champagne tower. Not only does it look stunning in golden hour lighting, it is so timeless and there are so many ways you could do it. From choosing different types of glasses to what type of florals or decor to place around it. Another viral trend on social media has been a pickle or savory tower. If you love pickles, this would be perfect for you. There truly are so many ways to make this personalized and unique.

This next trend is one that tailors to the sports fans.If you or your partner are devoted sports fans, consider inviting your favorite team’s mascot to make a surprise appearance at your reception. It is such a fun way to surprise your guests during dancing or to get people onto the dance floor. Not only would this be such a core memory but the pictures would be ones to keep and frame forever. 

If keeping the party upbeat at the end of the night is something you would like, consider adding a late night martini or coffee bar. Late night snacks have been a popular choice for couples, and coffee could be added to this or done alone. An espresso martini and coffee bar is a fun way to keep the energy high and the dance floor full as the night goes on. 

At the end of the day, the best reception trends are the ones that reflect you as a couple. Whether big or small, these moments create memories that last a lifetime. Choose the details that make you excited, celebrate in a way that feels true to your relationship, and create a reception that you and your guests will never forget.