Unique Beach Wedding Receptions
The most unique beach wedding reception ideas are sparked by
imagination not tradition. Never mind etiquette, tradition and
timelines. That information is outdated and stuffy. Do what will
make you and your guests happy. It is a time for fun and
celebration, not pomp and ceremony!
Long gone are the days of "assigned" seating arrangements and
cookie cutter reception programs. Everyone waiting to be told
what to do next. Yawn! Today, you can "have it your way". No, I
am not suggesting that "Burger King" host your reception. But,
you could, IF you wanted to! That's the message.
To plan for your reception, you need first to know:
* What is your theme? * What time of day you will be having your
wedding ceremony? * What type of atmosphere do you wish to
create?
Answer those three questions and great beach wedding reception
ideas will follow.
Perhaps you will marry in a romantic sunrise ceremony followed
by a breakfast reception. How about an early afternoon wedding
followed by a beach barbeque? Plan fun activities such as a sand
castle building contest or a volleyball game. Marry at sunset.
Follow the ceremony with a wine and cheese reception and
dancing.
The size of your guest list and your budget will also help to
determine which path you take.
Buffet or food station receptions lend themselves very well to
informal beach weddings and are the most fun. They are also
cheaper! You can easily coordinate this type of reception
yourself and eliminate the added expense of a caterer. Those
special women in your family who love to cook would be honored
to assist with this project I'll bet. Heck, knowing "Aunt Jo"
and "Grandma", they will probably take over and you won't have
to worry about a thing!
Formal afternoon weddings will of course lead to the usual "sit
down" planned menus. Caterers will be necessary. The advantage
being that the whole affair will be tended to without you
lifting a finger...for a price. In order to cut costs here, you
will have to limit the menu and the guests.
So, if you have a large guest list and a limited budget, avoid
marrying late in the afternoon. Guests will be hungry and expect
the dinner reception. Instead, stick with a breakfast, brunch or
cocktail reception.
The wedding industry dictates that a reception should be from
three to five hours in length. Rubbish! A reception should be as
long as it takes for you and your guests to enjoy each others
company and have fun. It can last a couple of hours or all day
if you like.
Don't feel obligated to stretch the event out. Often, your older
guests tire easily and would like to leave before the designated
departure time anyway. If you are having a beach side bash,
consider a "come and go" atmosphere. Let people know what time
your departure will be so they can be there to send you off.
As far as beach wedding reception ideas go, the rule of thumb is
- there is no rule of thumb! Break the mold. Do something
different, something fun, something memorable.
Whatever you and your guests will enjoy most, IS the perfect
beach wedding reception!