Tired of banquet halls and predictable wedding receptions? I get it! Sometimes, it’s fun to break the mold and celebrate your love in a way that truly reflects you and your partner. That’s why I’ve rounded up a list of 9 of the best alternatives to wedding receptions!
When it comes to commemorating love, I love thinking of fun ways to be unconventional. In fact, for my own wedding, we had a restaurant dinner for our reception after our ceremony. It was such a fun time that I always look back on with happiness, so I am always so excited when couples also want to do something a bit more “untraditional.”
Keep reading to learn all about the most unique alternatives to wedding receptions.
Alternatives to Wedding Receptions
Cocktail Party
Opting for a cocktail party instead of a traditional wedding reception is a fun way to add a bit of elegance and intimacy to your celebration. Instead of being tethered to assigned seats, guests will be able to mingle and enjoy the celebration a bit more freely. Plus, you can even make it more fun by serving a variety of appetizers and small bites throughout the evening, and who doesn’t love those?
There are so many spaces that can be used for a cocktail party, too, whether at an actual wedding venue or upscale restaurant or bar in the town/city where you get married in. You could even choose a place that you love to frequent!
Restaurant Dinner
One of the best alternatives to wedding receptions is a restaurant dinner! I did this for my own wedding; we had our ceremony and then a dinner at a local restaurant with our closest family.
You could select a local restaurant that holds special meaning or simply offers a cozy atmosphere (with good food) where you can gather with your closest family and/or friends in a place that feels a bit more exclusive. This can allow for a more relaxed reception.
Brunch
If you don’t enjoy dancing that much but are a major foodie, definitely consider brunch! Opting for a Sunday brunch as an alternative to a wedding reception can cater to a more laid-back atmosphere. As a daytime event, brunch invites guests into a more relaxed ambiance rather than the high-energy surroundings of a dance floor with loud music.
Plus, let’s be honest, everyone loves brunch. The conversations are always great, and the food is usually incredibly tasty! There can be a fun range of culinary dishes to choose from, including savory eggy dishes and artisanal bread or even sweet pastries that can be enjoyed over a cup of coffee or a mimosa.
Brunch can also be even more fun if you incorporate yard games, adding a playful element to the celebration and encouraging even more guest interaction. Whether it’s a gentle game of croquet or a competitive game of bocce ball, these activities offer a casual way for everyone to engage and laugh with one another.
I think brunch is a great alternative for couples who want to create a memorable experience that focuses on just being around those that you love.
Food Trucks
Using food trucks as a wedding reception alternative is truly one of the more innovative approaches, even if it did feel trendy for a while! Overall, it’s a bit more informal but provides a unique and memorable dining experience. Plus, food trucks can provide a wide variety of different cuisine options, from gourmet burgers to mouth-watering Thai food and even artisanal desserts and craft beer. This setup can also encourage guests to explore all these different flavors and foods at their own taste, letting people laugh, mingle, and be spontaneous throughout.
One of the great things about food trucks is that they can literally go anywhere, allowing for tons of location flexibility. This means that you can really pick a setting that resonates either with your wedding’s aesthetic or your personal story as a couple.
Hire Unique Vendors
Hiring unique vendors for your wedding can be such a fun reception idea. Just imagine having a live painter capture the moments of your special day on canvas, not only the romantic first dance or cake cutting but the actual expressions of your guests as they enjoy the evening. At the end of the evening, you can even take that painting home!
Other fun options include incorporating musicians who can play live, a tarot card reader who can offer glimpses into the future, or even a tattoo artist for those who want to have their own memento from the night.
A photo booth is another great option. You can find one decked out with fun props and backdrops. Everyone loves an Insta-worthy moment. Hiring unique vendors is really one of the easiest ways to make your wedding the one that everyone remembers most at the end of the year.
Picnic Gathering
If you love nature and simplicity, a picnic gathering can be a great alternative to a wedding reception. This relaxed approach can let guests really enjoy the beauty of the outdoors (obviously, weather permitting) while seated on blankets or at a table under the open sky. A picnic allows for an automatic cozy atmosphere, where guests can enjoy culinary delights while being encouraged to start up conversations.
Picnics can also really be hosted any time of day, whether you want an early morning one, one in the middle of the day, or even at sunset, allowing for you to really have flexibility with the scheduling. Of course, this is definitely one of the options that is a bit more seasonal!
Garden Party
If you and your partner are romantic and love tranquility, a garden party is another great option. You and your guests can celebrate your love surrounded by beautiful flowers and greenery with the sounds of nature, which is so peaceful. A garden party, similar to a picnic or brunch, also encourages guests to enjoy the party in a more relaxed pace.
You can even spruce up the garden setting with some twinkle lights if it goes into the evening. Who doesn’t love to enjoy a meal under some twinkle lights? It has a very romantic and warm ambiance to it!
Group Hike
Last but certainly not least, I wanted to include an alternative to wedding receptions for those of you who love the outdoors. You could go on a group hike! This unconventional reception idea could take your closest family and friends on a scenic trail, and everyone can celebrate when you reach the summit together.
Plus, it has a bit more of a casual vibe, as formal attire could be swapped out for hiking boots, and everyone can share fun stories on the way up the trail. This option is perfect for couples who love adventure. One caveat, though: be sure to take into consideration everyone’s hiking abilities when choosing where you will go on your group hike.
Once you’re done, you could even head back home for a fun campfire where you can make s’mores and stargaze.
Final Thoughts: Wedding Reception Alternatives
I hope this post has helped you come up with some fun wedding reception ideas or at least sparked some ideas that you may have come up with on your own! Whether it’s enjoying the tranquility of a garden party or dining with food trucks, each of these alternatives really challenges the norms of “conventional” celebrations while creating unforgettable experiences that your guests will remember for years to come. If you’re still looking for a photographer for your wedding day, I’d love to learn more about your unique love story (and reception ideas)! Click here to get in touch.
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