10 Secrets to a Perfect Reception

Wow, I have been slacking on my blogging duties.  We have had some amazing weddings these past couple weeks and I will get the pictures up asap.  So stay tuned for those and mean while check out this fun article I fount on theknot.com

1. Hire a Day-of Coordinator – Oaks Brides have this under control!  I am there for you every step of the day!!!

You may have a ton of fun ideas for your reception lined up — say, a rockin’ entrance, an amazing band, and surprise late-night snacks — but the truth is it’s much harder than you’d think to keep each of those plans in check. If you already have an event planner, genius. If not, look into booking a day-of coordinator to oversee the details (trust us, it’s worth it).

2. Order Good Food (That’s Not Stuffy) – The Oaks kitchen rocks!  (and I am not just saying that because my Hubby is one of the Chef’s!)  Ask any bride, wedding guest or vendor who has been here before and they will tell you the food is where it is at!

Just ask yourself: What would you want to eat?  Think mini grilled-cheese sandwiches paired with tomato soup shooters, bite-size vegetable quiches, and a raw bar.  Dont forget the mini cheeseburgers as a late night snack!  or a pastry table for those of you with a sweet tooth!  Heck, one bride recently even had an ice cream sandwich station… Can you say delicious?

3. Keep the Toasts Short (And Prep Your Toasters)

As meaningful and wonderful as toasts can be, it’s important that you don’t let those toasting to drone on and on. Quite frankly, it’ll put a lull in the evening. When it comes to toasts, it’s really all about quality over quantity. So direct anyone who is speaking in advance to keep their speeches to two minutes max and ask them to share any other long-drawn-out stories at a prewedding party like the rehearsal dinner. I must admit I am with them on this one… I would also add do not have an open mic for toasts.  Everyone loves Drunk Uncle Joe, but no one wants to listen to him ramble on the mic for 10 minutes.

4. Have a Game Plan for Kids – Did somebody say Lynn Collier , The Oaks fabulous babysitter?

To keep the little ones entertained throughout the night (and to give their parents an opportunity to hit the dance floor!), set up an area specifically for them. In a separate room, arrange for a babysitter who can set up movies for them to watch. Or designate a couple tables just for the kids and pack them with coloring books, crayons, and small toys.

5. If You’ve Hired a Band, Make Sure There’s Good “Break” Music  Check out Doctor’s Orders… they are just what the Doctor Ordered!

We’ve all been to that wedding before: Just when the dance floor starts to get packed, the band takes a break and the party dies. Don’t let that happen to you. When you hire your band, ask specifically about how they plan to handle breaks. Some bands will take them in shifts and split off into a smaller 2- or 3-piece bands. Others will turn on filler music. If yours is planning to use filler music, ask whether you can provide the mix.  Anyone who knows me, knows I am a stickler for a great band, that doesn’t take a break every 15 minutes!  Baileks Music has great bands!  One of my favorites is Doctor’s Orders. They will make your wedding the envy of all other newlyweds attending!

6. If You’ve Hired a DJ, Make Sure You Share the Same Tastes

Okay, this is an obvious one, but it made the list because music is a major fun factor at the reception and it has a lot to do with how long your guests will stay. The last thing you want to see is your dance floor clear out when the “chicken dance” comes on. So, make sure to talk to your DJ about your do-not-play list.  This isn’t just a DJ thing, this is a must with any vendor.  You have to click, they need to see your vision and you need to feel comfortable.  There is nothing worse then spending your day worrying that all your wedding photos are going to look like they are from the 1800′s.  Shop around, have fun with it!

7. Add a Lounge to Your Reception – Living room (check!)

If at all possible, create a lounge-like area in your reception space. Why? People can get antsy. Instead of having your guests sit around the same dinner tables all night, a change of environment will promote conversation and keep even your nondancing guests entertained. Look into renting or borrowing couches, chairs, and other pieces of furniture that you can then stage with pillows and votive candles in your wedding colors. Okay it is true, The Oaks has a couple built in lounges.  One right next to the bar, and of course the living room, where guys often sneak off to check the score of the big game.  However if you really want to wow your guests, you can think about turning the back corner of the room into a lounge as well, with those huge ottomans, that work as a sofa or a bed.  Or have even more fun with it and put a portrait area back there complete with costumes and props!

8. Give Out Party Favors – Mint Tins and Soaps are out, get creative with your favors!

Don’t forget that a reception is a party! Let your guests know that it’s okay to cut loose after a formal ceremony by passing out crazy wedding favors at the reception. A few of our favorite ideas? Funky masks, noisemakers, or Silly String. We even know one couple who handed out neckties and encouraged their guests to tie them around their heads on the dance floor. Quirky, but definitely fun! So maybe a noisemaker isn’t what you imagine for your wedding favors, but what about flip flops for your guests to change into as they dance the night away, or maybe forgo the favors at the wedding itself and create “hang-over kits” that can be placed in each guests room for the morning after!

9. Keep Your Guests Fueled - Mini Cheeseburgers, Mini Pizzas, Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup… Oh MY!

If you want to ensure an all-night crowd, arrange for your catering staff to bring out trays of late-night munchies like French fries or a self-serve taco bar. If you stick with low-key, comfort foods like those, they’ll wish the party would never end. Another great idea: Offer a coffee bar complete with special syrups and toppings to keep them caffeinated.  Who hasn’t been dancing the night away and after several hours realized that they could use a little something to eat?  Talk to The Oaks chefs about the scrumptious goodies they can send out an hour before the reception ends to boost everyone’s energy levels and keep them on the dance floor!

10. Plan a Surprise

Sometimes the best parts of a reception are the things guests don’t see coming. Surprise your guests with unexpected entertainment during the cocktail hour or reception, like a belly dancer (a la Rachel Getting Married), a mariachi band, or even a salsa dancer.  Whether it is Fireworks, an Elvis Impersonator, or the Tasty Freeze truck pulling up outside (trust me, we’ve seen it all!) your guests are going to love it, remember it and rave about it.  Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want their guests saying that was the BEST WEDDING EVER at the end of the night.

So from The Knot and Nicole… 10 secrets to the perfect wedding reception!  Any other tips of suggestions?  Let’s hear them!