How to host a Fun Reception

In our initial meetings with brides and grooms, we find that most say their top priority is that guests have “fun.” Now fun can be had in many different ways, so we always delve deeper into their definition. Does that mean a rocking band, an open bar, a photo booth or something completely different?

Courtesy of The Knot, here are a few secrets to hosting a fun wedding reception. We hope that some will apply to your definition of “FUN!”

Set up an area specifically for kids. This could be as elaborate as a separate room with games and babysitters or as simple as a designated table with activities to occupy the young ones while their parents hit the dance floor.

Give out party favors. Guests LOVE party favors! Whether you offer glow sticks, light-up sunglasses, boas, necklaces or fun masks, make sure the party favors reflect your personality!

Pass out late night snacks. Your guests have been drinking and dancing all night, so keep them fueled! What do you crave after a night of partying? Ask the caterer to pass out late-night munchies like sliders, cookies, french fries, ice cream, etc.

Think about the “break” music. If you hired a band, the musicians are going to take breaks. What music are you going to play while they’re gone? Make sure to plan these breaks during opportune times like the toasts or cake cutting, for example.

Keep the toasts short. Nothing kills the party atmosphere more than toasts that drone on and on. When it comes to toasts, quality is far more important than quantity. Try to choose people you know will give good speeches, and give them a suggested time limit. We recommend that the majority of toasts take place during the rehearsal dinner.

Jazz up your first dance. Start with a slow, traditional song and switch to an upbeat tune halfway through the dance. This is a great way to encourage guests to join you on the dance floor.

The Inside Scoop on Indian Weddings

If you've ever seen, heard of, or been to an Indian wedding, you probably know they're extravagant, multi-day celebrations with many moving parts. Below are some of the traditions celebrated:

Day 1: The Mehndi Ceremony

Typically, both families hold the first day’s celebrations separately. It’s a day for the women to apply henna, a symbol of a special occasion. Henna, also called Mehndi, is a design that is drawn on the hands and feet with a paste created from henna leaves. The beautiful designs are temporary and generally last up to two weeks.

Day 2: The Pithi Ceremony

The bride and groom also hold the second day of the wedding separately, although it is becoming more common for younger couples to hold them as one single event. In the ceremony that takes place on this day, a yellow paste called Pithi is rubbed on the skin of the bride and groom, followed by throwing raw, colored rice over their heads to wish them good fortune.

Day 3: The Nikkah Ceremony and Reception

On this day of the wedding, two events occur: the official signing of the marriage contract at the families’ place of worship and the evening reception. Something the younger generation has started is to hold a reception where the bride wears a gown instead of traditional Indian attire. The mix of traditional and modern elements is a great addition to this three-day event. and it definitely portrays the personalities of the newly married couple!