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 That information is outdated and stuffy.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!
Cindy English is the publisher of:
beach-wedding-themes.com
Beach wedding themes full of fun, fantasy and romance!
beach-wedding-themes.com
Plan your wedding celebration in Paradise!
? Copyright 2005 by Cindy English
This article may be reprinted with no changes, omissions, or additions. All links must be left live and in tact.
Have you ever heard the expression, "The Urge to Merge"?It... Read More
When you come to choose a wedding gift it's no... Read More
With today's economy, and the layoffs occurring as a result... Read More
The elegant and sophisticated look of glittering, gleaming gold. There's... Read More
Prescription for a happy marriage: one cup of tea or... Read More
Every woman in the room agreed that Crichton was a... Read More
The elegant beauty of a strand of pearls... Read More
The extravagance of weddings is a popular topic. We blame... Read More
The wedding favor box carries on the timeless tradition established... Read More
Wedding flowers make up a large part of the wedding... Read More
Oregon is one of the most marvelous places in the... Read More
Congratulations! You have found the man of your dreams and... Read More
While signing a prenuptial agreement can be one of the... Read More
My belief is that most relationship problems should be given... Read More
Perhaps the biggest worry of a bride-to-be, is picking out... Read More
Choosing a wedding anniversary gift that wows your husband or... Read More
Asian-themed weddings are on the rise, and at first this... Read More
The term and role "Maid of Honor" is sometimes confusing,... Read More
I recall how Mrs. Ingridman taught me invaluable lessons on... Read More
When it comes to decorating your reception tables, the centerpieces... Read More
The most enjoyable part of the wedding reception is the... Read More
Have you ever been irritated because your spouse does things... Read More
The invitation is the first impression of the type of... Read More
Movies, sitcoms and soapies made in the United States could... Read More
Celebrate your marriage by planning a Florida honeymoon vacation with... Read More
house cleaning company Lincolnshire ..As most of you know the evening festivities for a... Read More
Many of the Jewish wedding traditions are derived from ancient... Read More
While through history brides have agonized over what to wear... Read More
Planning a bridal shower? Maybe a dear friend or even... Read More
'Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.' This is... Read More
Taking the hassle out of finding your perfect and unique... Read More
There are many answers to this question, it all depends... Read More
The typical wedding reception entertainment scheme of pretty flowers and... Read More
In marriages, many arguments and hurt feelings can be traced... Read More
The wedding date and time has been set, the location... Read More
After choosing the design for your wedding invitations you can... Read More
Most girls know by the age of 12 what kind... Read More
Asian-themed weddings are on the rise, and at first this... Read More
Planning a wedding of any size or budget can have... Read More
Perhaps the single most important thing that must be accomplished... Read More
Caricature entertainment will make your wedding celebration stand out and... Read More
In the next six months, my... Read More
Your wedding day is the day when all the details... Read More
You've probably heard about Save the Dates since they have... Read More
My husband and I have a perfect marriage.There. I said... Read More
Have you ever heard the expression, "The Urge to Merge"?It... Read More
Details, details, details. Paying attention to details, that's what makes... Read More
When you are planning a budgeted menu, you must first... Read More
Computer printed labels are a time-saver, but they make the... Read More
When it comes to choosing a honeymoon destination it's usually... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |