Wedding Reception Set Up Ideas
- The cake is the centerpiece on its own table at the wedding recepiton.Martin Poole/Digital Vision/Getty Images
Be creative when brainstorming wedding reception set up ideas. The reception should be set up to reflect the tastes of the couple. The couple should be front and center during the reception with easy access to and from the guests, as well as the dance floor and cake table. - The head table should be situated so that all guests can view it. The head table can consist of the bride and groom only, or the entire wedding party. Place empty vases on the table for the bride and bridesmaids to put their bouquets in during the reception. They make an excellent centerpiece and keep the flowers fresh.
The cake table should be situated close to the head table but not near the dance floor. This is to prevent dancers from knocking over the cake and icing being spilled on the floor, which could cause someone to fall.
The guest book should be just outside the door in an area that it does not block the entry, and the gift table should be situated just inside the door.
Other tables to consider is a memory lane table showcasing pictures of the couple from their birth to marriage. If there will be a lot of children attending the reception, consider setting up a special table with colors, coloring books, sketch pads and other small party favors to keep them occupied. - Strategically place guest tables throughout the room, giving guests plenty of room to walk and mingle. Centerpieces can be large pillar candles, glass bowls with floating candles, balloons or flower bouquets. Place disposable cameras on all the tables and encourage guests to use them. The bride and groom often get great moments photographed this way. Another option to consider is naming the tables. Place the name of the table and the reason why it has special meaning to the couple in an 8x10" photo frame to be displayed on the table.
- Allow 10 square feet of dance space for each couple, therefore, for 15 couples, 150 square feet of dance floor is suggested. The dance floor should be able to accommodate up to 40 percent of the guests. The DJ staging area should be close to the dance floor and in a position that they can communicate with the head table. Sound equipment should be placed so that all guests can easily hear any announcements as well as the music. If the reception is outdoors, rent a canopy to cover the dance area.
- Place a basket in the bathroom containing lip moisturizers, lotions, soaps, perfumes, tissues and matches for guests. Consider using party lights. If they are properly set up, they enhance the music and dancing without creating a disco effect. Get a bubble machine to blow bubbles near the dance floor and at the guests. Rent a confetti cannon and launch confetti over the dance floor during the couple's first dance. Check with the facility manager to see if they have objections to using the cannon.
