Alternative Wedding Reception Ideas

How many weddings have you been to where the format is: ceremony, reception, drinking, then a dance or disco for a motley crew of relatives and friends? How many times have you been steered around the floor by a beer-flushed uncle or an embarrassed teenage nephew? Do you want your own wedding to escape the tired old format?

Patricia bridesmaid dress

Well, you can easily achieve that. There are many other ways to celebrate with family and friends and thank them for making the effort to join you on your special day.

For instance, go low maintenance by holding your reception in a restaurant you know and like, and troop off to the pub or wine bar afterwards. That way, everyone's relaxed and can mingle naturally, and no one will be expected to make a speech or lead the foxtrot. Or have an after-dinner area at your venue with intimate little tables, flattering lighting and a piano player in the corner, providing a medley of cool classics while you drink and chat.

                                  Lace bridal glove                                                Butterfly wedding bag

Or you could have a home wedding once the knot has been tied legally elsewhere - if the sun's out and there's a garden handy, hold your own fete with picnic tables or a marquee or, if you're pushing the boat out, hire a pub beer garden (or Kew Gardens!).

But if you're keen to organise some entertainment without going the Strictly Come Dancing route, how about a karaoke session, charades, a wedding quiz or a talent show? Come on, you've always wanted to go public with your Christina Aguilera impression! Where music's concerned, you don't need to rely on a DJ. Hire a jazz quartet, a string quartet, a tribute band, or have a ceilidh or a barn dance - structured dancing often gets the party started better than a disco. See? There are lots of fun alternatives, and they'll probably create more lasting memories.

Baby wedding shoe with organza flowers

For more ideas on how to make your big day out of the ordinary, check out our wedding information pages. They're an indispensable source of wedding style advice as well as practical hints and tips on how to plan the perfect wedding. No bride should even contemplate tying the knot without consulting them first. And what's more, we're adding to them all the time so there is always something new to see. 

And don't forget to browse Henry Kaye's complete range of of stunning wedding shoes (for brides, bridesmaids and pageboys alike), stylish pageboy outfits, gorgeous bridesmaid dresses, and exquisite wedding bags and beautiful wedding accessories.