| The most unique beach wedding reception ideas | | | | special women in your family who love to cook |
| are sparked by imagination not tradition. Never | | | | would be honored to assist with this project I'll |
| mind etiquette, tradition and timelines. That | | | | bet. Heck, knowing "Aunt Jo" and "Grandma", they |
| information is outdated and stuffy. Do what will | | | | will probably take over and you won't have to |
| make you and your guests happy. It is a time for | | | | worry about a thing! |
| fun and celebration, not pomp and ceremony! | | | | Formal afternoon weddings will of course lead to |
| Long gone are the days of "assigned" seating | | | | the usual "sit down" planned menus. Caterers will |
| arrangements and cookie cutter reception | | | | be necessary. The advantage being that the |
| programs. Everyone waiting to be told what to do | | | | whole affair will be tended to without you lifting a |
| next. Yawn! Today, you can "have it your way". | | | | finger...for a price. In order to cut costs here, you |
| No, I am not suggesting that "Burger King" host | | | | will have to limit the menu and the guests. |
| your reception. But, you could, IF you wanted to! | | | | So, if you have a large guest list and a limited |
| That's the message. | | | | budget, avoid marrying late in the afternoon. |
| To plan for your reception, you need first to | | | | Guests will be hungry and expect the dinner |
| know: | | | | reception. Instead, stick with a breakfast, brunch |
| - What is your theme? | | | | or cocktail reception. |
| - What time of day you will be having your | | | | The wedding industry dictates that a reception |
| wedding ceremony? | | | | should be from three to five hours in length. |
| - What type of atmosphere do you wish to | | | | Rubbish! A reception should be as long as it takes |
| create? | | | | for you and your guests to enjoy each others |
| Answer those three questions and great beach | | | | company and have fun. It can last a couple of |
| wedding reception ideas will follow. | | | | hours or all day if you like. |
| Perhaps you will marry in a romantic sunrise | | | | Don't feel obligated to stretch the event out. |
| ceremony followed by a breakfast reception. How | | | | Often, your older guests tire easily and would like |
| about an early afternoon wedding followed by a | | | | to leave before the designated departure time |
| beach barbeque? Plan fun activities such as a sand | | | | anyway. If you are having a beach side bash, |
| castle building contest or a volleyball game. Marry | | | | consider a "come and go" atmosphere. Let people |
| at sunset. Follow the ceremony with a wine and | | | | know what time your departure will be so they |
| cheese reception and dancing. | | | | can be there to send you off. |
| The size of your guest list and your budget will | | | | As far as beach wedding reception ideas go, the |
| also help to determine which path you take. | | | | rule of thumb is - there is no rule of thumb! Break |
| Buffet or food station receptions lend themselves | | | | the mold. Do something different, something fun, |
| very well to informal beach weddings and are the | | | | something memorable. |
| most fun. They are also cheaper! You can easily | | | | Whatever you and your guests will enjoy most, |
| coordinate this type of reception yourself and | | | | IS the perfect beach wedding reception! |
| eliminate the added expense of a caterer. Those | | | | |