You’ve chosen the perfect spot for your destination wedding – now it’s time to decide on the reception details. From cocktail parties to formal dinners, these reception ideas will help you plan a celebration that’s as unique as your love story.
No matter what type of reception you choose, make sure to personalize it with touches that reflect your relationship. Whether that means choosing a fun theme or incorporating heartfelt DIY projects, your guests will appreciate the extra effort you put into making your wedding uniquely yours.
When planning a destination wedding, you may be looking for ideas to make your reception unique. There are many options available, and the following are some of the most popular.
Whether you choose to have a themed party or go with a more relaxed approach, these ideas will help make your reception special.
12 unique and inspirational destination wedding reception ideas
Here are just a few destination wedding reception ideas to get you started:
- Have a pool party
- Make it a beach bash
- Bring the party to the streets
- Have an outdoor picnic
- Have a themed party
- Get festive at a carnival
- Rock out at a music festival
- Turn it into a foodie paradise
- Make it a weekend-long event
- Give back to the community
- Hold an elegant dinner party
- Take it to a museum
1. Have a pool party
A pool party is a perfect way to cool off after a day in the sun. You can set up floating lanterns and tiki torches to create a festive atmosphere, and serve tropical drinks and appetizers. Don’t forget to provide plenty of sunscreen and pool toys for your guests.
2. Make it a beach bash
Throwing a destination wedding reception is a great way to add a touch of romance to your big day. And what could be more romantic than getting married on the beach? Beach weddings are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why.
They’re scenic, relaxed, and relatively simple to plan. Plus, there are endless ways to make your beach wedding reception unique.
-Hold your reception at sunset. There’s nothing more beautiful than watching the sunset over the water. Plus, it’s a great way to get some amazing photos.
-Decorate with shells and sand dollars. This is a great way to add a beachy feel to your reception without going overboard.
-Serve seafood. This is one of the most popular destination wedding reception ideas for a reason – it’s delicious! Consider serving sushi, shrimp cocktail, or lobster rolls.
-Have fun with your footwear. Since you’ll be on the beach, it’s the perfect opportunity to ditch the heels and go for something more comfortable (and stylish!). Opt for wedges, sandals, or even barefoot.
3. Bring the party to the streets
If you’re getting married in a destination with amazing architecture or historical significance, take the party to the streets. This is a great way to show off your surroundings and give your guests a taste of the local flavor. You can set up food and drink stalls along the sidewalk, or even hold a parade.
4. Have an outdoor picnic
Outdoor picnics are a great way to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. You can set up a buffet of snacks and small dishes, or even have a potluck-style picnic where each guest brings their favorite dish. Don’t forget to pack blankets and lawn chairs for your guests.
5. Have a themed party
A great way to add some personality to your reception is to have a themed party. This can be anything from a beach party to a masquerade ball. The sky is the limit when it comes to wedding reception themes, so be creative!
6. Get festive at a carnival
This is a great option if you’re looking for something fun and festive. You can rent space at a local carnival, or even bring the carnival to your reception! This is a great way to entertain your guests, and you can even offer carnival games as party favors.
7. Rock out at a music festival
If you and your spouse are music lovers, this is the perfect option for you. You can hold your reception at a local music festival, or even create your own mini-festival. This reception idea will touch of personality on your big day.
8. Turn it into a foodie paradise
A destination wedding is a perfect opportunity to turn your reception into a foodie paradise. By working with local caterers, you can create a menu that showcases the best of what the area has to offer.
For example, if you’re getting married in Napa Valley, you could serve a selection of locally-produced wines and cheeses. Or, if you’re tying the knot in New Orleans, you could treat your guests to a traditional Crawfish Boil. No matter where you’re getting married, there are sure to be some delicious local specialties that you can incorporate into your reception menu.
9. Make it a weekend-long event
A destination wedding is a fantastic way to extend your special day and turn it into a weekend-long event. One popular option is to host a welcome dinner the night before the wedding. This gives guests a chance to meet and mingle, and it also allows you to spend more quality time with your loved ones.
Another fun idea is to have a post-wedding brunch the day after the ceremony. This is a great opportunity to relive all of the highlights from the previous day while enjoying a delicious meal with your closest family and friends.
10. Give back to the community
There are many ways to do this, but one popular option is to donate a portion of the proceeds from your wedding to a local charity. It can also be a very personal way to honor someone important in your life.
11. Hold an elegant dinner party
An elegant dinner party can be the perfect way to commemorate the occasion. There are a few things to keep in mind when planning your dinner party, however. First, you’ll need to choose a menu that will please all of your guests.
Second, you’ll need to make sure that your tables and chairs are arranged in a way that is both comfortable and visually appealing. Finally, you’ll want to choose table decorations and centerpieces that complement the overall theme of your wedding reception.
12. Take it to a museum
If you’re getting married in a city with great museums, why not hold your reception at one? This is a great way to add a touch of sophistication to your big day. Plus, it’s a unique way to show off your surroundings. Many museums have event spaces that can be rented for weddings and receptions, so be sure to check with your venue of choice.
Conclusion:
Destination weddings are a great way to add excitement to your big day. There are endless possibilities when it comes to destination wedding reception ideas, be creative! No matter what you choose, your guests are sure to enjoy themselves.
Frequently asked questions on destination wedding reception ideas.
1. How can I make my destination wedding reception more personal?
One way to make your destination wedding reception more personal is to incorporate elements that are specific to the location. For example, if you’re getting married in Hawaii, you could incorporate Hawaiian music and dance into your reception.
Or, if you’re tying the knot in Mexico, you could have a mariachi band play at your reception. By incorporating these types of elements, you can add a personal touch to your big day.
2. What are some ways to make my destination wedding reception more budget-friendly?
There are a few ways to make your destination wedding reception more budget-friendly. One way is to work with local vendors who can provide you with discounts. Another way is to hold your reception during the off-season when rates are typically lower.
Finally, you can also ask your guests to help cover the costs of the reception by asking them to chip in for food, drink, or other expenses.