14 Fresh Ideas for Your Wedding Reception

From luxe place settings to signature cocktail art, spice up your “I dos” with some of these unique and new wedding concepts!

Artful Signs & Menus  

1. Signature Cocktail Art

Cocktail Menu 

Photo: J. Anne Photography Planning: Angelica Rose Events

Tapping into the signature couple cocktail trend? Entice guests to partake with a fun wedding sign featuring an illustration – making for the perfect visual. 

2. Sweet Welcome Signs

Wedding Sign

Photo: Ueda Photography 

While welcome signs might not be groundbreaking, spruce up your ceremony or reception entryway with a loving quote to accompany your wedding date. Bonus: the sign doubles as home décor long-after your "I dos."

3. Colorful Menus

Menu

Photo: Erica Chaplin Photography Calligraphy: Miller Calligraphy 

Picture-perfect dinner menus add that perfect little something extra, especially when incorporating your wedding colors!

4. Reusing Your Engagement Photos

Seating Chart

Photo: Jess Henderson

Celebrating a wedding in Florida? Use your state’s signature fruit as escort cards, while reusing your engagement photos as decoration. 

Meaningful Details

5. All-Things Custom  

New Initials

Photo: J. Anne Photography Planning: Angelica Rose Events

Your sweetheart table just got a whole lot cuter thanks to these mini, fashion-forward table ideas. New ways to include your new initials? Yes, please!

6. Custom Jacket Lining

Custom Tuxedo

Photo: J. Anne Photography Planning: Angelica Rose Events

Guaranteed to get a few “aws,” this idea is both sentimental, and romantic! Cherish your tux for years to come as a wearable scrapbook. 

7. Custom Wine Glasses

Custom Wineglasses

Photo: Erica Chaplin Photography

No need for your bride tribe to confuse wine glasses. Gift your girls and groomsmen monogrammed flutes to toast all night long! Bonus: these chic receptacles doubles as a wedding favor.

8. Custom Champ Bong

Champbong

Photo: Julia Franzosa  

Nothing says fun quite like a unique way to drink your favorite libation with your crew. Have your wedding date painted on to remember your special day, even if your bridal party doesn't. 

Photo Opps

9. Photo Guest Book

  1. Photo Guest Book 

Photo: Emily Milay Photography

Make it visual, with a photo-inspired guest book! Have guests take polaroids of themselves, and jot down a corresponding note.

10. Photo Booths

Photo Bus 

Photo: Kir2Ben Photo Bus: Treasure Valley Photo Booth 

Up the ante with a cool car converted into a photo bus!

11. Strike a Pose 

Bride and Groom with Balloons 

Photo: Meg Hamilton of Rodeo and Co.

Pose with your newly-minted partner with eye-catching props, like balloons!

Food for Thought

12. Piñata Fun

Piñata

Photo: Ueda Photography 

For the kid-friendly affair, or the kids at heart, a piñata stuffed with the couple’s favorite candy is a great way to add some extra fun to the festivities! 

13. Food Trucks

Food Truck 

Photo: J. Anne Photography Planning: Angelica Rose Events

Give the people what they want while getting some of your favorite grub on, with food trucks at your outdoor reception!

14.  Cookie Bar

Cookie Bar 

Photo: Abby Rose Photo 

This one’s for all of the self-proclaimed cookie monsters out there. Delight guests with cake alternatives (or in addition to cake!), with options for every kind of sweet tooth. 

For more wedding reception ideas, visit 25 Perfect Place Settings for Your Wedding Reception