Simple Wedding Reception Ideas – Less Is More

Wedding receptions are usually the part of the wedding festivities that guests look forward to the most. The chance to party in well-decorated surroundings and be entertained while enjoying good food and drinks at someone else's cost is always too good for anyone to pass up.

If a simple wedding reception is what you really want, the first thing you need to do is to take a good look at your guest list. Cross off anyone who really does not have to be there, like your cousin's friend who you met only once about three months ago or your future husband's ex-colleague whom he has not seen for the past six months. You will be amazed at just how much simpler your wedding planning will be once you restrict your guest list to only the must-haves.

Another idea for a simple wedding reception is to look at your location. You do not always have to host your reception at an expensive venue like a hotel ballroom or show mansion. Other locations can be just as meaningful and beautiful - your own home or someone else's, for example, or the beach, park or your condominium grounds. Sometimes, simple wedding reception ideas are the ones that are the most memorable.

Another simple wedding reception idea is to have a buffet, instead of a sit-down dinner. This saves you on table settings, while giving your guests the freedom to mingle and eat at their own pace. Having a buffet also means employing fewer waiters and ushers, which means a straightforward, uncomplicated entry into the reception for your guests.

Daytime receptions are also simpler to organize than evening ones. For one thing, receptions in the day can last longer which means it can be more of a free flowing, mingle kind of party than a real activity-filled frenzy. This means you can afford a more relaxed program for the day with less hassle. As for entertainment at the reception, have your little nieces and cousins perform a simple song. Or find a budding songstress amongst your friends and have them sing a song or two (but do audition them first!) at the party. For the other times, buy or borrow a romantic love songs CD and play it as background music. This not only saves you on cost, it also makes the event more personal than having a DJ spin.

Keeping things simple should be the code word of the day. Simple decorations for the tables and area will suffice - if all else fails, go for a mix of flowers and candles. To avoid unnecessary worry, scratch any ideas for ice sculptures and chocolate fountains - they will need constant monitoring to ensure the environment is cool enough and you will need to figure out what to do with the sculpture once the party is over.

As for wedding favors, choose keepsakes that are practical, edible or, if possible, make them yourself. You can give cookies and chocolates in a little drawstring bag or tea leaves in sachets or bags. You can give them a personal touch by attaching a Thank You note or decorating them with a little bit of colored satin or organza ribbon - all of which you can do yourself.

Fall weddings are always a beautiful affair. With such rich colors around, it is the perfect backdrop for the bride in white or ivory. Weddings during this season are a themed wedding on their own. As such, align your wedding decorations, colors, favors, invitation cards and cake with the season. This is the time of the year when honey-based colors go perfectly with pictures of maple leaves, trees, fall flowers and other rustic images.

One popular fall wedding idea for most brides is to wear a wedding gown that is more in line with the season than the conventional white ivory dress. Some colors that have been tried and tested are honey-colored suits and maroon wedding gowns. Or even to design a dress that comes with a fall coat in matching shades. Another fall wedding idea is to have fall designs embroidered on the dress, clutch bag, headdress or even shoes.

Decorations will also need to be seasonal - rich autumn colors and designs should be used to enhance the whole wedding. Use ochre or matte gold satin ribbons and bows to decorate your tables and chairs, and curtains which are maroon or dark green in color. If candles are to be used as part of the décor, choose fall colored candles as well to keep the theme consistent.

Even your guestbook should reflect autumn. Have your guest books designed with maple leaves, pumpkins, foliage or trees on the covers and a little mini picture of it on each page where the guests sign will make it look seasonal.

Fall wedding ideas are beautiful and are always a perfect time to experiment with bold colors which may seem a little too much during any other season.