No other part of your wedding can be customized as much as your reception. From the decor to the entertainment to the food, today there is a move to making the reception more personal and a reflection of the couple’s individual personalities.

1) Customize the food with treasured family recipes added to the menu. Drinks, appetizers and deserts are all easily incorporated into the caterer’s work. Be sure to talk price before making these personalized additions. Recipes also make great guest favors. Print up a mini-cookbook of the bride & groom favorite dishes to be passed out to the guests.

2) A relaxed feel where everybody knows your name. Some couples are going for that local coffee house feel, with a variety of seating options. Sofas, stuffed chairs and bistro tables arranged in conversation clusters around the room. Before and after dinner guests feel free to move around and socialize.

3) The cocktail and dinner hours are adult oriented times, with children in attendance at the reception some couples hire child care professionals to attend to the children in other rooms. Providing games, puzzles, coloring books and videos to keep you minds occupied.

4) Modern floral arrangements are being see at weddings replacing the traditional flowers and arrangement styles. Unconventional containers, kaleidoscopes of colors and exotic flowers from around the world are being welcomed when done in a classic style.

5) Bride and groom introductions with a twist can be a moment guests will not forget. From tearing thru a paper wall where your treasured photos are being projected to the doors opening with a crash of music to reveal the newlyweds. Map out a route that takes you past the most guests. This is the first time you will appear at a social function as husband and wife, make it an event!

6) Sweetheart tables are becoming very popular on the coasts. An intimate setting that allows the bride and groom to enjoy their first mean as newlyweds without seeming to entertain the head table.

7) Get the party going faster. Many brides and grooms are combining the 1st Dance, Father/Daughter and Mother/Son under one song. Half way thru the song the two walk out to their parents and escort them to the dance floor to finish the dance with their parents.

The trend today is away from the traditional reception to a move lively, fast moving, friendly environment. Most of all be sure to have fun at your wedding!