A great Utah wedding reception starts with picking your format, a formal seated reception or a casual open house, then layering in nine details: a tent, unique decor, statement lighting, an elevated dining setup, great food, natural elements, casual lounge seating, an open bar, and a dance floor. All Out Event Rental provides all nine and can put together a wedding package for either format. Utahns love weddings: more of us get married, and we get married younger and faster, than almost anywhere else in the country.
- Utah is sixth in line for the “Most Weddings Per Year” title.
- The average age for a Utah bride and groom are 23 and 25 (respectively).
- Utah engagements last three to six months compared to the one to two year national average.
With that kind of competition in the local wedding scene, you’ve come to the right place to plan a reception people remember.
First Off, Let’s Define Our Terms
In order to plan out your reception you have to understand the different types before you can go forward with the process.
1. A Formal Reception:
A formal wedding reception is a very organized event. It typically happens right after the actual wedding ceremony and is usually reservation only—which is why sending out your invitations in a timely manner in order to know your guest headcount is critical. To take a closer look of what a reception looks like, here is an example of a reception timeline:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:00 PM | Cocktail Hour |
| 6:00 PM | Guests Are Seated |
| 6:15 PM | Wedding Party Entrances |
| 6:25 PM | Bride and Groom Grand Entrance |
| 6:35 PM | First Dance |
| 6:45 PM | Welcome Speech |
| 6:55 PM | Dinner |
| 7:55 PM | Toasts |
| 8:25 PM | Family Dances |
| 8:40 PM | Open Dance Floor |
| 9:25 PM | Cake Cutting and Dessert |
| 9:55 PM | More Dancing |
| 10:30 PM | Grand Exit |
| 10:45 PM | Guests Part Ways |
It’s definitely an event where guests should plan on staying from beginning to end. A few common elements of a reception that aren’t typically found at an open house (the following option) are a band, a DJ, and an open bar.
2. An Open House:
For many living in Utah this type of reception might be more common. Basically, it’s a semi-formal meetup with the newly wed couple and their family. Invitations may be sent out for it but reservations aren’t necessary. Those who are invited can come and go as they please to visit and congratulate the couple.
Traditionally, open houses in Utah do not include a formal dinner and may instead include light appetizers or finger foods. For those choosing this option, many like to do a luncheon where the bride and groom’s families and closest friends may come together to eat sometime between the wedding ceremony and open house.
An open house is similar to a formal reception in that dressing up is encouraged. Some events that are typically reserved for a formal reception are sometimes done at an open house too—like cutting the cake, a father-daughter and first dance, and throwing the bridal bouquet.
9 Elements to Consider for Your Reception
Do you know which type of reception you’re going to be having? If so, you’ll be better prepared to choose how these 9 elements could best be incorporated into your reception.
1. Have Your Reception Be in a Tent
A tent is the perfect compromise between an outdoor and an indoor reception. You can get the feel of being outdoors while still being protected from exterior elements.
2. Incorporate Unique Decor
Use decorative items that stand out! Stray away from items that everyone else seems to be using.
3. Go for Effect with Special Lighting Techniques
Chandeliers and dim lighting are perfect if you’re going for a romantic or ultra formal vibe. There are so many different ways to play with lighting when it comes to a reception. It just all depends on the mood you’re trying to create.
4. Add Flair to the Dining Experience
Are you going for the whole shebang by providing your guests with a formal dinner? Transparent chairs are one great way to add a special charm to your dining atmosphere. Even if you’re going less formal with an open house, it would still be worth considering to create a special effect with aesthetically appealing tables and chairs.
5. Provide Delicious Food
If there’s one thing people talk more about after the reception other than the bride and groom, it’s the food. Whether you’re serving up a three-course meal for your guests or letting them have free reign of the à la carte refreshments table, make sure to go all out with the flavor!
Need ideas for food? Check out The Knot’s ideas for reception entrees and HGTV’s suggestions for open house refreshments.
6. Incorporate Nature
Nature (flowers, petals, greenery, etc) can be used in so many different ways when it comes to wedding receptions. Of course, there are the traditional tabletop centerpieces. However, there are ways to go about it in a unique way—like this hanging plant with lights strewn from it.
7. Have Casual Seating Available
Casual seating—like these beautiful sofas—are perfect for any type of reception. They allow guests to step away from the dining atmosphere and talk to other guests in a comfortable manner.
8. Have an Open Bar
Typically, an open bar consists of cocktails and other mixed drinks. Some may even offer up specialty beer and wine too. You could also provide some tasty non-alcoholic “mocktails” like Agua Verdes, Shirley Temples, and apple-ginger sparklers.
9. Party It Up with a Dance Floor
Dancing is a very special part of many receptions. Originally, the father-daughter dance took place before the first dance and was symbolic of the father passing on his daughter to her new life partner. The first dance would then symbolize the bride and groom dancing away their life together. How romantic!
Call on All Out Event Rental
It would be our privilege to be a part of your special day! Let us help make your wedding planning experience as stress-free as possible. We will even coordinate with your wedding planner! Call us today at (801) 988-6288 to ask us about our wedding packages.
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