1)
Disposable Cameras- I have seen many receptions where
the host randomly placed disposable cameras on the tables
and then picked up and developed them at the end of the evening.
While this is by no means a replacement for a professional
photographer, it usually will catch some great random shots
that may have otherwise been missed. It also helps make your
guests feel more involved in the event.
2) Table Bells- Small, inexpensive bells (purchased
at any arts & craft store) are placed at each setting or,
randomly, 3 or 4 per table. Often they are dressed up with
light painting and/or ribbon to match the theme for the evening.
I have seen them used one of two ways. In some instances a
family member prompts the other guests by ringing theirs at
the outset of special moments (grand entrance, cake cutting,
toast, etc.). Not only is the collective sound a nice touch,
but it also directs everyone's attention to the event at hand.
I also had one brave bride whose parents had me announce that
they were the kissing bells and that each time they were used,
the new couple would kiss. Needless to say, by the conclusion
of the event, it became quite humorous and really added to
the attendees' fun. The dry lipped newlyweds were not as pleased.
3) Table Candles- In many instances, the larger banquet
facilities use fluorescent lighting which is sometimes overkill
and impersonal. The dimmer candles can go a long way to warm
and personalize the event. While there are many variations,
I think my favorite was the use of small round glass containers
(purchased from hobby stores) that are very similar to the
small goldfish bowls that you see at the fair. The host would
fill the bowl about half full of water and place floating
candles in them. I have also seen them color the water with
food coloring to match the night's theme. In one unique case,
I even saw a bride add a little more water and actually put
live goldfish under the floating candles. The bride then had
me give them away to the attending children. It was much appreciated
and a very nice touch!
4) Wedding Trivia- This can be an excellent opportunity
to make your guests more familiar with the newlyweds and give
them some small gifts all at the same time. In the time leading
to the newlyweds' arrival at the reception and during the
reception, there are several periods of little activity. During
these times, the host has had me ask trivia about the new
couple: How did they meet? Where will the honeymoon be? What
are their signs? etc. Immediate family members were not allowed
to answer. Small, wrapped gifts from the host were given to
those who had the correct answers.
5) Magician / Clown- While this may, at first, seem
like overkill, I have seen it used and then receive very positive
comments afterwards. There are a lot of slow periods for the
young ones to endure. A restless and/or whining child can
put a serious damper on the evening for not only their parents,
but the entire table and in some cases the whole group. At
some events the child entertainer took the entire group of
kids (usually aged 12 and under) to a separate room away from
the reception for 1 to 1 ½ hours. Not only did this give their
parents a much appreciated chance to visit, dance, and/or
congratulate the new couple, it prevented any potentially
uncomfortable moments during important moments at the reception.
6) Kids' Corner- This is another, less expensive way
to entertain the younger ones during the slower periods. Simply
pick an area, preferably out of the main line of sight. It
works great to put up tables to box in a corner. Put drapes
or white sheets on the outer sides of the tables. Place chairs
around the inner sides of the tables. If the area is uncarpeted,
you should consider throw carpets or a blanket or two. Place
paper, Funpads, puzzle books, coloring books, crayons and
pens on the tables for older children and some small toys
on the floor for the younger ones. It is always a good idea
to ask family members or friends to take shifts supervising
the group. As with #5, this gives parents a break and eliminates
some of the awkward boring times for the children.
7) Bubbles- It is possible to purchase small (1 or
2 oz) disposable containers of bubbles with the bubble wand
in the lid. These can be placed on each table as tokens for
the kids or to be used during a picturesque moment like the
first dance or departure, etc.
8) Autograph the Newlyweds- At one reception, the bride
placed an enlarged (20 X 24) formal portrait of the couple
in a glassless frame on a table near the door with several
colored markers and a note urging her guests to autograph
the photo. It was definitely an interesting twist.
9) Groom's Table - This seems to be the new rage! At
most traditional reception settings the frills seem to be
directed toward the bride. I am starting to see "Groom's Tables"
with theme settings and pictures of the groom. Themes have
included everything from hunting to fishing to Nascar to professional
themes. In some cases, the masculine theme has been used throughout
the reception. I can provide you with more specific ideas,
but here is one example: A card table with Nascar photos,
wrenches, pictures of the bride and groom, etc., was placed
at the head of the serving area. A sign over the food read
"PIT ROW" and a sign over the punch bowl and kegs
read "Fill 'Er Up." Two white styrofoam wreaths
were taped together, painted black, and lined inside with
tin foil so that they looked exactly like tires and also made
great chip bowls. You get the idea. Not only is a little fun
added to the event, but with some creativity, the room looks
just as festive and the bride's and groom's expenses are drastically
reduced.
OTHER WEDDING PROS