What Do You Do at a Wedding Reception?

Most people find wedding receptions quite boring and often dread them. They usually imagine standing around with a cup of coffee or tea. So it’s best to turn the reception into a fun little celebration.

What is a wedding reception?

A wedding reception typically starts after the couple says “I do.” Guests then head to a nearby venue for the celebration.

Many couples aren’t sure whether they even want a reception. It’s a moment for guests to congratulate you — which means shaking a lot of hands. And let’s be honest, not everyone’s in the mood for that.

Not a fan of handshaking at the reception?

If you’d rather not spend the whole day shaking hands, you can communicate that in a polite way.

It’s great to receive congratulations, but having people constantly interrupt your party to shake hands can be annoying.

You could include a note on the invitation saying guests don’t need to shake hands when leaving, but that you truly appreciate their presence.

What do you serve at the reception?

It’s common to serve some light refreshments like coffee, tea, or a welcome drink.

The reception is also the perfect moment to cut the wedding cake together. This way, every guest gets a delicious slice and you create a sweet shared moment.

How long does a wedding reception last?

There’s no set time for a reception. Typically, it lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours.

You’ll want to time it so it flows nicely into dinner and the evening festivities. For example, if your reception starts at 1:00 PM, you could end it around 4:00 PM and start dinner at 5:00 PM. That gives you a good rhythm for the rest of the day.

Some couples use this time to take their wedding photos. If you plan to do that, make sure guests are informed and have some entertainment so they don’t get bored.

The venue

You can choose one venue for the whole day or multiple venues for each part — the ceremony, reception, dinner, and party.

Using multiple venues means more travel for guests, and more time and money spent.

Keeping everything at one location is more convenient and often cheaper. Some venues even offer full-service packages — make sure to compare the options carefully.

How to make the reception fun

Of course, you want your guests to enjoy themselves. A reception isn’t mandatory — you can personalize it however you like.

How about a cocktail reception where everyone can sip something fun? Or a lunch reception with a light meal to keep everyone happy and engaged?

A photo booth is another fun idea. Guests can take silly pictures, and you’ll end up with great memories for your wedding album.