It's all about the details as you plan your wedding celebration. Whether your style is conventional or offbeat, formal or rustic, a bit of creativity and whimsy makes the festivities your own. Even the most traditional bride can add a surprising twist or two, whether inspired décor or unexpected entertainment, fun favors, or innovative cuisine. You may find that one -- or more! -- of these 50 ingenious ideas is just the inspiration you need for a reception that leaves your guests saying, "I wish I'd thought of that!"
50 Ingenious Ideas for Your Wedding Reception
Imaginative Table Settings(01 of50)
Custom hand-painted maracas combine a unique place setting with a fun favor. Opt for an elegant gold and white hibiscus design, or change it up with bright fiesta colors. Shake ‘em for a kiss!Related: 30 Favor Ideas From Real WeddingsPhoto courtesy of Vintage Baby Doll/Etsy
Imaginative Table Settings(02 of50)
Delight your wedding guests with playful party crackers, filled with a paper mustache or crown and vintage toys.Related: 15 Ways to Make Your Reception More FunPhoto Credit: Jesse Holland Photography via My Darling Wedding/Etsy
Imaginative Table Settings(03 of50)
Keep your littlest guests entertained with kid-friendly extras, like curly straws and play foam. This delightful children’s table features blooming flower lollipops and a fun-filled globe ornament with silly bands and glow-in-the-dark balloons. “Chargers” drawn on craft paper leave plenty of space for artwork.Related: 10 Ways to Make Your Wedding More Kid-FriendlyPhoto Credit: A Bryan Photo via Calder Clark
Imaginative Table Settings(04 of50)
Set your table with a sweet souvenir of your wedding dinner — your menu custom crafted in milk or dark chocolate.Related: 25+ Edible Wedding Favors Your Guests Will LovePhoto courtesy of Delysia Chocolates
Creative Favors(05 of50)
Create your own custom bride and groom cookies for a one-of-a kind wedding favor.Related: 101 Ways to Personalize Your WeddingPhoto courtesy of Parker's Crazy Cookies
Creative Favors(06 of50)
Spice things up with a wedding favor that will definitely be put to good use. Gourmet spices are customized with your smiling faces.Related: 25 Homemade Wedding Favors Your Guests Will LovePhoto courtesy of Spicy Wedding/Etsy
Creative Favors(07 of50)
Because they’ll want to sleep in tomorrow… welcome your guests with a fun gift bag that includes a witty door hanger.Related: Welcome Baskets for Every Wedding ThemePhoto Credit: Side-A Photography via Bottle Pop Party Company
Creative Favors(08 of50)
An ideal keepsake for your nautical theme or beach wedding: Personalized crab mallets accompanied by Old Bay crab seasoning.Related: 50 Ideas for Beach WeddingsPhoto courtesy of Apropos Roasters/Etsy
Creative Favors(09 of50)
Welcome your friends and family to town with a clever gift box that salutes your home state. Customized designs in a variety of colors and sizes are available.Related: Plan a "Destination Wedding" in the USAPhoto courtesy of Ever After NY/Etsy
Unique Entertainment(10 of50)
Surprise your wedding guests with an unforgettable performance by your singing waiters. They’ll be talking about it for years to come!Related: 30 Creative Ways to Entertain Your Wedding GuestsPhoto Credit: Alan Mooney via Singers for Hire
Unique Entertainment(11 of50)
You’ll be sure to get everyone out on the dance floor when you play their favorite tunes. Include these printable song request cards with your RSVP cards.Related: Dos and Don'ts of Making Song RequestsPhoto courtesy of Charming Endeavours/Etsy
Unique Entertainment(12 of50)
Fun and games keep the celebration lighthearted. Keep the crowd entertained with a game of wedding speech bingo.Related: 15 Fun Games to Play at Your WeddingPhoto courtesy of Chubby Sparrow/Etsy
Unique Entertainment(13 of50)
Get the party started! Hire a flash mob for a once-in-a lifetime event.Related: 50 Wedding Ideas You've Never Seen BeforePhoto Credit: Cliff Brunk via Jubilee Lau Events
Clever Drinks(14 of50)
Serve your favorite cocktails in an extraordinary sculptured ice luge. Professional ice sculptor Don Chapelle carves amazing drink luges, fountains, and even ice bars.Related: 7 Unique Ways to Display Your Wedding FoodPhoto courtesy of Brilliant Ice Sculpture
Clever Drinks(15 of50)
Be inspired by this DIY bar setup, a creative addition to your outdoor rustic wedding.Related: 75 Ideas for a Rustic WeddingPhoto Credit: Harper Noel Photography via Boho Weddings
Clever Drinks(16 of50)
Something borrowed, something brewed. Personalize your craft beer selections with printable labels.Related: Stock the Bar: What You Need for Your WeddingPhoto courtesy of Make the Best Crafts/Etsy
Clever Drinks(17 of50)
You tied the knot, now take a shot! This replica vintage shot ski is a fun party activity, great for a winter wedding. Related: 100 Ideas for Winter WeddingsPhoto courtesy of Shot Ski Shop/Etsy
Clever Drinks(18 of50)
What happens at the reception stays at the reception? Well, not likely! Downloadable signage adds some humor to your open bar. Related: 50 Clever Signs Your Wedding Guests Will LovePhoto courtesy of Sunny Notes/Etsy
Clever Drinks(19 of50)
Wonderful for winter festivities, warm up your guests with a hot chocolate bar. Free printable labels provide a beautiful rustic presentation.Related: 5 Cool Ideas for Your Winter Wedding MenuPhoto courtesy of Mountain Modern Life
Inspired Fare(20 of50)
Add a touch of elegance to your wedding dinner with hand-carved sorbet dishes by the ice artists at Creative Ice.Related: 7 Unique Ways to Display Your Wedding FoodPhoto courtesy of Creative Ice
Inspired Fare(21 of50)
Bring out the fun-loving kid in your wedding guests with a visit from an ice cream truck. The grown-ups will enjoy the alcohol-infused frozen treats in awesome flavors like Whisky Bean and Mudslide.Related: 25 Delicious Wedding Cake AlternativesPhoto Credit: Erin Mullins via Tipsy Cones
Inspired Fare(22 of50)
Treat your guests to a yummy buffet of flavored gourmet popcorn, with unique flavors such as sea salt caramel and piña colada.Related: How to Create a Sweet (and Stunning) Candy BuffetPhoto courtesy of ConvoArtsCrafts/Etsy
Inspired Fare(23 of50)
Why limit yourself to just one fabulous wedding cake? Setting out a variety of layer cakes has a homespun feel, and there will surely be something for everyone.Related: 101 Amazing Wedding CakesPhoto courtesy of McCardell Photography
Inspired Fare(24 of50)
Add a bit of rustic style to your table. This simple but elegant cheese wheel display is a unique take on a wedding cake.Related: Non-Traditional Tiered DessertsPhoto Credit: Sylvie Gil Photography
Inspired Fare(25 of50)
Whose favorite dishes will you choose for your reception buffet? No compromise necessary with this creative idea for a selection that features the bride and groom’s best-loved dishes. Related: 100 Sentimental Wedding Ideas You'll LovePhoto Credit: Amy Carroll Photography via Love and Lavender
Unforgettable Décor(26 of50)
These gorgeous orchid-filled paper parasols are an inspired take on trendy hanging floral arrangements. Related: 50 Fairy Tale Floral ArrangementsPhoto courtesy of Rose Petals Vail
Unforgettable Décor(27 of50)
The traditional Japanese gift of 1000 paper cranes bestows one thousand years of happiness upon the wedding couple. Order a few strands or a full thousand for a lovely reception backdrop.Related: 150+ Ways to Make Your Wedding UnforgettablePhoto courtesy of Shining Crane Studio/Etsy
Unforgettable Décor(28 of50)
Add a bit of romance to the fiesta with charming tissue paper banners. Your personalized flags complement the hand-cut lovebirds and other traditional designs.Related: Stay Under Budget With These 25 Dollar Store Wedding HacksPhoto courtesy of Vintage Baby Doll/Etsy
Unforgettable Décor(29 of50)
Transform your reception site with impressive textured lighting, available in patterns to match your theme.Related: 25 Ways to Transform Your Wedding With LightingPhoto Credit: Jorge Lopez via J&M Entertainment
Unforgettable Décor(30 of50)
Lead your wedding guests to the festivities with a sparkling sequin floor sign. The sequined fabric shapes are cut to order and are available in a variety of shapes and colors. How about a glittery rose gold heart for your venue?Related: All That Glitters: Metallic Wedding InspirationPhoto courtesy of Sparkle Pony Shop/Etsy
Unforgettable Décor(31 of50)
This lace doily piñata can also be created in your custom colors. It’s a sweet decoration that can double as a guest book: your guests add their wedding wishes, to be opened and enjoyed on your first anniversary.Related: 50 Unique Wedding Guest Book IdeasPhoto courtesy of Nature Curios/Etsy
Unforgettable Décor(32 of50)
Colorful pinwheels add a touch of whimsy to your escort cards or table décor. Order custom made or opt for a DIY kit. Related: 35 Cool Ways to Display Your Escort CardsPhoto courtesy of Rule 42/Etsy
Fun Extras(33 of50)
Watch the guys go for it when the groom lets fly with this clever twist on the traditional garter toss.Related: Touchdown! Football-Themed WeddingsPhoto courtesy of JB Conaway/Etsy
Fun Extras(34 of50)
Opting for a donut cake? Make it even more unique with an adorable customized donut bride and groom. Related: 15 Ways to Serve Doughnuts at Your WeddingPhoto courtesy of Sam's Sweet Art
Fun Extras(35 of50)
Don’t forget the small details that make your reception special. Your family and friends will appreciate a convenient charging station.Related: Tech Etiquette: New Rules for the Modern BridePhoto Credit: Capture Photography
Fun Extras(36 of50)
Chill in the air? Keep your outdoor reception guests warm and cozy by setting out throws or pashminas in your wedding colors.Related: 100 Beautiful Outdoor Wedding CeremoniesPhoto courtesy of Country Bliss Designs
Fun Extras(37 of50)
A rustic kissing bell is a charming addition to your country wedding reception.Related: Ideas for a Country Western-Themed WeddingPhoto Credit: Charlotte Gamache Photography via Bella Bride Creations/Etsy
Fun Extras(38 of50)
Cracker Jack boxes are a truly novel wedding treat. Fill these custom boxes with caramel corn or other snacks.Related: The Most Unique Edible Wedding FavorsPhoto courtesy of 6 Elms Designs/Etsy
Preserve the Celebration(39 of50)
This unique guest book will make a beautiful keepsake for your future home. Your guests each add a thumbprint “leaf” and signature to your wedding tree.Related: 50 Fun Alternatives to the Traditional Wedding Guest BookPhoto courtesy of Signature Moments
Preserve the Celebration(40 of50)
Upgrade your photo booth with a fun slow motion video booth.Related: The Hottest New Wedding Trends for 2016Photo courtesy of The Slow Motion Booth
Preserve the Celebration(41 of50)
Capture your celebration with an on-site artist. What an extraordinary memento of a beautiful day!Related: It's All in the Details: 40 Inspiring IdeasPhoto Credit: The Schultzes via Wed on Canvas
Preserve the Celebration(42 of50)
They’re not just for extreme sports anymore! Attach a GoPro videocam to your drink of choice for a unique perspective on your celebration. Related: 20 Wedding Photos That'll Make You LaughPhoto Credit: Everly Studios
Preserve the Celebration(43 of50)
A lovely Dutch tradition has guests write their wishes for the happy couple to hang on the wishing tree.Related: Innovative Ideas for Your Wedding StationeryPhoto courtesy of Paper Pixies/Etsy
Preserve the Celebration(44 of50)
Each of these time capsule cards designates a future anniversary. Place a card at each reception table and revel in your guests’ good wishes for years to come.Related: 50 Wedding Guest Books You'll Want to Read Over and Over AgainPhoto courtesy of Paper Notions/Etsy
Preserve the Celebration(45 of50)
What a fun idea for your travel theme or destination wedding: tiny wedding sendoff paper airplanes.Related: Everything You Need to Know About Destination WeddingsPhoto courtesy of Love Takes Flight/Etsy
Memorable Sendoffs(46 of50)
Pretty ribbon wands, complete with bells, are a sweet sendoff alternative to confetti.Related: Eco-Friendly Confetti (and Other Fun Things to Throw at the Newlyweds!)Photo courtesy of Stalking the Wild Snark/Etsy
Memorable Sendoffs(47 of50)
Exit to a shower of twinkling pompoms. The metallic poms can also be used to add sparkle to your table décor.Related: 50 Wedding Ideas That Aren't Already All Over PinterestPhoto courtesy of Extravagant Exits/Etsy
Memorable Sendoffs(48 of50)
The force is with you! For a very cool take on glow sticks, arm the crowd with glowing light sabers.Related: 20 Wedding Ideas for Star Wars Super FansPhoto courtesy of Janet Howard Studio
Memorable Sendoffs(49 of50)
Make a grand exit to the glow of LED balloons. Related: Find the Perfect Last Song for Your ReceptionPhoto Credit: Cami Takes Photos via Dipple Dot/Etsy
Memorable Sendoffs(50 of50)
Light up the night sky with Chinese sky lanterns. These are eco-friendly, as they are completely biodegradable.Related: 50 Ideas for a Classic Fairy Tale WeddingPhoto Credit: Beyond the Darkroom Photography
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By Mary Wozniak for Bridal Guide