Modern couples want to enjoy a more relaxed type of celebration and this is why so many of them decide on a home wedding reception. This venue allows you to focus on a comfortable setting. Besides this, you can enjoy more freedom to concentrate on the reason of the reception: your sacred union and marital bliss! Not to mention of the fact that you will can follow your own vision and create your own rules. It seems more flattering than following the rigors of formal wedding reception venues. No one said that you can’t plan a fairytale wedding at home! Your reception can be as glamorous and romantic as you wish. Use your imagination and get more creative when planning the décor. You can obtain a magical setting in your backyard with the right ingredients!

Wedding Reception At Home (Photo by: Adam Woodrow)

The beauty of a home wedding is in the personalized accents you use in the décor. While a traditional banquet hall or restaurant wedding can reach even $30,000, home wedding receptions are much more affordable. You won’t have to pay rental fees for the location or on extra decorations. Your home and garden will cost you nothing. Besides this, you can save more on the food and décor. Use the natural setting of your home for the backdrop for your ceremony. Build an arch and floral paths to obtain a more inviting setting for your guests. Bake the food in the house to reduce the wedding expenses and serve your invitees a tasty, organic menu. They will surely appreciate your gesture.

Use a wide variety of breads, pastries and desserts based on seasonal fruits to flatter both adults and children. Home weddings can be as large as your property allows. You can go more intimate and invite only close friends and family or go for a bigger reception if you have room. Install a tent in your backyard to avoid the burning rays of sun or a rain. Plan a daytime wedding reception to avoid the noise of a late-night party. Use a garden theme to make the space more romantic and friendly. Serve brunch food instead of elaborated meals. Or, you can throw a picnic and enjoy a casual and comfy reception.

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Top Websites For Freelance Wedding And Lifestyle Photographers (Source: photographydegrees.org)

Mochatini

Freelance wedding and lifestyle photographers can benefit of a lot of inspiration by entering Mochatini, a website owned by Manvi Drona Hidalgo. This website offers clients the possibility of checking the photographer’s portfolio, and also of reading important pieces of information about how to shoot lifestyle photos.

Ed Taylor Photography

This website has to be visited as well, because although it refers to lifestyle and wedding photography, it is nothing like the previous website. Ed Taylor gives his customers the chance of checking his portfolio and of seeing his projects, of finding information about himself and also of reading his blog. Ed Taylor is known for delivering elegant portraiture and real-life moments for design firms, agencies and many publications. He is a native New Yorker but now he calls California his home.

Peekaboo Photography

Those who are interested in following some photography careers in the field of children's photography can find everything they want, and even more, about photographing children and kids’ bedrooms. Peekaboo Photography is owned by a mom of 3 sweet little girls, married for 10 years. She and her husband are both photographers, shooting for nearly 8 years. This website gives their customers the chance of learning more about children's photography and their prices, and also of checking a large gallery of newborn and maternity photos and family photos.

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These locations are predictable and over used. Think of something different, something that can reflect your interests, hobbies, passions or personality as a couple. Why follow the same path when there are so many unique spots out there to exploit for your wedding! The Great Outdoors represents the richest source of inspiration in this respect. Having an alfresco wedding allows you to cut the wedding costs on flowers and decorations. You are free to use the natural beauty of nature for your wedding ceremony and reception. It doesn’t matter what venue you choose: a beach, an orchard, a mountain cliff, a vineyard, an open field or your own backyard. Each of these locations has a unique vibe that can be used for a special wedding.

Unique Wedding Reception Ideas (Photo by: SharonaGott)

Woodland and forest weddings are wild locations for an offbeat couple. The countryside is another popular source of inspiration for rustic and natural wedding receptions. Imagine how beautiful your wedding pictures will be? Find a beautiful background that can serve as a décor for your nuptials. This is the best way to save for your wedding budget. The theme you choose for your big day can be inspired by your own interests and preferences. You can ask your invitees to dress according to your wedding theme for a more unique event. You can get inspired from old movies or from the ancient Greek or Egyptian style. The old Hollywood style is full of glam and glitz to exploit for an authentic unique modern wedding. Your wedding can be fun, adventurous, romantic, vintage or laid-back.

Many themes of the past are nowadays brought to our brides and grooms’ attention. Antique currents like Art Deco, Retro or Victorian are back in vogue these days. Historic locations are great choices for those who want to offer their guest something truly exclusive and inspiring. In this sense you can choose from vintage hotel ballrooms, museums, courthouses or residential estates. You can book unique transportations to take the guests to the reception. How about a horse-drawn carriage or an antique train? Hire a vintage automobile, a wagon or cars to add more interest and fun to the reception.

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Modern wedding centerpieces are clean and crisp. They are rather simple and elegant than pompous and elaborated. The same style we can see used for wedding cakes and wedding dresses. Brides and grooms of today have many unique themes to choose from for a trendy wedding. You can go eco-friendly and plan a green themed wedding. Or, you can follow the rustic style and organize a country reception. There is a small difference between modern and contemporary, however. Experts in field say that modern centerpieces are based on colder materials. We can refer here at steel and metallic hues. On the other hand, the contemporary style is relatively warmer. Wood centerpieces are the trendiest ones.

Contemporary Wedding Reception Centerpieces (Photo by: Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach Hotel)

Glass is another material you can consider for a contemporary wedding. You can replace the traditional style based on ceramic vases with mason jars, wine bottles and other glass bowls. For a modern touch, add steel recipients in glittery colors. For a contemporary look, consider birch and other wooden boxes for the flower centerpieces. If you want a contemporary wedding, try to keep close to warm colors and sharp silhouettes. You need to find the right balance between romantic and purely elegant. Today’s weddings are also trying to maintain a line between simple and elaborated. It’s much more elegant to plan a simple and clean wedding. The minimalist style is considered the daintiest one and the chicest one of all. Use bold shapes, crisp lines and bright colors for your centerpieces. Try to obtain a clean effect, but don’t compromise on brightness.

Your table decorations must be elegant, but still cheerful and friendly. Use tall angular vases made of glass and fill them with lemons or other citrus fruits. Add in clear beads or pearls and a few limes. Fill the vases with water and place them on the tables. They make original centerpieces for exotic or beach weddings. Use white grapes and crab apples or any other fruit combination for your vases. Bamboo plants are ideal for contemporary weddings. They will add an oriental flair to the entire setting. For an ocean inspired wedding reception with a tropical hint, mix seashells, sand and wood.  

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Consider the formality and then decide on the best menu. It also depends on the type of reception you’re planning: a sit down meal or a buffet with finger foods. Discuss this with your partner first and then have a chat with the venue. In all cases, you need to have this conversation with the wedding locale and see what they can offer you. It’s true that you can make yourself an image of the perfect food you should serve during the reception. But you should be able to adjust your taste to the menus proposed by the venue. If you’re not flexible in your decision, look for a venue that has the offer that fits your taste and budget.

Wedding Reception Food (Photo by: Duru…)

There are etiquette rules regarding this aspect that you can follow. You can decide for yourself if it’s appropriate to follow the formalities or simply choose something you personally like. Those who are planning a casual wedding reception surely can enjoy more freedom in selecting the menu. If you’re having a backyard reception, for instance, you can have a barbecue and serve different delicious meats and sauces. Have a potluck reception if you’re on a budget. This style is affordable and fun. You can ask your invitees to bring a dish from their own house and arrange a buffet for all to serve their favorite foods. The time of day is essential when selecting the best menu for your nuptials. Experts in field say that the food you offer your guests must be well coordinated with the hour of the day. For example, if your wedding occurs in the morning or at noon, you can serve light food in a buffet style.

For an evening reception, consider a formal dinner style and an elegant serving. Morning wedding receptions occur rarely than evening celebrations. But if you want to make an exception among your friends and family, have a morning wedding and serve omelets, pastries and bagels. Don’t forget about the fruits and cheeses. As for the drinks, anything fresh made of fruits, juices, coffee and tea can do. For those who want alcohol you can bring champagne with fruit nectar.

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Some themes are totally unexpected and weird, while others are still romantic yet more whimsical. Sit down with your partner and decide on the most adequate theme that can help you create a reception to remember with joy for many years to come. Take into consideration the season and venue of the wedding. Don’t forget to focus on something that reflects both your personalities. You must make a compromise between what you two love and choose a theme that fits your profile or lifestyle. You can go casual or glamorous, wild or funky, vintage or fashion-forward, etc. You can replace many of the traditional items usually incorporated in a wedding, such as flower centerpieces and a tiered cake.

Non-traditional Wedding Reception (Photo by: Matt)

Replace the classic floral décor with other decorative items crafted from paper or fabric. Use cupcakes or single-tier confections in various colors, flavors and shapes instead of a big layered cake. Not all grooms like the romantic style. In this case, the bride can agree to go for a more masculine theme. It can be something rustic, like a woodland theme or a redneck theme. Or, it can be a sports theme if both of you are athletic. Focus on a single type of sport. Or, you can get inspired from your favorite team when arranging the décor or purchasing your outfits. Your wedding invitations can look like sports tickets. For an exotic wedding, choose a beach theme. Use seafood, Hawaii outfits and leis for the guests. Use tiki torches and don’t forget to use more sand and seashells to make the space feel more tropical.

How about planning a boat wedding reception? If your wedding is relatively small and intimate, you can throw a party on a boat. Replace the traditional three or four course meal with a wide range of appetizers and homemade desserts. Allow your invitees to enjoy the beauty of the water while celebrating your wedding. Those who want to get away from the fuss of the city can choose a vacation themed wedding. In this sense, you can plan a romantic escapade in a different region. You can book your favorite spa or ski resort for a weekend.

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These decorations are fun to play with and extremely versatile. They can be arranged in many ways, according to the space and specific of the venue. Balloons allow you to express your creative side and opt for a more artistic décor. It doesn’t have to be a standard setting, but one that speaks of your unique personality. You can add more color to your wedding by using balloons in different wedding nuances. For more diversity, choose various shaped balloons in different sizes. This will surely make the room or the space look more impressive and inviting for you and your guests. The only thing required here is to think creatively and exceed the limitations imposed by the traditional styles.

Wedding Reception Decorations Balloons (Photo by: George Grinsted)

A big part of a wedding budget goes into the wedding decoration. This is why our brides and grooms are ending up choosing balloons for their wedding instead of other items, such as flowers, candles or crystals. These lovely airy items can be used to adorn different spaces of the wedding and not just the ceiling. You can perhaps attach balloons to the chairs or make centerpieces to welcome your guests. Balloons can be used to frame a picture, decorate a tree and an arch. Use big balloons for a more whimsical look. Giant balloons in white and other colors can surely add more drama and interest to the party. Your invitees will adore your idea.

This solution works all the time for alfresco wedding. Tie balloons to the dinning chairs and flatter your guests with something romantic yet casual. They can play with the balloons during the reception. Craft your own balloons for the wedding to obtain a more personalized look. The idea of using balloons to decorate different frames is always a clever one. You can decorate picture, mirror and heart shaped frames and attach them on the walls or on trees if you’re outdoors. Make balloons markers for an alfresco reception. The effect will be sensational! Columns, arches and lamps can also be made of balloons or decorated with these festive items.

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You can choose any other color or any type of flower you favor. There is no need to follow a certain pattern or etiquette if you want something unique and exclusive. You can enjoy now total freedom in planning a creative and personalized décor for your wedding. If you love white and wish to use this color in your nuptials, consider the season of your wedding and the other nuances you picked for the setting. Not all white weddings are formal. We can also refer here are beautiful casual ceremonies and white wildflowers. It’s hip to be a nonchalant bride who prefers a simple, clean modern look for her wedding. There is no need to go for an elaborated bouquet composed of lavish blooms to wow your guests.

Wedding Reception Flowers (Photo by: Kelly Parker McPherson)

Discreet white bouquets made of simple small blooms are more delicate and feminine. You can choose white stephanotises for instance and enjoy a pretty chic look. White wildflowers are ideal for less formal reception arrangements. You can consider here Queen Ann’s lace and asters for the table centerpieces. Baby’s breath is another small type of flower to use for a soft minimalist type of décor. Although this flower is considered a neutral filler for dramatic bouquets and centerpieces, you can use it alone for your arrangements. The effect will be surprising and impressive, in a nice way. These flowers are available in spring and summer but also in fall. White garden roses, peonies and sweet peas are frilly selections for romantic outdoors weddings. Use white anemones for a classier look.

Daises and gerbera daises are available year-round. They make fresh elegant choices for summer and fall weddings in general. Their informal look is ideal for casual alfresco ceremonies. They symbolize purity and celebration. For elegant centerpieces, you can use white calla lilies. These majestic flowers will help you create a grandiose setting for an indoors reception. Or, you can use white roses and carnations, for a more traditional look. Use gardenias for a more unique look and a sweet fragrant décor. If you prefer the delicate look, consider white lilies of the valley. Hyacinths and freesias are other choices that can add a romantic scent to your wedding. 

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One of the most challenging tasks for the bride and groom to face is planning the reception menu. Among the most important key factors to consider when making this decision are your own taste and wedding budget. It’s always safer to go for a traditional menu that can suit the majority of tastes. On the other hand, the cost of the menu should influence your final decision. Those who are on a budget have the opportunity of choosing simple food. It’s totally untrue that cheap food is less delicious. The final cost of a menu is not necessarily in the quality of the food but in the quantity and additional ingredients and spices.

Simple Wedding Reception Menus (Photo by: Jonathan Day)

You don’t have to order elaborated menus to wow your guests. Keep things close to a simple taste and serve something the majority knows. If it’s important to you to impress your invitees with something inedited, choose exotic food. But it’s riskier this way. Sea creatures are not on everyone’s taste. There is another reason to choose simple food and that is the size of the reception. If you’re having a small intimate celebration you can focus on a minimalist menu but not poor. This way you will cut your wedding costs and serve adequate food. Couples are aware that catering is one of the most expensive parts of a wedding reception. The time of day also counts in this sense, as well as the exact venue. We have a few ideas for you to explore.

Let’s take for instance small informal affairs that occur during daytime. You can into consideration having a brunch reception. Serve fewer drinks and cut expenses on alcohol. It’s less probable for your guests to drink that much during morning hours. Choose lighter beverages instead, such as coffee, tea or juice. These drinks are appropriate for different ages. Order mixed salads based on fruits and diverse pastries. Light lunch wedding receptions are casual or semi-formal events that can take place anytime between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. Use home-style entrees to delight your guests, such as barbecued chicken and other meats with vegetable side dishes. Picnic and teas are also recommended for light lunch reception menus. Serve sodas, hot and ice teas, small sandwiches and scones.

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Nevertheless, these venues may be more expensive than the usual, and not because they are already decorated. This is due to the fact that this time of year is sought-after by many couples for different occasions and special events. This is why many pairs decide for another date for their wedding. Those on a budget may not be able to afford a wedding on Christmas. But you might as well think of investing more in a special venue and save on the décor. Nevertheless, the biggest problem is that you need to book a Christmas wedding venue with at least a year in advance. We say this because most locations are already taken during this period.

Christmas Wedding Reception (Photo by: laura dye)

The winter season is in general very busy in this sense. The magic of Christmas is easy to express in a wedding when using the right ingredients. If you are clueless about the decorative items you should use, we suggest you get inspired from the unique wedding projects released by our designers. They have some fabulous ideas to propose to those who wish to make this day a memorable one. If there’s snow outside, you can consider creating a warm atmosphere indoors, or plan a whimsical reception outdoors. It depends on the type of event you want to create and how well you can tolerate low temperatures.

More and more couples decide to spend a winter wedding day outside the doors, in the snow. This sounds like a fun idea, especially if the couple chooses to include seasonal sports and activities in the program. It’s easy to add more sparkle to an indoors wedding by using thematic centerpieces. Use specific items, such as Christmas ornaments: strings of lights, garlands and trees. Use gold and bronze glitter to paint different wedding items for a more glamorous effect. Don’t forget to use snowflakes to decorate the space. You can use crystals or beads to create them. Hang them over the place for a fairy-tale like ambiance. For a romantic look, use poinsettias centerpieces. Decorate the tables with large or small pots for a more seasonal feel. Red roses and white lilies would also look elegant in a Christmas wedding.

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