The days of the ‘traditional’ wedding receptions are numbered, there is a relatively new trend in wedding reception venues that have become more and more popular. Gone are the typical “sit-down-to-dinner in an elegantly decorated atmosphere”, where guest sit at their assigned tables waiting for the food and drinks to be served. In fact you can even do away with the ‘wedding reception’ terminology and instead invite your guest to your ‘after the wedding party’.
Wedding receptions which portray a nightclub atmosphere are quickly becoming THE thing to do. Those who want the feel and atmosphere of a nightclub but don’t actually want to hold the reception at a local nightclub are choosing to create their own ‘nightclub feel’. It’s not as difficult as you might think, getting that ambiance by simply making a few adjustments in the planning is all it takes.
Here are some great tips to having your own wedding reception or after-the-wedding-party if you will, to have a celebration that will knock the socks off all your guests.
Create a nightclub venue when choosing the decorations. Instead of using traditional soft pastel colored flowers, use the more modern flowers like calla lilies, orchids, daisies and sunflowers arranged in tall vases on podiums. Instead of traditional table and chairs, mix up a pairs of cozy sofas that face each other diagonally with low tables and/or regular height table in between them. And to mix it up a bit more have a long raised bar with barstools around it, similar to those actually found in a nightclub.
Consider having a VIP list in place of the traditional seating ‘chart’ at the door. The long raised bar and barstools serves as a great VIP table for the bride, groom and the wedding party. Hiring a a well-dressed escort to show guest past the ropes and to their VIP section goes a long way in giving the wedding reception a more authentic nightclub impression.
Instead of the traditional meal service, allow the guests to move about the scene and mingle by providing some exotic food stations. Guest can pick and choose from each station what they want to eat. Add even more flair to the party by having some trendy colored appetizers like sushi rolls that are served atop reflective boxes, Jalapeno poppers, etc. Instead of traditional entre options such as gourmet chicken or fish offer food stations that have different flavored wings, sliders (beef or veggie) and other snack type fare.
Instead of having the typical bar service, have a cocktail bar where your guests can mix their own drinks. Of course you can still serve the traditional champagne but a vodka or martini bar added to the mix can give your guests a real sense of being in a nightclub.
If you’ve already decided on the type of music you want played, seriously consider hiring a well-known DJ instead of the typical wedding specialist. Of course if you really want go all out, having a live band can really lend to the feeling of being in one of those higher-end night clubs that offer live music.
Add some multicolored lighting combined with laser light shows and your after-the-wedding-party (wedding reception) will be one your family and friends will be talking about for years to come.
