Traditional weddings are followed by a gala wedding reception. Even otherwise, to celebrate the wedding with friends of different faiths, a grand reception is ideal. Garden wedding receptions are becoming increasingly popular. It imparts a perfect backdrop for wedding receptions. A garden wedding reception will infuse the ceremony with the beauty of nature. Fountains, trees, potted plants and flowers will set the stage. Dancing and dining can take place in a serene setting.
Selecting a site for your wedding reception is bound by the set budget. Before finalizing a site, check how many guests are invited, how many can be accommodated and the number of parking spaces available. Also check if outside catering service is allowed and if there is a dance floor. Some places that host garden wedding reception themselves provide tables, chairs, linen, glasses, crockery, decorations and the waiting staff. If not they have to be rented from outside. If there are no kitchen facilities in the site, the food has to be prepared and brought to the garden wedding reception venue. A grand garden wedding reception cannot substitute a good cuisine to satisfy the taste buds.
Arrangements should start as early as possible. Imagination and innovation are needed for decorating the site. Professional agencies are aplenty to provide necessary guidance if sought. Someone who has conducted a reception recently would be an ideal person to consult. Flowers, balloons, lights and floating candles can be used. The main color of the decoration and the setting should complement the wedding theme.
Creativity is considered an asset when planning for your wedding reception. For example: butterflies can be released; balloons can be released; fire works can be displayed to entertain the audience and to go with the local popular culture and tradition. In an outdoor reception, Mother Nature supplies most of the decorations. So, one may not need to spend much on decorations.
If the reception takes place in summer, choose wooden chairs instead of metal chairs as it is likely to absorb heat. Or rent tables-with-umbrellas. Place the wedding cake under a canopied arch. Do not forget to arrange for special air coolers for the bridal couple enrobed in their finery.
If the reception takes place in winter rent outdoor heaters. In case it is windy, place heavy centerpiece on the tables. This will prevent the table settings from being blown away. To protect candles from being blown off, place them inside a lantern or glass bowls.
The greatest drawback in holding a reception in a garden is inclement weather. So it is always better to have a back-up place, in case the weather turns bad.