Updated: 21st February 2025

WEDDING PLANNING: 10 Tips for YOUR WEDDING reception

Planning a wedding reception to remember

In this handy guide, I’ll help you make your wedding reception extra special.

While your wedding ceremony is the heart of the day—when you officially say “I do”—your reception is where the real celebration begins! This is the time to relax, soak it all in, and enjoy the company of your loved ones. It’s also the part your guests will be most excited about, with great food, drinks, music, and unforgettable moments.

The best receptions reflect who you are as a couple, incorporating personal touches while ensuring a seamless flow so everyone can celebrate, dance, and make memories until the very last song.
From your drinks reception to speeches and dancing the night away, keep reading for tips on planning a reception that will have your guests talking for years to come!

Here’s some ideas to make your wedding reception “wow”

1. RESEARCH YOUR SUPPLIERS

Your wedding suppliers play a huge role in shaping your reception, so choosing the right ones is essential. Start by asking your venue for recommendations—many suppliers will already be familiar with the space, from catering logistics to staffing needs, making everything run more smoothly.

One key consideration is on-the-day coordination. Ensure there’s someone responsible for timing and flow, from seating guests for dinner to keeping the bar well-staffed and clearing tables—especially if your venue requires a room reset between the meal and evening festivities.

If your venue is ‘dry hire’ (just an empty space with no in-house services), it’s highly recommended to hire a wedding planner to oversee everything both in advance and on the day itself.

Above all, make sure your suppliers align with the vision you have for your wedding—whether it’s an intimate dinner party, a festival-style feast, or a black-tie affair. The right team will bring your dream day to life effortlessly!

2. Go For a Longer Drinks Reception

When planning your wedding timeline, it’s essential to build in buffer time to keep things relaxed and stress-free. If your reception venue is in a different location, add at least 30 minutes for travel to avoid any delays.

I highly recommend allowing a minimum of two hours for your drinks reception. This gives you plenty of time for your group and couple portraits without feeling rushed. Plus, it ensures you have time to actually enjoy the moment—sip a drink, share a laugh, and soak in the atmosphere with your guests.

As long as there’s plenty of food and drink (see tip 5!), your guests will be more than happy mingling over champagne and canapés. A well-paced drinks reception sets the tone for the rest of the evening, allowing everyone to relax, chat, and celebrate before moving into the next part of your wedding day.

3. Plan your Group shots in advance

Planning your group shots in advance keeps things running smoothly and ensures you get back to enjoying your day as quickly as possible. Here’s how to make the process effortless:

Communicate the Plan – Let your wedding party and key guests know when and where group shots will happen. If you’re creating a timeline board or including a schedule in your order of service, add the time for group shots so everyone knows when they’ll be needed.

Create a Shot List – Before the wedding, make a list of the group photos you want. I’ll ask for this in advance so I can be prepared, ensuring we don’t miss any important shots.

Give Guests a Heads-Up – Let the people in your group shots know in advance so they can stay nearby and be ready when called. This saves time searching for missing guests!

Assign a ‘Photo Helper’ – Choose one person from each side of the wedding party who knows the guests and can help gather them. Give them a copy of the list before the wedding and a printed copy on the day. While I focus on posing and capturing natural, relaxed shots, they can ensure the next group is ready to go. (I always bring a copy too!)

With a little planning, we can make your group photos quick, fun, and stress-free—so you can get back to celebrating!

For more tips on group shots, check out my dedicated blog post HERE.

4. entertainment for your reception

Most of your guests will be happy mingling and catching up, so any entertainment should feel optional and effortless rather than a strict schedule. Adding unexpected entertainment can create special moments and keep the energy high throughout the day.

Surprise & Delight: Consider a magician, walkabout entertainers, or even dancers to add a fun, interactive element to your reception. These work especially well during the drinks reception when guests are mingling.

Live Music to Set the Mood: Whether it’s a jazz band, an acoustic musician, or a roaming folk group, live music adds an elegant touch while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and enjoyable.

Fun for the Kids (and the Young at Heart!): If children are attending, keep them entertained with garden games, a dedicated play area, or even a toy corner. Hiring a babysitter or children’s entertainer can also give parents a chance to relax and enjoy the celebration.

By tailoring your entertainment to suit your personalities and guests, you’ll create an experience everyone will remember!

5. Focus on Food and Drink

Everyone remembers the food and drink at a wedding, so don’t let your guests go hungry! Start by thinking about what you love to eat and plan your menu around that.

Drinks & Nibbles to Kick Things Off
Guests are likely to be peckish after the ceremony, especially if they’ve been traveling or skipped lunch. Make sure there are plenty of canapés or a grazing table with light snacks to keep everyone going. A drinks station is also a fantastic idea—think “Pimp Your Prosecco” or a bespoke gin bar. If you want to keep things truly Scottish, a whisky-tasting station is a brilliant way to add local flair.

Ditch the Formalities & Keep It Fun
You don’t have to go for a traditional three-course sit-down meal. If you’re planning a more relaxed day, consider family-style sharing platters, gourmet buffet stations, or even a themed food bar. These options allow guests to mix, mingle, and enjoy a more casual, social dining experience.

Late-Night Snacks to Keep the Party Going
If you want to dance into the early hours, make sure there’s something for guests to refuel on later in the night. Food truck-style options like pizza, gourmet burgers, tacos, or fresh doughnuts add a fun, memorable touch and are a great alternative to the usual bacon rolls.

The key is to keep it personal and delicious—whatever suits your vibe as a couple will make your day even more special!

6. Show off Your Personality

Your wedding day should be a reflection of you as a couple—your style, your personality, and what makes you feel most at ease. If you’re a laid-back duo, your guests won’t be expecting a formal, black-tie affair. Instead, focus on creating a day that feels authentic and effortless.

Choose the Right Venue
Pick a venue that aligns with your vision and allows you the freedom to plan the day your way. Many venues have flexibility in how things are run, so chat with them about ideas, or consider hiring a wedding planner to help bring your dream to life with minimal stress.

Personalize the Details
From décor to table settings, think about the little touches that represent you as a couple. Whether it’s handwritten notes, vintage heirlooms, a fun seating chart, or a color palette that reflects your style, the details make all the difference in making your day unique.

Pro Tip for Epic Detail Shots
If you want stunning photos of your reception setup, don’t let guests into the room before you’ve had a chance to see it. Ask your wedding coordinator to let you sneak in for a private moment before the doors open—this way, you can take it all in and your photographer can capture it looking absolutely perfect.

The best weddings are the ones that feel personal, effortless, and completely you!

hoebridge in scottish borders wedding venue

7. Make Sure Your Guests are Comfortable

When planning your wedding, making sure your guests feel comfortable from the moment they arrive can make a huge difference in their experience. Small, thoughtful touches will go a long way in helping everyone relax and enjoy the celebration.

Practical Comforts

Ensure there’s plenty of parking, accessible toilets, and baby-changing facilities so guests feel at ease.
If your wedding is in a remote location, consider transport options to make travel easier.

Seating & Space

Make sure there’s plenty of seating, especially during the drinks reception and later in the evening when people may want a break from dancing.
For outdoor weddings, blankets are a great touch, especially in cooler months.

Emergency Essentials

It can be helpful to have an emergency kit in the toilets at your venue including the following:

Plasters (band-aids)
Mints
Deodorant
Hair ties & bobby pins
Stain remover wipes
Tissues
Painkillers

Smart Seating Plans

Place guests next to people they’ll get along with—a well-thought-out seating plan can spark new friendships and set the tone for a lively reception.
Consider any family dynamics that may need special attention to avoid awkward situations.

By thinking ahead and adding these small, considerate details, you’ll create an effortless and enjoyable experience for everyone at your wedding!

colourful scottish borders wedding at netherbyres house

8. Making your Wedding Speeches Memorable

Keep your speeches short, sweet, and impactful—around five minutes per speaker is the perfect balance. This gives enough time to share heartfelt words and funny anecdotes without losing guests’ attention. Longer stories and personal memories can always be shared at a rehearsal dinner or the day after when there’s more time to reminisce.

Top Tips for a Perfect Speech:

Stick to Paper, Not Phones – Encourage speakers to write down or print their speech instead of reading from a phone. It feels more personal, avoids distractions, and makes for a timeless keepsake from your special day.
Practice & Pace – A well-rehearsed speech feels natural and confident. Remind speakers to speak slowly and clearly so every word is heard.
Include a Thank You – It’s always a nice touch to acknowledge parents, friends, and guests who have made the day extra special.
End on a High – Whether it’s a heartfelt toast or a funny punchline, finishing on a positive note will leave a lasting impression.

With the right preparation, your speeches will be a highlight of the day—filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments!

9. how to Make your PArty Epic

Make Your First Dance Unforgettable

Your first dance is one of the most memorable moments of your wedding reception—why not make it truly spectacular?

Plan a WOW Factor – Whether it’s a choreographed routine, a confetti cannon, or a dreamy smoke effect, adding a special touch will leave your guests in awe. If you’re not comfortable dancing in your wedding dress, consider changing into a shorter dress, jumpsuit, or even stylish sneakers for added comfort and confidence.

Music Matters – Your band or DJ should truly understand your vibe and the atmosphere you want to create. Share a playlist of must-play (and must-avoid!) songs well in advance to set the tone for your night. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box—choose music that reflects your personalities and will keep the dance floor packed.

Get Your Guests Involved – When sending out RSVPs, ask your guests to suggest a song that will get them dancing. It’s a great way to build a playlist that keeps everyone entertained and engaged!

Planning a Ceilidh? – If you’re including a ceilidh, consider a 30-minute set or mixing ceilidh dances into the playlist so everyone gets a chance to enjoy the fun. Of course, if you and your guests are ceilidh enthusiasts, go all out and dance the night away!

Your first dance sets the tone for the evening—make it fun, make it personal, and most importantly, make it you!

10. Plan a Wow Exit

Don’t let the party fizzle out—plan a fun and unforgettable finale to wrap up your wedding on a high note!

Choose an Epic Last Dance Song – Whether it’s a sentimental classic or a high-energy anthem, your final song should bring everyone together for one last memorable moment. Auld Lang Syne or Caledonia are timeless favourites for a Scottish wedding, creating a heartwarming and joyful send-off.

Go Out in Style – Surprise your guests with fireworks, a sparkler exit, or even a confetti shower as you make your grand farewell. It’s the perfect way to end the night with a touch of magic and some amazing final photos.

Send Guests Home with a Special Memento – A small keepsake like mini whisky bottles, homemade treats, or personalised notes will leave a lasting impression and remind your loved ones of your incredible day.

The end of your wedding should be just as special as the beginning—make it a moment your guests will never forget!