One of my favorite trends right now comes straight from our brides – making large receptions feel intimate. While she may not have a Versailles-sized home, a bride will want her guests to be welcomed and entertained in a inviting ambiance, just as if the reception took place in her own Hall of Mirrors.

When planning, consider these items and the way in which they can contribute to your intimate gathering.

Book a venue that has vaulted ceilings… or (virtually) no ceiling at all!

Intimate spaces have the ability to host well beyond the number of guests in the room, but utilize the un-used space in a way that contributes to the comfort of your guests.

Outdoor spaces offer the most in versatility, giving brides limitless possibilities in creating a mood that suits their reception.  Think about cocktails at sunset, on a grassy outlook with views of the beach and orange-red sun…or boxwood hedges surrounding an English garden in late afternoon… with this kind of space and the best rentals you can transform any outdoor location into a custom oasis.

{photo from Daisy Pink Cupcakes}

Even indoor spaces have tremendous potential. Hotels with vaulted ceilings are prime candidates for the next ambiance creator – lighting.

Lighting: A Must Have

Lighting will have a post all it’s own that will help translate the terms of the trade, but for now think of lighting as worth the weight of 10 times the amount you will pay in flowers, but for half the cost. So far, every venue I’ve worked is transformed, enhanced by uplighting.

__________ {before the party}                                                             {ready to dance}

Voila! Check out the difference that lighting makes on at the Torpedo Factory. This industrial, all-concrete space has a sophisticated, warm feeling thanks to custom lighting.

Intimacy at your reception is also affected by your tablescape (the combination of everything at your table: table setting, centerpiece, favors, etc.). Candles are a good way to foster a fine-dining experience and, again, lighting can enhance the entire look of each dining table. Lighting each table by pin spot lights highlights the entire tablescape while allowing the rest of the lights in the room to be turned down, encouraging your guests to collect around the tables to talk while giving them plenty of light to eat by.

{photo by Brian Tropiano}

Conversation Areas within the Reception Space

Once the meal is finished, guests will want to get up and moving, so provide them with a variety areas for socializing.

Always work with your venue and rental company to ensure that you have a dance floor large enough to host your guests. Placement of the dance floor is also crucial – where exactly to place the dance floor depends on the layout of the space, but a central location is ideal with plenty of space between the edge of the floor and the dining tables.

{photo from Cort Rentals}

Lounge areas were a trend just a few years ago, but are good options for couples to consider. This area is great for everyone – a chill place to catch up with old friends, comfortable seat between dances, and even a great gathering spot for the bride and groom’s parents when it is time for them to relax and reconnect with family and friends.

And don’t forget – no need to squish the bars into a cramped corner of the reception. Most guests will spend time waiting for their drink, making the bars a busy social scene. Consolidating to one bar with several bartenders is a preferable option to multiple, smaller bars with little space for guests to mingle.

{photo from Wedding Wine Country}

When planning your reception, take a guests perspective on the evening and consider how to make the most of their experience.

Cheers,
___Jessica

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