As you plan your destination wedding, you may have to cut out certain items due to budget, and others due to travel challenges. While there are some parts of the reception that aren’t necessary, there are others you don’t want to skimp on. Here are four upgrades that are well worth the extra cost.
The Midnight Snacks
Your food can make or break your wedding, and the wrong timing can leave your guests starving or eating cold food. More couples have started adding late-night snacks to their catering plans to keep their guests dancing through the night.
Tie your midnight snack back to your theme. For a Hollywood glam wedding, serve gourmet popcorn. For a tropical themed wedding, serve mini-smoothies. A midnight snack can be the ultimate present for all your wedding guests. Believe us, they’ll thank you for it.
The Guest Entertainment
Never assume that your guests will entertain themselves and be content with the dance floor. Weddings can drag on if there’s nothing to do other than the cha-cha slide.
Some brides structure games throughout the night and set up craft tables for guests to add to a wedding scrapbook. For the groom, cigar rolling tables are popular for Caribbean weddings. These activities will keep the night moving and your guests entertained.
The DJ or Band
In the same way that your guest entertainment needs to move the night along, your musical entertainment should help keep the guests engaged too. Make sure the DJ has a list of songs to play, and a separate list of songs to avoid. You also want to hire a professional who knows how to cater the music to the audience.
For the band, make sure your guests will enjoy their style as much as you do. Unlike a DJ, it’s harder for a band to switch genres if the room isn’t responding. You want your friends and family to enjoy the reception as much as you do.
The Lighting
If you’re able to control the lighting or have your wedding planner find a vendor, then it’s worth the investment. Not only will a lighting expert hide any unsightly corners in the reception hall, they’ll also make sure the room is perfect for the photographer. Proper lighting can help capture your memories forever.
It’s easy to get caught up in the details of wedding planning, especially when you start talking about flowers and centerpieces, but if you focus on what’s really important, then your night will shine.