An evening wedding is a breath taking event. Formal attire, beautiful surroundings, seemingly expensive meals are what we expect to see. If you are planning an evening wedding with reception to follow, read these tips and tricks to make your wedding a spectacular event to remember.

Wedding Reception Tips

Early evening receptions are usually less formal than later ones. Your budget checklist may determine this, but not necessarily. If you are planning an early evening wedding with reception to follow you can have lots of fun with less formal themes.

For a spring wedding you can do springtime in Paris theme. Inexpensive florals and decorations can be found online or in specialty catalogs. Tell your guests that dress for the reception is semi-formal, with a Parisian theme.

Have beautiful springtime bouquets at each table, simple but elegant are tulips and other spring flowers. If money is tight, use artificial flowers. These are not usually too expensive.

This type of wedding is fabulous with flowers lining the entrance to the reception room and also lining the aisle at the ceremony.

For an evening wedding with reception to follow you may want to go all out. Some suggestions are a black tie affair, with a red twist. Instead of a black and white dress code, have it black and red.

It’s stunning in photographs. You can have the décor as super modern, very ultra chique. Candle lit tables with clear square crystal votives, Perhaps decorate with a cityscape as a backdrop.

When planning your reception menu and drinks, keep in mind that your guests will be wearing expensive clothing. Finger foods served at cocktail hour should not be messy.

Keep them simple, perhaps filled phyllo dough or other types of dry finger foods. If you serve salty snacks at cocktail hour, your guests will tend to drink more.

How do you want the wedding party to arrive at the reception hall? The bride and groom could arrive in a Handsome Cab (horse drawn carriage) if the location is not too far from the wedding or if the wedding will be held at the reception hall.

Also, the wedding should be in the early evening as most carriages do not have lights. The effect is outstanding. Make sure that the wedding director or planner has the timetable for the event.

Other Tips and Suggestions

It is possible to keep costs under control and still have beautiful event when planning an evening wedding with reception to follow. Serve wine and or wine spritzers as the only alcohol.

By cutting some of the wine with club soda for the spritzers you will save a great deal on the bar tab. Also, have the wait staff serve by the glass, on trays, walking around the cocktail area. It’s touch of class and your wedding guests tend to drink less.

The same wedding management theory applies to the champagne toast. You can have the staff serve glasses of champagne to the guests instead of pouring. The effect is wonderful and you do not have to serve expensive champagne – no one will ever know.

When planning an evening wedding with reception to follow, remember to have fun. It’s your special day so enjoy it.

Related Article: Evening Wedding With Dinner To Follow