Celebrate your nuptials in style with these wedding reception trends in mind. As in-person weddings return, building lasting memories are top priority!

Weddings are back and couples are stepping up their game to make a statement not only with the ceremony but with the reception celebration too.

Some are willing to spend even more for a grand wedding, while others are embracing one-for-the-books, non-traditional wedding reception trends. From over-the-top florals and unique cakes to non-traditional wedding themes, couples are going all out.

The wedding reception is the perfect place for couples to showcase their personalities. While the wedding ceremony tends to be more reserved, the reception can be quite the celebration.

The wedding reception theme can stay in line with that of the ceremony, whether traditional or modern, or it could have a completely unique or alternative twist.

Keep these wedding reception trends in mind whether your big day is quickly approaching or you're looking out for the next year.

Traditional Wedding Reception Trends

Some couples opt for a traditional wedding reception that will typically include the newlyweds' grand entrance, the couple’s first dance, and the father/daughter or mother/son dances. Add there’s often a cocktail hour held after the ceremony with the meal following after.

While the grand entrance and parents’ dances are still very popular, many couples are adding their own unique twist on tradition.

Minimalist Balloons

Balloon arches can create the magical atmosphere that most couples want to achieve for their wedding reception.

However, eco-friendly flower walls and arches are now replacing balloons. Your wedding florist can create something unique that matches your color palette.

Afarose Insider Tip: Sustainability is a growing trend for weddings. From the theme, the venue, the decor, and even what the couple wears—going green is more of a lifestyle than a fleeting trend.

Wedding Favors

As a result of the pandemic, couples learned to prioritize what matters to them most. Souvenirs and small trinkets for guests are slowly phasing out.

However, guests don’t have to leave empty-handed.

Instead offer dessert boxes or food favors. Don’t waste money on favors likely to get left behind or thrown in the trash—choose wedding favors that guests will actually use or simply skip favors altogether.

Wedding Band vs DJ

A reception isn’t much of a celebration without music and entertainment.

If you want something flexible and lively, a DJ is perfect. A DJ sets the tone for the reception, gets people out of their seats, and keeps the reception on track by announcing any special activities.

If you are looking to add a sophisticated touch to your reception, consider a live band. The singers and band members can engage personally with your guests to get them up and dancing.

While a DJ and live band have their separate perks, either can provide the upbeat atmosphere your wedding reception needs.

Buffet Style vs Plated Entrees

One important detail couples must consider for the wedding reception is the food. Should you have a plated meal or is a buffet the better option?

As you plan for your wedding, you’ll get to sample many types of food including appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. But regardless of how beautiful the ceremony is, the meal can leave a lasting impression on many guests.

Wedding guests love buffets because they have full control over their meals and portions. A dessert buffet can be a fun extra touch. Buffets are not always the most cost-efficient option and can end up costing more as caterers will need to prepare extra food.

A plated food reception gives your guests the option to choose their entrée from pre-selected options. Typically, these options are included on the wedding RSVP which is perfect because you can better estimate your guest count and order only exactly what’s needed.

Alternative Wedding Reception Trends

Your wedding day is a day in which you and your partner can showcase your personalities in a unique way. Extra large celebrations, quirky motifs, and destination getaways are just a few wedding reception trends rising in popularity.

For couples looking to step outside the box, these alternative reception trends are sure to bring that extra bit of flair to your celebration needs.

Micro Weddings vs Big Bashes

Over the past two years, micro weddings with a small number of guests or reception-only celebrations have been all the rage. Although, primarily due to travel restrictions rather than the wedding budget.

However, with pandemic restrictions lifting, people feel a sense of normalcy again. This means wedding receptions are even bigger and grander. Even couples who choose to elope or opt for an intimate wedding ceremony, are going all out with an extravagant reception for their friends and families to enjoy. Think festive celebrations with bold colors and details that are much more personalized to the couple.

Bridgerton-Inspired Wedding Takes the Spotlight

The world’s obsession with Daphne and her siblings’ love stories in the period piece Bridgerton, shows no signs of fading.

The opulent regency era of 1811–1820 has been an inspirational theme for some modern wedding receptions. This iconic period ushered in exquisite contemporary art, architecture, culture, and fashion. Women’s dresses in particular saw lighter fabrics and more detailed trims.

With the love for Bridgerton taking over mainstream media, the Regencycore wedding motif was born. Brides have fallen in love with the dramatic silhouettes, like empire waists and puff sleeves along with the dramatic hairstyles. Other opulent details include feathery headdresses, lace gloves, ballerina shoes, and chokers.

Pastel and neutral colors are typically used in the venue decor. To emphasize the Regencycore theme, receptions are held in flowering gardens, historical museums, lavish ballrooms, or lush courtyards.

All-in-One and Destination Weddings

The last two years have been difficult for wedding planners and couples alike. Couples were opting for elopements, micro weddings, and downsized receptions. Some were forced to cancel their ceremonies altogether. However, with travel restrictions lifting, destination weddings are back and trending as people can finally take those long-awaited trips.

From beach weddings to romantic outdoor garden weddings, landscapes providing natural backdrops and themed wedding gowns and dresses make destination weddings more fun.

Hosting a second reception once you’ve returned home lets you accommodate the guests who were not able to attend and keeps the celebration going.

Full Wedding Weekends

Your wedding day is undoubtedly one of the happiest days of your life, but what if you could extend that happiness to an entire weekend? Imagine, a weekend spent with your loved ones, solely dedicated to wedding-related activities.

Weddings are the perfect time to gather family and friends, especially the ones you may not frequently see.

A full wedding weekend can serve as a mini-reunion. This can include activities like a welcome party, a rehearsal dinner, and a farewell brunch so everyone can spend lots of time together.

To keep wedding planning easy, couples should pick a venue that can host various daytime activities.

Modern Wedding Reception Trends

Other couples might prefer a more modern wedding reception. Surprise your guests with a choreographed flash mob or take their breath away with a dazzling champagne tower.

Shake things up with these modern wedding reception trends and give your guests the experience of a lifetime.

Choreographed Dances

Flash mob performances, upbeat routines for the parents’ dances, and meaningful performances with friends and families.

In place of serving wedding cake, the newlyweds can give their guests take-home boxes of small desserts.

Champagne Tower

Champagne towers are a beautiful substitution in place of a traditional wedding cake.

Newlyweds pour champagne on top of a pyramid of flutes and once it's finished trickling down the pyramid, the glasses are distributed to the guests and a wedding toast is made to the happy couple.

Wardrobe Change

A mini-dress or dress change is another trend to consider.

Following the ceremony, the bride and groom will change out of the ceremony attire and into something more comfortable—like a shorter dress and a change of shoes—for the reception.

Allowing brides to dance and mingle freely with their guests.

Afarose Insider Tip: If you are looking for a second look at the reception without a wardrobe change, choosing a wedding dress with detachable sleeves or convertible train is a nice alternative.

Disposable Cameras

Your wedding will be full of special moments and your photographer might not capture them all.

Disposable cameras are a fun way for guests to capture candid moments. These personal images will make great keepsakes for your everyone and will provide memories that will last forever.

Personalized Letters

Typically, the bride and groom will visit each table to greet their guests.

However, couples can welcome their guests to the reception with personalized letters at the reception tables. These individual, personalized letters can give guests a more personable welcome and are a thoughtful way for the newlyweds to thank guests for coming to celebrate their special day.

Stay in the Know for #allthingswedding With Afarose

Your wedding is a magical moment that everyone is sure to remember. And while you want the ceremony to be special, the reception is what people will be talking about. In 2022, we’re seeing wedding reception trends from traditional to modern and alternative, but there’s one common thread: each grand celebration is full of personal touches.

Afarose is your one-stop wedding marketplace. Find the trendiest styles plus tips for creating budgets, finding vendors, and more. Even dress shopping is a breeze!

Contact Afarose today to choose your dream wedding gown, bridesmaid dresses, suits, and more to complement your wedding theme.

Check out the 2023 New Arrival dress styles from Afarose! The Love at First Sight collection includes flowy romantic, floral designs with unique modern cuts. Select your favorite ones and try them on at home!