Choose Vibrant Colors
"It is high time to change the monotony of your wedding color into fresh and vibrant colors like ‘60s-era pastels, peaches and powder blues, as well as nature-inspired hues and other brighter colors, which are predicted to be all the rage in 2021," says Mia Green of FindthisBest.com.
Come Up with a Creative Hashtag
As Sean Perreault of WeddingHashtags.com explains, a unique hashtag is more than a way for your guests to tag photos online. It can be a creative play on words that makes your guest laugh out loud, and adds a fun atmosphere to your wedding reception.
Provide Transportation
Have a bus ferry you and your wedding party from the ceremony venue to your reception, says Anji Martin of Potok's World Photography. "You can have a champagne toast or two, share your joy with those closest to you and then bring all that energy right into the celebratory part of your wedding day," she explains.
Plan a Group Activity
If you're having a destination wedding, planning a unique group activity ensures everyone will have a blast and leave with memories they'll always remember, says Jen Avey of Destination Weddings Travel Group. Think a welcome party on the beach or a private catamaran cruise for a sunsetdinner/cocktail party. For an adventurous crowd, ATVing, ziplining or horseback riding through theocean are great options.
Serve Bite-Sized Treats
Couples are still keeping safety and precaution in mind for their guests, so consider eliminating large arrangements of hors d'oeuvres or desserts. "Individual bite-size treats are the way to go for 2021," explains Bri Marbais of The Bridal Finery. "This will allow for the presentation level to be elevated which guests will enjoy and appreciate."
Transform Your Space with LED
"Add up-lighting to the perimeter of the entire room to instantly set the mood," says Kristin Wilson of Our DJ Rocks. "Use one color to add ambiance or walk into your reception to one color and switch colors for your first dance. Then kick it up a notch and have multi-colors for dancing."
Hold a Dance Class
JoAnn Gregoli of Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli suggests hiring dance teachers to teach guests a new dance during the reception. "People love to dance and feel part of the wedding with a dance instructor they can certainly learn moves that they can use in the future," she explains.
Play Outdoor Games
If your venue permits it, set up some games or outdoor activities that your guests can play during the cocktail hour, suggests Martin. Cornhole, jenga, bocce or anything else that folks can do while chatting and enjoying adult beverages are a great way to ensure that people mix, mingle and have a good time while waiting for the reception to start.
Send Guests Home with a Treat
In lieu of typical favors, which usually get tossed, hire a food truck that will hand out treats to guests after the reception is over.
Book Hybrid Entertainment
You want to showcase entertainers that raise the bar and provide your guests with an above average experience, says DJ D. Jones of Spark Entertainment Group. "Hybrid Bands that combine live musicians like drummers, violinists, saxophonist, guitarist with DJs are always fun and a big hit."
Set Up a Social Photo Booth
According to Thomas Beaman of PA Unveiled, one company set up three big TV screens around the reception room, allowing guests to take photos and selfies all night on their own phones and enter a specific hashtag. Every photo that was tagged was streamed and played in a looping slideshow all night so you could see the entire party on the TVs. "Guests were taking photos and sharing them all evening. It was one of the most interactive things that we have seen at a wedding," he notes.