Weddings with Flair Part 2: The Reception

You've worked hard planning your wedding making sure every detail is perfect from the rings to the flowers to the vows. And now it's time to celebrate! Celebrating wedding nuptials is another time-honored tradition that can range from sharing a meal to a full-blown party. And over the years many wedding receptions include customary events - the cutting of the cake, the bouquet and garter toss, the clinking of glasses for the bride and groom to kiss. But you long for something a bit more out-of-the-ordinary. There's no shame in it - after all, this is your day. Who's to say you can't make it unique?

Think numbered tables are boring? Name your tables after places that have special meaning to you and your new spouse!

Don't like to see the wedding party at one long table? Consider a sweetheart table especially for the bride and groom.

Missing an important family member? Set up a memory table with photos and mementos that remind you of them.

Don't like the thought of the time-consuming receiving line? Have your guests form a circle around you and your new spouse. As the DJ plays an appropriate song (like "That's What Friends are For" or "We Are Family") you can greet all your guests.

Brides, do you have a special bond with your Mom? Why not add a mother-daughter dance?

Have a lot of married people at your reception? Have an anniversary dance where all the married couples take to the floor. And as the song plays, the DJ asks all the couples married more than one year, five years, ten years, etc. to stay on the dance floor. And the couple married the longest receives a special gift - a bouquet of flowers - a picture frame - a candle.

Tried of the same old drinks from the bar? Rename them - like the "blushing bride martini" or the "ball and chain vodka tonic" or the "groom's ale". But make sure the bartender knows what your guests are talking about by providing a "menu".

Hate the bouquet toss? Try the Dance of the Crowns! Give the bride a wreath of flowers. Blindfold her and ask the single women to dance around her in a circle. Whoever she crowns will be the next to marry.