Do You Want an Overnight Wedding Reception?

Some brides are opting to hold overnight receptions. With these extremely long receptions, you will need to have some activities planned for the long late-night hours. 

If you are planning an overnight wedding, the wedding is planned early in the evening and a reception will follow. Many of the guests will have left by midnight, and a small group will usually remain which usually consists of young people, but not always. The party will continue with dancing, and excitement into the early morning hours. At some point breakfast will be served. This can be as a buffet or a sit down meal. After breakfast everyone will head home to recuperate from his or her night of partying.

Activities are needed for your overnight reception because you will need to keep your guests entertained. If they are not entertained, they will be bored and drive home early.

It is important to be organized where your activities are concerned. Talk with your DJ about these activities, and you may even ask him for some suggestions. By consulting with your DJ, he will be able to keep everything on schedule. Be sure to cut the cake early in the reception. Do not wait to late night to do this. By cutting the cake early, those who cannot stay for long periods of time will be free to leave. If you are desirous of most of your guests staying at the reception longer, you may choose to delay an activity or two, such as the father-daughter dance until after midnight. A few important toasts may also be saved for later in the evening.

As your guests begin to thin out, you can bring out a piñata. This can be shaped like a wedding symbol such as a ring, or champagne flute. Fill your piñata with various items. Candy is always a good choice, but you can also fill it with party favors found at party stores. You should designate plenty of room for this activity and give everyone a chance to swing at the piñata.

For those who stay for the entire reception, plan a photo or video presentation. This will give your guests a much-needed rest. Your video or picture presentation should be 30-45 minutes long. This should be incorporated into your evening around 2-3 am.