After the formality of the wedding ceremony, the rest of the day is there for guests to mingle, have fun and celebrate the joyous occasion with the newlyweds. This may be the first opportunity that people have to meet the groom’s family and friends, and vice versa, so creating a relaxed atmosphere that encourages socializing and mingling is a good idea.

Wedding receptions are also seen as a thank you from the newlyweds to their guests for sharing their special day. Making it a memorable event for them to talk about for years to come will be greatly appreciated, especially for those that have travelled long distances.

The focus for this year is the cocktail hour. Traditionally this has been an event purely to keep the guests entertained whilst the newlyweds and their family are having their photographs taken. More recently, couples are using the cocktail hour to get the party started, making it a main contender in the evening’s festivities.

Depending on the theme for the evening, whether humor, adventure, classic or disco, the idea is for guests to be entertained during the cocktail hour with music to get everybody into the party mood. This could range from a sophisticated jazz trio to a more club-like atmosphere, with live music becoming more popular than recorded music. Adventurous couples are introducing entertainers to set the scene, with flamenco dancers and impersonators as examples.

Drinks and appetizers are being offered, with the trend of the season being to serve signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres elegantly presented. The cocktail hour is the perfect opportunity for the couple to show their true personalities, making the occasion unique to their idea of celebration.

Carmen Electra and Dave Navarro followed their eclectic wedding, with a lively reception featuring pinball machines and waiters serving sushi.

Included in the festivities at Courteney Cox and David Arquette’s wedding were impersonators of 1950’s comedy duo Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, to reflect the couple’s love of laughter.

Following the cocktail hour, it is customary for the bridal party to greet their guests in a receiving line as they enter the dining area. However, some couples are now opting to forego the receiving line, and to see guests individually, thanking them personally and handing out the wedding favors as they go round, rather than leaving them at place settings.

Generally, a meal will then follow, whether a sit down affair or buffet, before the evening’s entertainment happens. When considering seating arrangements, square tables are making a comeback this year, as it is felt they provide a better opportunity to encourage conversation.

Whether you have chosen a color scheme for your wedding day, or a specific theme, decorating the reception room and tables can provide an opportunity to get creative and let your ideas shine through. The plainest settings can be transformed with the use of flowers, decorations and centerpieces. If your reception is in a barn, the use of orchard fruits and blossom as decoration will tie in with the surroundings. For a beach wedding, use the colors of the ocean. An outdoor reception adds that touch of romance through simple but stunning flower arrangements and candles.

At the wedding of Pierce Brosnan and Keely Shaye, a life size ice sculpture of Rodin’s “The Kiss” was a surprise gesture for the Groom from his Bride. A dazzling fireworks display was his reciprocal surprise for the Bride.

Fireworks are a popular choice of celebration that also featured at celebrity wedding receptions such as Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes, and Victoria & David Beckham. Jennifer Lopez and salsa singer Marc Anthony released pink, blue and white balloons to mark their celebration.

With the growing awareness of eco-issues, many brides are showing their support with an ethnic theme. Along with using pesticide free flowers and organic foods at the reception, the entertainment could be in the form of mariachi bands with a buffet style to match the music. This is an unusual but unique idea for those that feel passionately about caring for the environment.

There is so much choice for wedding receptions, but make sure it is an event that reflects your style, for a truly memorable event.