After the “I do’s” have been said, the bridal photos have been taken, and drinks during cocktail hour have been had, it’s time for the reception! Plan a dream wedding reception with these ideas ranging from fun and unique to elegant and sophisticated – there’s a wedding reception idea for every kind of bridal vision!

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Photo courtesy of Elegant Wedding Invites

Dinner Under the Stars

Treat your guests to a dreamy dinner under the stars at your wedding reception! Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, you can string lights and sheer fabric panels above your dining tables for an ethereal look.

Photo courtesy of Brides

In Loving Memory Wall

If you have family members that couldn’t make it, or are only there in spirit, honor them with an “In Loving Memory” wall full of pictures and keepsakes. Family and friends will love looking through all of the photos and items full of memories.

Photo courtesy of Inside Weddings

Garden Wedding

Outdoor garden weddings are all the rage and for good reason: they’re gorgeous! Make it feel super elegant with overhead string lights and chandeliers!

Photo courtesy of Junebug Weddings

Tapered Candles in Pillar Candle Holders

This fun twist on a candlelight dinner is perfect for your wedding reception tables! It’s whimsical yet elegant.

Photo courtesy of Culture Wedding

Beautiful Beverage Dispensers

Let guests help themselves to water, lemonade and any other beverage you choose with elegant-looking beverage dispensers! They look stunning and are super functional.

Photo courtesy of Ben Ramos Photography

Bring the Outside In

Pair bare tables with greenery and simple decor for the perfect natural look. A dim, ambient room with chandeliers and overhead string lights will feel super romantic and like you’re dining under the stars!

Photo courtesy of Junebug Weddings

White Tent + Greenery

We love a tented outdoor wedding! Make it feel extra elegant with greenery hung from the tent ceiling – it’ll feel like you’re in a beautiful garden!

Photo courtesy of Marry Me Tampa Bay

Glass + Gold

Simple and sophisticated, this center piece idea is the perfect reception decor idea! It’s a super easy DIY project and looks so gorgeous without taking away from the rest of the space.

Photo courtesy of WedSites Blog

Greenery, Greenery, & More Greenery

You can’t have too much greenery garlands if you’re going for that ethereal garden aesthetic. We love this combo of simple floral arrangements on the table, a bold greenery and floral arrangement at the end of the table, and beautiful garlands hanging from the ceiling – it really creates a gorgeous, intimate-feeling space!

Photo courtesy of Huffpost

Hanging Lanterns

Looking for something a little more unique than hanging bistro lights at your outdoor wedding reception? Try beautiful hanging lanterns like this idea! It feels oh-so romantic.

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

All White Elegance

This all-white tent with large hanging flower arrangements and chandeliers is beyond elegant! Pair it with a black & white checkered floor for a timeless, glamorous look your guests will love.

Photo courtesy of Wedding Forward

Boho Garden Party

Elevate your garden wedding with beautiful boho decor! This lace table runner and simple silver vase floral arrangements is so chic and vintage, and easy to recreate!

Photo courtesy of Wedding Wire

Sea of Votive Candles

This idea is simple but so stunning, line the entirety of your reception tables with greenery and votive candles! It’s so beautiful, romantic, and won’t block anyone so conversation can flow freely at dinner.

Photo courtesy of Wed Me Good

Hanging “Bubble” Lights

This whimsical idea for lighting is so beautiful and unique! Hang bubble-like bistro lights above your long reception tables to create a centerpiece that looks like magic.

Photo courtesy of Idalia Photography

Sheer Elegance

It doesn’t get more sophisticated than a grand ivory ballroom for your dream wedding reception! Let a gorgeous chandelier (like the one above!) be your focal point, and pair tall, lush centerpieces with simple decor for an understated but unbelievably elegant look.

Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty | Kylie Martin Photography

Rustic Chic & Romantic

From the lush greenery hanging overhead, to the simple fabric table runners, floral arrangements and votive candles, this entire design is so warm, and romantic – it’s the perfect combination for a rustic wedding reception space.