By Amy Richards
Today, the biggest trend in wedding receptions is to individualize them to reflect the couple’s vision – whether that be black-tie formal, barnyard chic, outdoor summer garden party or somewhere in between. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter receptions where the food, flowers, decor and playlists were all similar from wedding to wedding, local industry experts say.
“Every bride and groom are different. And the goal of today’s wedding receptions is to reflect that individuality,” says Carla Randau, director of private dining for Savour Hospitality Group’s St. Clair Ballroom in downtown Cleveland. “Some brides choose to have their event at a ballroom like ours, with gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Erie and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, while others may think that an outdoor location such as Patterson Fruit Farm is the perfect venue for their special day.”
Tammy Bloebaum, director of catering at Cleveland Marriott East in Warrensville Heights, emphasizes that this focus on individuality is reflected not only in the venue choice, but also in the originality and distinctiveness of reception decor.
“Personalized touches are a very special way for a couple to share a unique experience with their guests,” she says. “From a custom dance floor monogram to a fun wedding hashtag, each offers a different way to share the couple’s style. Instead of numbering tables in the traditional way, naming them with the places the couple has visited and creating custom signs is a fun way to personalize something that is normally more generic. Websites like Etsy have really opened the door for personalization of traditional wedding decor.”
Pete Troy, owner and founder of Troy Entertainment, an entertainment and event production company based in Strongsville, says lately, parties have trended less toward classic traditions and more toward dancing and having fun.
“On the whole, receptions include less formalities than they did 10 years ago,” he says. “Bridal party dances, mother-son and father-daughter dances, removing and throwing the garter, and even throwing the bouquet to unmarried female guests are no longer part of most receptions. Receptions have become more dance-party focused. After dinner, it is all about the entertainment. That’s what keeps the guests there. And if the bride and groom are out on the dance floor having a good time, the guests will follow.”
Reception food has also evolved.
“Twenty or 30 years ago, reception food was all about the volume – the more the better,” Randau explains. “That led to big buffets overladen with choices. Now, brides are trending toward an ultimate culinary experience. Everyone is a foodie nowadays, and receptions reflect that.” She adds that their culinary team can offer steaks and sushi from the Marble Room or homemade pasta from Il Venetian, two of Savour Hospitality’s upscale restaurants, just to name a few of the many possibilities.
But no matter the style or vibe the couple is trying to create, or what menu they will serve to their guests, “first impressions are everything. It’s the warm feeling people get from great service, wonderful food and ambiance that guests remember. They make the night magical,” Randau says.
Bloebaum adds, “A well-planned timeline can also truly make a difference in the flow and feel of the reception. Working with your planner and DJ and/or band to plan out the night ensures that no dead zones ruin the momentum of the party.”
Making sure guests are physically comfortable and there is enough room for them to move about and enjoy the night is also crucial, says Bloebaum.
“The Cleveland Marriott East offers flexible seating styles so family and friends can enjoy the event together,” she explains. “In addition, our cocktail reception area has ample seating as well so that guests won’t have to find themselves juggling plates and drinks while finding nowhere to rest their feet.”
Although receptions strive to reflect a couple’s vision, it is also vital to balance their wishes with the needs of their guests.
“It is important that when you invite people to celebrate with you, you make sure that they are engaged and having fun,” Troy says. “We do that by creating energy and excitement in the room while including everybody. It is imperative that your entertainment focuses on that balance. The right mix of lighting, music and reacting to the mood of the night as it unfolds creates the magic that guests remember.”