Themes affect your reception decor and favor choices.
Themes help structure a wedding reception. They will give you a more complete picture of what you need to plan a successful event. Choosing a theme can be difficult. Decide if you want an elegant evening event or a party that last the whole night through. Settle on a theme that matches this desire and then bring in decorative elements to make it a reality.
Asian Themes
Add elegance and a touch of luxury to your reception with Asian flair. The lucky colors red and black are favored with white---the color of death in Chinese mythos---being avoided. Hang red paper lanterns around the reception area and use plenty of satin and silk-like fabrics on your tables and buffets. Purchase personalized fortune cookies for favors with the happy couples name and wedding date printed on the fortune slips. Use decorative take-out boxes to hold favors. Use copies of dynasty-style vases to hold your blooms or place lucky bamboo on each table as a centerpiece.
Japanese weddings foster a near Zen style simplicity. White and natural colors are preferred. Use miniature Zen sand and rock gardens as centerpieces. Set the table with chopsticks and simple square dishes. A bamboo or reed table runner will complete the mood. Use white paper lanterns and shoji-style lanterns to complete the décor.
Serve Asian-inspired foods for both Chinese and Japanese theme weddings. Place lacquer chopsticks on the tables but make western style silverware available. Serve sushi, Asian noodle dishes and other ethnic fare.
Beach Themes
Even if you live far inland a beach themed reception is an option. Beach themes are best for outdoor receptions--especially if there is a pool at the location.
Evening receptions lend themselves to a romantic beach getaway. Bring the sights of the beach to your tables and centerpieces. Use sand as a filler in clear bowls for centerpiece flowers. Spread shells and beach stones on table tops. Write each guest's name on a sand dollar with a metallic pen for a placecard. Use tropical flowers to complete the mood.
Add a Hawaiian touch with grass skirts hung around the buffet and cake table. Serve drinks in coconut shells or use tropical fruits and picks. A pig roast is a dramatic and memorable meal choice. Other options are seafood or a picnic theme with grilled chicken kabobs and fruit platters.
Mexican Theme
A Mexican fiesta inspired reception is a party to be remembered. Decorate in bright colors---red, orange, yellow and green carry the theme. Hang colorful Mexican cut paper streamers (see Resources) throughout the reception hall or outdoor area. Instead of traditional favors at each table hang one or more piñatas and have guests take turns breaking them open for the treats inside.
Mexican food is a favorite of many people. Serve enchiladas or other Mexican dishes at the table or set up a make-your-own taco and burrito bar for a more casual reception. Place terracotta chip pots as centerpieces with a variety of salsa and guacamole to dip in. Mexican fried ice cream is a tasty treat to serve with the cake.
Bring in a dance floor and a mariachi band to keep the party kicking. Hire a few professional dancers to get the dancing started and show guests the moves. A bar stocked with Mexican beers and tequila will help the party along too.
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