In a perfect world, you’d be able to include all of your friends and family in your wedding party, but you’ve probably had to limit your party members to closest friends and family. Fortunately, you can involve your other loved ones by having them participate in the wedding reception. The event will be more meaningful for everyone if you follow these inclusive reception tips.

How Friends Can Contribute To Your Wedding Reception

1. Ask Them to Give a Toast or Reading

Include non-wedding party members in your toasts. Ask a loved one to give a short toast at the reception. If they’re nervous about writing a toast, you could instead ask them to do a reading during your ceremony. If they’re religious, they can read a religion-based verse. Or, they can read an excerpt from “The Velveteen Rabbit” children’s book about long-lasting love. 

2. Task Guests with Reception Jobs  

Have them greet guests and encourage them to sign your guest book. Some presents don’t come with cards. You can have someone act as a secretary to record gifts and who left them. Also, you can have an usher direct people towards the bar during cocktail hour and hand out favors that might get left behind.

3. Give People a Seat of Honor

Mix up your head table by including non-party members. You can spread the bridesmaids and groomsmen around the room to be hosts at the other tables, and give your other loved ones seats of honor at your table. You’ll be able to spend some time with people you may not have since it’s a busy occasion.

Lake St. Louis Banquet Center is the wedding reception venue of choice in Lake Saint Louis, MO. This full-service banquet center offers a DJ and sound equipment as well as a big-screen TV. The experienced staff has hosted weddings for over 35 years and will handle the details so you can pull off your wedding stress-reduced. See their reception halls online and call (636) 561-6550 to schedule a tour.