5 Clever Ways to Make Your Wedding Reception Unforgettable
Everything you need to pull off a one-of-a-kind wedding reception / Photography by Emily Assiran / Styling by Emilie Fosnocht / Hair & makeup by Bryona Smith / Modeled by Onah Iya for Elite Model Management / Shot on location at Bud’s Studio (East Falls)
The business of the day is over: You’ve said “I do!” But the night is still young, and there’s much celebrating to be done. Here, clever ways to create an unforgettable wedding reception for you — and your guests.
1. Start with a big reveal.
Give guests something beautiful to experience and make them excited for what’s next, says Vine & Oak Event Styling and Floral Design co-founder Jackie Constantine, who built this welcome moment with sister Erica White. (It’s also a good time to unveil your second look.)
Display: Multi-wall floral sign with custom monogram and champagne coupes. Attire: The Law Bridal Fleur cape, Cory bandeau and Mari pant, all at Kinfolk Bride (East Passyunk). Rings: Auspicious white diamond stacking band and Foundation Trillion stacking band, both by Lindley Gray (Kensington).
2. Personalize your menu.
Work with your caterer to dream up cuisine specific to your relationship. Constellation Culinary Group crafted a cocktail-style selection — from apps to dessert! — for couples who love a classy dinner out on the town.
Clockwise from top: Raspberry vacherin with vanilla macarons, raspberry caramel and raspberry mouse; chèvre cheesecake with sweet cherry-tomato jam, crystallized honey and graham-cracker shortbread; peach sangria with mint; lomo saltado with Wagyu strip steak, pickled onions, pepper puree, fried peewee potatoes and key lime; potato gnocchi with leeks, corn, truffle cream, shaved truffles, Locatelli cheese and brussels sprouts leaves; Bowfin caviar with whipped butter, brioche toast and chives.
Rings: Black diamond stacking trio by Lindley Gray. Menus: Audrey double-layer escort menus, printed on FSC-certified house card stock, by Ettie Kim Studio (Fishtown).
3. Make your cake the centerpiece.
Yes, flowers are always gorgeous — but your guests will welcome a sweet surprise by way of a table-length cake, like this retro confection by New June. It’s almost too pretty to eat.
Chairs by Vine & Oak Event Styling and Floral Design
Cake: Centerpiece cake with vanilla bean Swiss meringue buttercream, vanilla confetti cake, cream cheese frosting, strawberry rhubarb jam and maraschino cherries. Dress: Jenny Yoo Daisy bridesmaid dress at Bella Bridesmaids (Old City).
4. Give your photo booth a new (old!) spin.
Vanity Tintype’s Maurene Cooper makes images on-site using 19th-century chemistry and an antique camera. She calls the photos “luxury handmade Polaroids with silver and aluminum.” Work with your florist, such as Belovely Floral Co., to create a flower-filled backdrop, for a modern touch.
Florals: Asymmetrical arch with about 435 stems of florals, including faux cherry-blossom branches, dried palm leaves
(sprayed yellow and orange), baby’s breath (sprayed orange, yellow, pink, peach and purple) and others.
5. End things on the right foot.
After you’ve slipped into more comfortable shoes, hit the dance floor. DJ/live-musician hybrids are all the rage, says Stephanie Fitzpatrick, who recently acquired EBE Talent with Tara Buchanan. Consider drums, electric violin, guitar or horns to pair with your DJ, then groove the night away.
Shoes: Bus Stop X Calla Lily pumps at Bus Stop (Queen Village). Dress: The Law Bridal Harriette Mini at Kinfolk Bride.
Published as “Let’s Party!” in the Summer/Fall 2024 issue of Philadelphia Wedding.
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