While planning a wedding reception can be stressful, it’s also extremely exciting! The key is to stay organised. We hope our top tips will offer a little inspiration when it comes to planning your wedding reception at Swynford Manor.

Decorations and Details

Choose your style and colour scheme. This isn’t as complicated as it sounds and can often mean simply focusing on one or two colours which you will then introduce to your bridesmaid dresses, flowers and decorations. With those thoughts in mind, you can start to think about how to add your own personal touches to the day. The beauty of choosing an exclusive use wedding venue is that it’s all yours on your special day! 

Decide where you are going to add decoration. Consider your tables and any other areas where your guests will spend time and where you might take photographs. 

Table linen, chair back decorations, place names, table centrepieces and favours are all elements to think about for your wedding tables. Don’t over-decorate – you want your guests to be able to see their delicious food and appreciate the beauty of the manor. 

Allocate a beautiful space for your wedding cake. As well as tasting delicious, it’s one of your key wedding decorations. 

Food and Drink

Consider your guests from the moment they arrive, starting with welcome drinks and moving through the wedding breakfast to your evening food options. 

If you are inviting children, it’s a good idea to provide a specific children’s menu and always offer vegetarian alternatives (or vegan if necessary).

Try to match the style of your menu to the style of your day. If you want to create a relaxed, informal vibe, your food options should be equally ‘cosy’ and unfussy. 

Keep your budget at bay by sticking to simple, seasonal food and drink options. The most important thing is that your food is beautifully prepared. The talented team at Swynford Manor will be delighted to work with you to help you choose your wedding menu.

All About Flowers

Beautiful flowers can be all the decoration you need. A good florist should be able to suggest great ideas to suit your style and budget. Stick to seasonal blooms, bringing the outside in to Swynford Manor.

Save money by decorating only where your guests will spend time. Table centrepieces are a great idea.

Table centres should be either low enough for guests to see over the top, or high enough for them to see underneath. If they are at eye level, your guests won’t be able to see each other. 

Re-use flowers where possible, perhaps standing your bouquets in vases on tables and moving arrangements from the Study to The Garden Room.

Music and Entertainment

As well as your evening party, consider music throughout the day, from the moment your guests arrive and through the ceremony and welcome drinks. 

Consider entertainment that works with your particular celebration. A close-up magician is a great idea during welcome drinks. In summer months, you might make the most of the gardens and grounds with a few garden games.

If you’re inviting children, entertain them with fun ideas like treasure hunts and quiz’s.

For more wedding inspiration take a look at Autumn Wedding Ideas for a Country House Wedding Venue or if you have yet to visit Swynford Manor, we would love to show you around. Simply give our friendly team a call on 01638 592609 or contact us online.