Ever filled up a minivan full of kids and driven across the country? We used spring break to take our trip to see my sister in California and it was great, but coming back home made us realize that the trip felt like we'd been to the moon and back. For a week, I didn't even want to leave my house, but after the dust settled and I gathered up our vacation photos and videos, I realized I would like to do it again someday. It really was a gorgeous drive.
Thinking in terms of your wedding, a couple of things came to mind while on my trip (that will happen when you spend 72 hours driving). When planning something big, like a wedding, simplicity is key. I'm not just talking a budget here, I'm also describing the act of stripping down the details that aren't necessary and can sometimes get in the way of the ultimate goal. When I first started packing for the trip, I was worried the kids would be bored and started filling bags with crayons, games, movies, dolls, etc. Then I stopped, remember road trips as a kid? All that stuff was fun for the first 30 miles and then it just ended up all over the floor and seats and you're on mile 60 sitting in a cluttered mess of books, garbage, and crayon pieces. Not fun.
Same thing applies to a wedding and reception. Your guests want to sit or dance or eat and have fun with you and your guests. Make your event comfortable, not cluttered with activity or too much detail. While guests might not always enjoy it, I'm a fan of seating charts because you have a better idea of who will click during the dinner. Put out some conversation starters on the tables and let your guests relax. Limit the number of head table speeches, the games, interruptions in general, and let people visit and enjoy the night.
I ended up pulling back on many of the "boredom busters" I had originally planned on using with the kids for our trip. Let them look around and enjoy the beauty we were surrounded by along the way. Let them sing songs together, talk, take pictures, and have simple fun that will create memories for them that will last a lifetime.
So quick tips...
Keep it simple, pick a theme and incorporate a few details to accentuate that them but don't smother people in details and activities.
Limit the speeches. This is a big pet peeve of guests and because they don't want to be rude, they wouldn't tell you this so I will. Every time you stop people from a conversation, or eating, or a trip to the bathroom, you are stopping the natural flow of activity that makes a party great. I went to a wedding recently where there were seven speeches. Seven. Come on, you've got to stop this insanity. Yes, you've spent a lot of money and you want to say thank you and you have that right. But just because you have it, doesn't mean that you should abuse it. The best man, maid of honor, bride/groom combo speech, and MAYBE something quick from the parents. Couple of rules: Have everyone go at one time with back-to-back speeches, limit speeches to two minutes or less, and keep the inside jokes to a minimum.
Forget about the games. It is entirely too awkward and silly to sit around a table with acquaintances, coworkers, or strangers, and come up with a song that uses the word "love" in it and then have to sing it if our table number is called. Seriously, spare your guests this uncomfortable moment- I mean you did invite these people because you LIKE them right?
Keep things easy, simple, elegant, and memorable. This should be one of the best days of your life, not a Vegas show so don't plan the event as if it is. Stay focused on what's important and enjoy your day.
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or an 
? I can't decide either but both are a good option for a reception snack. Both are also cost effective ways to feed your guests and keep them having fun at your party. Get started with your brainstorming by looking over the ideas below.