This may come as a shock, but there is a lot of overlap between people who host weekly themed dinner parties and people who love weddings. Both my husband and I are usually good for a few happy tears.
So after our friends’ witnesses cancelled at the last minute, my husband and I happily stepped in to fulfil the role in their city hall wedding. And of course, volunteered our house for a dinner reception afterwards.
So this week, let’s discuss putting together a last-minute wedding reception!
Decorations: Made With Love & Panic
I set the table to the very best of my abilities with limited time and budget, while being supervised by a one-year-old. It’s amazing what a folded napkin can do for a table! We kept everything simple with decorations we already had, plus a bouquet of roses for the centrepiece. I added a chocolate kiss on each plate.
Dinner: Eat, Drink and Be Married
It can be difficult to put together an amazing dinner by yourself last minute. We enlisted the help of other friends who all brought their signature side dishes and desserts to make the meal extra special.
Beyond the dinner itself, opt for a signature cocktail or two for the couple. We made a cranberry pomegranate mocktail (similar to the one I made during our Silent Library Dinner Party) and steeped some fruity tea to serve cold with the meal.
Lastly, a cake is a key element. My sister had some frozen cakes in her freezer, which she graciously lent me. I tried my best to decorate it; however, my hopes of a fancy cake quickly disappeared when my daughter’s nap was cut short. Instead, I finished icing the base layer while she was trying to grab my arm and shake me. It didn’t look very pretty, but it tasted great!
Activities: Sip Back and Relax
We kept things very low-key for the evening, adding in a champagne toast and a champagne popper for some added celebration. We listened to love songs and watched the stars outside after dinner.
Overall, it was a wonderful night that we will all remember!
Would you host a last minute wedding reception?
