"What's next?" is always on our minds, especially when it comes to weddings!
"When the reception follows" is a common phrase used in wedding invitations, and it simply means that the reception (the party after the ceremony) will take place immediately after the ceremony. In other words, you won't need to leave the venue or travel to another location; instead, you'll stay put and get straight into celebrating with friends and family!
Here's an example of how it might look on a wedding invitation:
"Join us for a celebration of love and commitment! Ceremony at [time] followed by reception. Food, drinks, and merriment will follow immediately after the ceremony."
In this case, guests are invited to stick around after the ceremony and join the party in the same location. It's often a more relaxed and convenient option for out-of-town guests or those who prefer not to travel between locations.
When you see "reception to follow" on a wedding invitation, it's usually accompanied by details like:
* The start time of the reception
* The location (which is likely the same as the ceremony)
* Any specific instructions or dress code requirements
So, if you receive an invitation with this phrase, get ready for a seamless transition from "I do" to "party on!"
"What follows" or "Reception to follow" is a common phrase used on wedding invitations, which typically means that the ceremony will take place at one location, and then guests are invited to move to another location for the reception.
In other words, it's indicating that the formal part of the celebration (the ceremony) is happening in one spot, and then everyone will get up and move to a different area (usually with food, drinks, music, and dancing) for the more casual and social aspect of the celebration (the reception).
Here are some examples of how you might see this phrase used on a wedding invitation:
* "Ceremony at 2 PM. Reception to follow."
* "Wedding ceremony at 4:30 PM. A reception will follow immediately after."
* "Join us for the wedding ceremony at [location]. Reception to follow at [reception location]."
* "The marriage of [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name] will take place at [ceremony location]. A reception will follow at [reception location]."
In general, it's a way to let guests know that there are two distinct parts to the celebration, and they should plan accordingly.
A very modern and humorous phrase!
"What does 'reception to follow' mean?" is a common joke or meme on Reddit, particularly in the r/AskReddit community. The phrase "reception to follow" is often used at the end of an announcement, invitation, or event description, implying that there will be some kind of celebration or gathering after the main event.
However, in reality, "reception to follow" usually means that people are just going to go home, relax, and not attend any further events. It's a humorous way of poking fun at overly formal or pretentious language used in invitations or announcements.
The joke often involves people misinterpreting the phrase, thinking it refers to some kind of grand celebration or party, only to find out that it actually means they can just go home. The meme has become so popular that it's now a common reference point for many Redditors, and is often used to describe situations where someone expects something exciting or extravagant, but ends up being disappointed.
You're considering a reception to follow at a different location. That's a great idea! Here are some pros and cons to consider:
**Pros:**
1. **More options:** By having the ceremony and reception in separate locations, you'll have more flexibility in terms of venue choices. You can choose a location that's meaningful to you or one that fits your theme or style.
2. **Convenience:** If you're planning an outdoor ceremony and want to keep the reception indoors, for example, this setup allows for it.
3. **Guest experience:** Your guests might appreciate a change of scenery between the ceremony and reception. It can make the event feel more like a celebration with different activities and atmospheres.
**Cons:**
1. **Logistics:** Coordinating transportation, parking, and accommodations for out-of-town guests (if necessary) will be more complicated.
2. **Increased costs:** You may need to budget for additional expenses such as transportation, venue rental fees, and increased catering costs.
3. **Time management:** Make sure you plan carefully to ensure a smooth transition between the ceremony and reception locations.
To make this setup work, consider the following:
1. **Designate a meeting point:** Choose a spot where guests can gather after the ceremony before heading to the reception location.
2. **Provide transportation:** Offer shuttle services, carpooling options, or suggest nearby parking garages to help guests get to the reception location easily.
3. **Schedule a buffer:** Allow some extra time between the ceremony and reception to account for any unexpected delays or transitions.
4. **Communicate clearly:** Make sure your guests know what to expect and where to go by including detailed information on invitations, wedding websites, or social media.
By weighing these factors, you can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for your guests while also making the logistics work seamlessly.
Here are some ideas for a reception to follow at your residence:
**Theme:** Based on the occasion, you can choose a theme that fits with the celebration. For example, if it's a wedding, you could have a "Welcome to Our New Home" or "New Beginnings" theme.
**Food and Beverage:**
* Finger foods: Mini sandwiches, fruit and cheese platters, mini quiches, etc.
* Refreshments: Juice, soda, water, coffee, tea, and wine (if permitted by your residence).
* Sweet treats: Cupcakes, cookies, brownies, or a dessert bar with various options.
**Decorations:**
* Use balloons, streamers, and themed decorations to match the occasion.
* Set up tables with nice tablecloths, napkins, and utensils.
* Add some greenery or plants to give it a welcoming feel.
* Consider hiring a professional decorator or setting up a photo booth with props.
**Entertainment:**
* Music: Hire a DJ or create a playlist of popular songs.
* Games: Set up a few stations for games like cornhole, giant Jenga, or even a mini-golf course.
* Activities: Organize lawn games, such as badminton, horseshoes, or croquet.
**Logistics:**
* Make sure to have enough seating and tables for your guests.
* Designate parking areas and consider setting up a drop-off zone for packages or gifts.
* Plan for restrooms and have them stocked with essentials like toilet paper, soap, and towels.
Some specific ideas based on the occasion:
* **Wedding reception:** Set up a sweetheart table for the newlyweds, have a cake cutting ceremony, and offer champagne toasts.
* **Housewarming party:** Have a "Wish Box" where guests can leave notes or small gifts for the homeowners. Offer warm beverages like hot cocoa or coffee.
* **Birthday party:** Create a dessert bar with various treats and have a "Make Your Own Sundae" station. Set up a photo booth with props and fun backdrops.
Remember to check with your residence about any rules or regulations regarding parties, noise levels, and parking. With some planning and creativity, you can create a memorable reception at your residence!
Both "Reception will follow" and "Reception to follow" are common ways to indicate that a reception or after-party will take place after the main event, such as a wedding, conference, or gala.
The choice between these two phrases often comes down to personal preference or style guidelines. Here's a brief breakdown:
* "Reception will follow": This phrase is more formal and suggests that the reception is an inevitable consequence of the main event. It implies that the reception is already planned and is simply waiting to happen.
* "Reception to follow": This phrase is slightly more informal and emphasizes that the reception is an additional event, distinct from the main event. It implies that there might be some time gap between the two events.
In general, if you're going for a more formal tone or emphasizing the connection between the main event and the reception, "Reception will follow" might be a better choice. If you want to convey a sense of excitement and anticipation, "Reception to follow" could work well.
Ultimately, both phrases are widely understood and accepted, so you can't go wrong with either one!
For a "Reception to Follow" notice, you can use the following wording:
**Example 1: Simple and Straightforward**
"A [Event Name] will take place at [Location]. Reception to follow."
**Example 2: More Formal**
"You are cordially invited to attend [Event Name], taking place at [Location]. A reception will immediately follow the event, where you can mingle with fellow guests and enjoy refreshments."
**Example 3: With a Touch of Elegance**
"Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate [Event Name] at [Location]. A sumptuous reception will follow, featuring fine cuisine and refreshing cocktails. We look forward to seeing you there!"
Remember to customize the wording to fit your event's tone and style.
Here are some synonyms for "reception":
1. Welcome: This implies a warm and friendly greeting, often accompanied by refreshments or other amenities.
Example: The hotel offered a welcome reception for its guests.
2. Gathering: A more general term that suggests people coming together in one place.
Example: The company held a gathering to celebrate the new employee's arrival.
3. Meet-and-greet: This phrase specifically implies an opportunity for people to meet and introduce themselves, often with some socializing involved.
Example: The event organizer arranged a meet-and-greet between attendees and speakers.
4. Social: This term emphasizes the informal nature of the gathering, where people come together to chat and mingle.
Example: The museum hosted a social reception to celebrate its new exhibit.
5. Soiree: A more formal or elegant term that suggests a sophisticated gathering with food, drink, and conversation.
Example: The charity held a soiree to raise funds for a good cause.
6. Cocktail party: This phrase is often used in an informal setting where guests enjoy refreshments (usually cocktails) while socializing.
Example: The restaurant hosted a cocktail party to introduce its new menu items.
7. Meet and mingle: Similar to "meet-and-greet", this phrase emphasizes the opportunity for people to interact and get to know each other.
Example: The networking event was designed to allow attendees to meet and mingle with fellow professionals.
These are just a few examples of words that can replace "reception" in different contexts.