10 Cool Wedding Reception Ideas | How to Zhuzh Up Your DIY Wedding

If you’re looking for cool wedding reception ideas, you’ve come to the right place!

From OTT floral arches for an Insta-perfect backdrop to simplistic table decor with a boho vibe, we’re sharing our favourite looks for your celebrations.

Which will you choose?

Cool Wedding Reception Ideas

When it comes to your big day, you want it to be as unique and personal as possible. After all, your journey together is completely your own; so, you want your day to reflect that.

When you’re thinking of cool wedding reception ideas, think about your relationship and incorporate as many hints of you and your partner as possible. This could be having your holiday destinations as table names, or photos of the two of you strung up around the room.

Your first dance could be the first song you listened to together, or the cake the flavour of the dessert you had on your first date!

Keep reading to hear some more of our cool wedding reception ideas…

1. Cool Wedding Reception Ideas: Make Your Own Floral Arch

Floral arches are huge at the moment; they make for beautiful decor, are a fab photo backdrop, and can be made to match your bouquet!

The beauty of a wedding flower arch is that you can make it as simple or as wild as you like — especially if you opt to make it yourself!

With our easy-to-follow instructions easy-to-follow instructions, we’ll guide you through every step of the process, helping you create your perfect arch! It’s a great way to get exactly what you want without breaking the bank — and your guests will be in awe of your talent!

2. Incorporate Photos of You and Your Spouse

For a sweet reception idea, why not turn your wedding venue into a journey down memory lane?

Decorate the space with a collection of your favourite moments captured on camera, from your first date to the most recent adventure, let the pictures tell the story of your love. 

This personal touch will resonate with your guests and is bound to spark plenty of conversations about your beautiful journey together!

3. Cool Wedding Reception Ideas: Create a Personalised Cocktail

Why settle for a regular bar menu when you can have a signature cocktail that screams ‘you’? 

Speak to your venue or hired bar about creating a drink that reflects your personality or the theme of your wedding. 

Whether it's a quirky combination or a classic concoction with a unique twist, a personalised cocktail adds a sweet touch to your reception!

4. Play an Old-Style Film of Your ‘Best Moments’

For a delightful touch of nostalgia, we think one of the coolest wedding reception ideas is creating a captivating old-style film featuring your best moments together. 

From the early days of your courtship to the proposal, let the reel of memories play during your reception as a unique and heartwarming way to share your journey, making your special day even more intimate.

You could even ask friends and family to send in a short recording of their well-wishes as a surprise for your spouse.

5. Use Bud Vases on Your Reception Tables

Table centrepieces don’t have to be expensive! 

Why not gather all your leftover blooms from making your flower arch, and pop them in mismatched vases to arrange on the tables? 

This relaxed, simple idea is a great way to create a stunning visual — and, they can double up as a favour!

6. Cool Wedding Reception Ideas: Plan a Surprise Interlude

You know in Love Actually when the best man arranged for all Peter and Juliet’s musical friends and family to stand up and play ‘All You Need is Love’? 

That was pretty cool. 

Why not arrange a surprise band of your own (you could hire one if you don’t know enough talented musicians personally!) to serenade you through dinner? Or, you could give your guests a recorder and teach them how to play a love song during the speeches!

Quirky ideas like this bring all the fun to your big day, and help make it unique and memorable. 

7. Cool Wedding Reception Ideas: Customise Your Cake

Gone are the days where you had to have a fruit cake for your wedding!

Now, you can get as creative as you please, opting for fancy flavours and stunning designs! 

Opt for a cake that aligns with your big day — you could even adorn it with flowers that match your bouquet! 

Use your customised cake as a delightful centrepiece that tells your unique tale — and tantalise all your guests’ taste buds! 

8. Get Creative With Your Old, New, Borrowed & Blue

Coming in eighth on our list of cool wedding reception ideas is getting creative with your “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”! 

Use items that hold sentimental value, such as dressing your flower girl in blue, or “borrowing” a poem from a friend to read during your vows. 

This not only adds a personal touch, but also weaves a beautiful narrative into your ensemble.

9. Build a Flower Wall With Neon Lights

Flower walls are all the rage right now, and adding a personalised neon sign helps make yours unique to your day. 

Whether it serves as a backdrop for your vows, a photo booth, or the focal point of your reception, a flower wall adds a touch of romance and elegance. 

Get in touch with our floral experts by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get a quote for making your own!

10. Cool Wedding Reception Ideas: Zhuzh Up Your Photo Booth

Lastly on our list of cool wedding ideas, create your own photo booth!

Often seen as a wedding staple, why not take yours to the next level? Elevate your photo booth experience with props and backdrops that reflect your personalities. 

Consider incorporating elements from your love story, creating custom signs, or even providing costumes that align with your wedding theme. It's a fun way to capture candid moments and entertain your guests.

And, you don’t have to be rigid with your plans; why not borrow something quirky to use as the ‘booth’ — such as a colourful camper van?

Remember, the key to a memorable wedding is making it personal to you. Mix and match these ideas, or let them inspire your own creative additions!

To find out more about how our DIY wedding flower packages can help you zhuzh up your wedding reception, contact a member of our team! 

Or, take a look at our previous blog to discover the top wedding trends for 2024!