August 10

Photo credit: 

Stephanie Moe Photography

Tip of the Day: When you're taking photos with your groom after the ceremony, plan to incorporate a few gratitude shots! Hold a sign that 'thank you,' use sparklers to spell it out, or even get your wedding party to each hold a letter. You'll have these photos on hand to put inside of your thank-you cards you send out after the wedding.

Plus, check out 20 Fun Ideas for Your Thank-You Cards.

August 9

Tip of the Day: Eternity bands, also known as infinity bands, are one of the most popular styles to date as they feature diamonds all the way around the band, but they need to be the perfect fit. "When buying an eternity band make sure to get it properly fitted as it cannot be resized at a later date," says Christine Scott of WP Diamonds. "An alternative is to choose a band with diamonds 2/3rds of the way round allowing room for the ring to be resized."

Plus, check out 70+ Beautiful Engagement Ring-Wedding Band Combos.

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50 Stunning Receptions That'll Make You Swoon

Ceremonies may have all the tender moments, but receptions have all the fun — and amazing décor. While nuptials provide a hint at what's to come in regards to wedding style, the reception is really where your vision comes to life. From industrial venues and Tuscan-inspired settings to botanical beauty and vibrant details, we've rounded up some of the most breathtaking reception areas to get you inspired. Trust us — we could spend all day looking at them, and you will, too.

By: Hillary Hoffower

Enter Slideshow
  • Enchanted Barn

    Enchanted Barn

    A rustic forest-inspired look in a stone barn has an utterly enchanting effect.

    Photo Credit: Kikitography

  • Vibrant Whimsy

    Vibrant Whimsy

    Colorful and whimsical, this campside barnyard wedding is full of charm, complete with fairy lights, an Edison bulb chandelier, and pop of turquoise.

    Photo Credit: Jamie Mercurio Photography

  • Natural Minimalism

    Natural Minimalism

    A clear tent helps bring the outdoors indoors with a light and airy feel. Crystal chandeliers and gauzy fabric cascading across the ceiling infuse a bit of elegance.

    Photo Credit: Brittany Mahood

  • Botanical Goodness

    Botanical Goodness

    Floor-to-ceiling plants are enough to fulfill any bride's botanical dreams. A venue overflowing with greenery makes a subtly beautiful statement.

    Photo Credit: Free the Bird

  • European Luxe

    European Luxe

    An intimate al fresco reception in a picturesque setting takes on European luxe, with foliage inspired by the country’s taste for terraces and gardens. Dripping greenery with hanging pendants makes for a dreamy overhang.

    Photo Credit: Jessica Claire Photography

  • Warm and Cozy

    Warm and Cozy

    Copper accents, glowing candles, and an eccentric chandelier bring some cozy warmth to this industrial reception space.

    Photo Credit: Danfredo Photos + Films

  • Fit For a Queen

    Fit For a Queen

    Grand, lavish, opulent — this gold space is fit for a princess bride. Ornate details channel romance and Marie Antoinette vibes.

    Photo Credit: Ashley Ludaescher / Wedding Planner: A Very Beloved Wedding

  • Simple Beauty

    Simple Beauty

    A minimalist reception area with white linens and simple centerpieces magnifies the decadence of the surrounding outdoors.

    Photo Credit: Lauren Peele Photography

  • Just Beachy

    Just Beachy

    It doesn't take much to enhance the natural beauty of the beach — mix-and-match wooden chairs and tables and string lighting are all you need.

    Photo Credit: Tec Petaja Photography

  • Island Dreams

    Island Dreams

    Seriously, what's dreamier than a Bali cliffside reception? Geometric lanterns, lush greenery, and soft florals are the perfect complement to such a stunning setting.

    Photo Credit: Samm Blake Weddings

  • Castle Magic

    Castle Magic

    This magically glam reception area is full of bewitching details, taking some non-cliché inspiration from the Harry Potter series. Stone castle walls and overgrown botanicals are a dream backdrop to the moody romance laid out before it.

    Photo Credit: Nirav Patel / Event Planning + Design: Crosby + Jon / Venue: Hollywood Castle / Rentals: Archive Rentals 

  • Desert Inspired

    Desert Inspired

    Exposed stones, succulent plants, and cactus accents combine against a white stucco venue for some desert feels.

    Photo Credit: Raquel Benito

  • Charming Garden

    Charming Garden

    A ceiling of thick foliage and twinkle lights has an alluring effect over neutral reception tables for some garden glam.

    Photo Credit: Jose Villa

  • Futuristic Fairytale

    Futuristic Fairytale

    This surreal wedding reception of grays, pinks, and metallics transports one to another world, with modern, almost futuristic décor and one dramatic ceiling chandelier.

    Photo Credit: Konstantin Semenikhin

  • Boho Barn

    Boho Barn

    Wooden rafters and a macramé backdrop have a bohemian rustic feel for a low-key reception. We love a U-shaped table layout, which makes this barn feel more open.

    Photo Credit: Rivkah Fine Art

  • Bright and Colorful

    Bright and Colorful

    Vivid jewel tones and surrounding lush greenery make for a reception that is bright, bold, and beautiful.

    Photo Credit: Jennifer Lindbergh Photography

  • Modern Minimalism

    Modern Minimalism

    Modern minimalism looks beautiful in the stark contrast of white details and dark wood, creating an intimate environment with a dinner-party style.

    Photo Credit: Karra Leigh Photography

  • Elegant Barn

    Elegant Barn

    Gauzy linens and sparkling chandeliers bring a dash of glamour to a classic rustic barn setting with wooden details and baby's breath.

    Photo Credit: Meredith Sledge Photography

  • Ranch Style

    Ranch Style

    Spanish-style décor adds complementary beauty to an outdoor ranch reception. Rich colors of cobalt, fuchsia, sapphire, and gold bring dramatic details and luxe romance.

    Photo Credit: RebeccaMarie Photography

  • Industrial Vibes

    Industrial Vibes

    An industrial factory setting gives this reception space a unique spin with brick walls and pillars. Its raw, weathered feel is cleverly juxtaposed with white tables and bold accents.

    Photo Credit: Carla Penoncelli

  • Rustic Glam

    Rustic Glam

    A mesmerizing canopy of twinkling lights makes a statement in this rustic glam reception, setting a romantic ambiance while allowing the stars to shine through.

    Photo Credit: Diktat Photography

  • Neutral and Natural

    Neutral and Natural

    Whites, creams, and greens create a neutral color palette inspired by nature for a stunning reception that looks out at the bliss of the sea.

    Photo Credit: Elias Kordelakos / Wedding Planner: The12Events

  • Eclectic Feel

    Eclectic Feel

    Mismatched chairs add a punch of color and personality for an eclectic vibe.

    Photo Credit: EPlove Photography

  • Earthy Ambiance

    Earthy Ambiance

    Natural textures and earthy vibes combine for a rustically bohemian setting with a hint of glam. Dark woods, gilded accents, foliage, and an amber glow are completely swoonworthy.

    Photo Credit: B. Matthews Creative / Wedding Planner: Ninth and Everett / Venue: Meadow Hill Farm

  • Tuscan Style

    Tuscan Style

    Beautiful long tables decorated in simplicity with green and gold, set against a villa backdrop, fulfills every Tuscan dream.

    Photo Credit: Nastja Kovacec

  • Chic and Sophisticated

    Chic and Sophisticated

    Gold accents and towering centerpieces of lush greenery set the tone for a chic, modern, and sophisticated wedding.

    Photo Credit: Lara Hotz

  • Charming Al Fresco

    Charming Al Fresco

    Full of hillside charm, this reception is rich in simplicity. Centerpieces of fresh florals are all these round tables need to perk up.

    Photo Credit: Jesse Leake Photography

  • Vintage Flair

    Vintage Flair

    A tented reception has a backyard garden feel coupled with vintage vibes, thanks to a blend of greenery, trunk suitcases, and old-fashioned photobooth.

    Photo Credit: All Grown Up Weddings

  • Summer Solstice

    Summer Solstice

    This whimsical outdoor reception is summertime fine, with bistro and icicle-like lighting interspersed with dangling dreamcatchers.

    Photo Credit: Braedon Photography

  • Modern Elegance

    Modern Elegance

    A white barn brings modern elegance to a typically rustic venue, evoking a light and spacious feel. And we can’t get enough of this amazing ceiling installation of hanging cherry blossom branches and glass bulbs.

    Photo Credit: Jose Villa

  • Fairytale Dreams

    Fairytale Dreams

    Blush linens and a dreamy ceiling of cascading fabric and greenery combine with stone walls for a fairytale effect.

    Photo Credit: Julia Kaptelova

  • Modern Meets Old World

    Modern Meets Old World

    Acrylic chairs and geometric pendant chandeliers bring a contemporary twist to an outdoor setting that screams old world romance. And just look at that picturesque mountain view!

    Photo Credit: Brian Saculles

  • Jewel Tone Madness

    Jewel Tone Madness

    Multi-toned wood paneling boasting shelves of organics have a modern look that pops in rich decadence.

    Photo Credit: Rima Brindamour

  • Desert Setting

    Desert Setting

    Barren has never looked as beautiful as this reception set smack in the middle of the desert. Who needs décor when you have a rocky landscape around you as the perfect backdrop? Miniature succulent centerpieces add just the right touch.

    Photo Credit: Rad and in Love

  • Natural Beauty

    Natural Beauty

    A neutral and natural palette of white and lush foliage is all this stunning outdoor space needs.

    Photo Credit: Anna Kim Photography

  • Courtyard Romance

    Courtyard Romance

    Dark with romantic lighting, this gorgeous courtyard is set up for a family dinner party feel, complete with luscious greenery, a cozy faux fur blanket over the sweetheart chair, and charming cobblestones.

    Photo Credit: Cassidy Parker Smith

  • Chic Outdoors

    Chic Outdoors

    Jewel tones of raspberry and navy, coupled with gilded accents, lend this reception a chic, moody touch.

    Photo Credit: Ashley Keleman

  • French Country

    French Country

    A ladder adorned with greenery and suspended glass globes make for a charming overhang in a French country-style wedding.

    Photo Credit: Hunter Ryan Photo

  • Mediterranean Twist

    Mediterranean Twist

    A ceiling that twinkles like stars overlooks hanging florals in an industrial rustic table setting that comes alive with unexpected lime green and turquoise hues inspired by the Mediterranean.

    Photo Credit: Ali & Paul Photography

  • Café Style

    Café Style

    Set on a balcony framed with leafy pillars and a canopy, a naked table, runner, and bistro chairs come together for a café-like feel.

    Photo Credit: Sandra Åberg Photography / Wedding Planner: A Very Beloved Wedding

  • Casual Elegance

    Casual Elegance

    An open tent holds a gorgeous reception of casual elegance, mimicking the class and style of a Tuscan-inspired wedding.

    Photo Credit: Brumley & Wells

  • Timeless Touches

    Timeless Touches

    Powder blue linens, garden florals, and a white tented canopy combine for a romantic outdoor reception that will stand the test of time.

    Photo Credit: Julia Kaptelova

  • Palm Springs Affair

    Palm Springs Affair

    Citrus details complement the surrounding desert landscape, combining for a Palm Springs-inspired look.

    Photo Credit: Birds of a Feather

  • Nighttime Ambiance

    Nighttime Ambiance

    Warm lighting and draped foliage set the mood for ethereal elegance. Coupled with a translucent tent that mirrors the night sky, this space is like a midsummer night's dream.

    Photo Credit: Dan O'Day

  • Bold Details

    Bold Details

    Cobalt blue bursts against a white and oak setting for a bold statement.

    Photo Credit: Redfield Photography

  • Feminine Feel

    Feminine Feel

    Sweet and feminine, this cheerful reception rife with delicate pastel details is just breathtaking.

    Photo Credit: Amy & Jordan

  • Preppy and Whimsical

    Preppy and Whimsical

    Preppy meets whimsy with a striped runner and classic palette of white, gold, and navy combined with a unique reception set-up and eccentric chandeliers.

    Photo Credit: Cassie Lopez Photographer

  • Campside Fun

    Campside Fun

    Wooden tables and ceiling garlands of ribbon in this tented reception are playfully rustic, creating a bohemian campside atmosphere.

    Photo Credit: Mark Pacura

  • Plantation Setting

    Plantation Setting

    A backdrop of soft Spanish moss is all this reception needs for some good old-fashioned Southern charm.

    Photo Credit: Jose & Teresa Photography

  • Moody Romance

    Moody Romance

    Moody industrial romance is written all over this autumn set-up, marked by gorgeous blooms in shades of burgundy and deep orange and indigo hued crystal glasses to suspended Edison lightbulbs and marsala tapers.

    Photo Credit: Figtree Pictures

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50 Stunning Receptions That'll Make You Swoon

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