Reception Coming - Need Creative Ideas

Y.,
I am so excited for you. I know you don't know me but we have something in common. I will be married on Dec.17th, in Baton Rouge, LA. which is my hometown. I will move to Gastonia after the wedding on Dec. 29th with my kids. (twin 13yrs girls) I will be planning a reception in Jan. for his family and friends in Gastonia. My girls and I will know no one in Gastonia except my new husband. I work as a Realtor and will continue to do so in the area. I am in my early 40's and have been divorced for 8yrs. Now with all that said, the engagement and plans have just been made since Thanksgiving, so everything are moving very fast and I am not sure where to start.
It sounds like you have it together. I was thinking about the same thing in Jan. Hire a DJ, toast the bride and groom. Have the traditional dances and let everyone mingle to celebrate the union of two wonderful people. Congratulations!
R.

At my reception, I had a mic pass around and have everyone give the us (happy couple) advice for the future, it is fun and the guests get to be included. Also I had the "Dollar Dance". This is a Hispanic Tradition, but I have seen it done by other cultures as well. Each guest is given a pins and both you and the groom will dance with the guest, but they will have to pin a dollar on each of you. This is also fun, because the guest become very creative on where to pin the dollar. My guest pin dollars, fives, and twentys. The focus of this is to help the newlyweds to get a good financial start with their life together. Above all enjoy everyone who will be there. Have Fun.

Do the full wedding reception, I say it would not even be out of form to wear your wedding dress and for your husband to dress in his tux, but that may not be something you would want to do again. But do all the traditional stuff, have someone announce you when you walk in, and just have fun. The best receptions are the ones that don't have a lot of planning, but just allow people to hang out, talk, not be forced to keep to a specific timeline. 10 years from now you won't remember most of went on, however you will remember your friends so make the most of having everyone together.

Hi Y., I am so having the same issue. I am divorced with an 18 and 14 yr old. I am also marrying my soulmate in the summer of 2007. We have little family here in Myrtle Beach. All my family is in upstate NY and his is in NJ. We are torn where to get married and the reception. I like some of the ideas that other people are giving you. Sounds like we may have to do the same. Great Question and some wonderful answers. I think we will have our beach wedding and go north for a reception with our families. Take care and good luck. T. T