How To Create an Inviting Wedding Reception Space | Billings, Montana Summer Wedding

There is SO much planning that goes into a well thought-out wedding and the reception is a key element in every wedding! Guests will leave the ceremony ready to come together to celebrate the joining of two people they love. Creating an environment that allows for comfortable and relaxed conversation can really elevate the guest experience at your wedding and ensure that it is a memorable and talked about occasion for years to come. As a wedding florist, the reception florals are always a real joy to design and when paired with great wedding decor and food, everything can really come together in a cohesive and thematic way to make your wedding extra special.

This summer wedding took place in downtown Billings, Montana at a great semi-industrial restaurant venue called The Fieldhouse (if you are ever in Billings you definitely need to check out their menu!). With gorgeous brick, open ceilings, and a quaint outdoor patio it is a great venue for small, intimate weddings like the one featured here. Here are some of my favorite elements to consider when planning your wedding reception space.

1) Florals: Florals can make a big impact and bring drama into a space but they can also serve as a means to extend the feel and ambiance a venue already contains. The florals used here in this summer wedding reception were really meant to brighten the space with some more vibrant color but also to carry on the greenery and garden-feel from the outdoor patio. Simple greenery to embellish a “Welcome” sign and planter box style, garden centerpieces maintained a relaxed environment while adding a touch of elegance to the already beautiful space.

2) Lighting: Lighting! What can I say…it can do SO much to create a desired “mood” at your reception. In this space lighting was strategically located to create an intimate feel with hanging twinkle lights and candlelit tables. Candlelight really elevates a tablescape and helps guest feel warm and invited to the table celebration.

3)Unique Lounge Space: Lounge space is becoming more and more popular at weddings and for a good reason. Why you ask? I think it really allows for fluid guest movement during the reception and relaxed and intimate conversation with other guests. It is like curling up on a good chair with a cocktail in hand next to your best friend sitting on the cozy couch beside you. Who wouldn’t feel invited to sit down, relax, and enjoy good company! The outdoor lounge space featured in this summer outdoor wedding really brightened up the outdoor patio space, continued the color palette, and gave a modern, relaxed, boho vibe to welcome guests to have a seat.

When you begin planning your wedding reception space I hope these tips come in handy when you want to create a warm and inviting reception to remember for you and your guests!

Florals: Passiflora Farm

Event Planning + Decor: Better to Gather

Photo Credit: Macy Spencer Photography

Cake: Sweets by Sam