Cocktail Party
These parties can tend to be less work than a formal dinner party. This type of party is dependent on the location. If it is in a home consider the amount of people that can comfortable fit. If the party will be outside the cocktail party can accommodate more people. Consider hiring a bartender to make drinks. This will make the evening more fun for everyone. Be sure to have a wide selection of liquors and wine. Consider having napkins printed with the couples name and event. Appetizers should be kept simple.

Outdoor Picnic
Selecting a location is key. Consider the state parks, the zoo, reservoirs and local gardens. Be sure to arrange for a particular time of day depending on what type of mood you are going for. If you want activities, such as volley ball or sports, consider a late afternoon time to take advantage of the sun. If you are looking for a more romantic evening, consider planning the event around sunset. The picnic entries can vary from BBQ style to simple fruits, pastries with a cheese and cracker spread. Consider having wine and beer and have a toast to the couple. A tent is a nice touch.

Theme Party
Theme parties can be a lot of fun for everyone. Consider having a Hawaiian Luau or going to a baseball game. Theme parties are really up to the couple and should be based on something the couple enjoys. Some suggestions would be to consider hobbies, special interests, where the couple met and so on.

Dance Party
This type of party is most appropriate at a nightclub or a rented hall. A DJ should be hired or consulted.

Honeymoon Destination or Destination Wedding Theme
Throw a theme party based on the honeymoon destination or wedding location. If the couple is going to Hawaii consider have a Paradise Island Luau, maybe hire some entertainers to make it exciting. Or if the couple is headed to Jamaica, consider throwing a Reggie Party with some classic dishes like jerk chicken and shrimp. Or if they are headed to Italy, consider an Italian meal with checkered table clothes and Italian music. If they are heading south of the border to Mexico, consider a Mexican buffet with piñata filled with plastic containers or capsules where guests have previously finished a note to the couple beginning with “IF ONLY I KNEW, I WOULD HAVE….” These can be fun parties that can make wedding guests feel like a part of the wedding.

Brunch
Consider a late morning brunch on a Saturday or Sunday. Halls have generally inexpensive options for catering a brunch buffet and guests can enjoy time together. If your family does not live close to each other, this will be a lot like a joining of families and a family reunion. A champagne toast is appropriate, but no alcohol has to be served. If you choose to serve alcohol consider morning drinks like Bloody Mary’s and mimosas.

Dessert Party
Everybody loves sweets. Consider throwing a dessert party where you serve specialty coffees and drinks. This can be a fun evening party with champagne and dessert wines too!