Tea Party Wedding Reception Ideas
A tea party reception can be a classic alternative to an elaborate celebration after the wedding ceremony. Tea party receptions can be a wedding-sized take on the custom of "afternoon tea" in the United Kingdom. Showcasing a variety of teas, small finger foods and desserts, tea parties can be a unique way to celebrate with close friends and family. This is an ideal function for any couple who share a love of tea or for those who want a relaxed atmosphere after a busy wedding.
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Theme
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While the tea party can be a theme all by itself, you can add a bit of originality to your reception by giving a theme to your tea party. A few popular ideas include a Victorian tea party, a garden party or recreating the tea party from Alice in Wonderland. If you want an especially unique tea party, require your guests to dress in costume to fit your theme.
Venue
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One perk to having a tea party reception is that you can have one almost anywhere. Outside venues for tea parties are a popular choice, with a sunny forecast and arrangements of spring flowers. A Victorian mansion or historical site can also be an ideal choice. Decorate your venues with soft colors, vintage teapots and paper lanterns. Use candlesticks and bundles of fresh flowers for centerpieces.
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Drinks
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As tea will be the focal beverage at your reception, you often can limit your alcohol selection to champagne and wine. This is especially important if you want a more dry wedding. Create a tea bar with teas from all over the world. Have exotic chai tea and rooibos alongside green, fruit and aromatic teas. Display dry tea in decorative tins and serve the tea from glass dispensers. Create a tea blend that represents the bride and groom and serve it with the wedding cake.
Food
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As tea receptions are held early in the day (ideally between breakfast and lunch) and do not overlap dinner, you won't have to plan for a large meal. Small finger foods like hors d'œuvres, petit fours, scones, fruit kebabs and cucumber sandwiches can be nibbled on while drinking tea. Cupcakes, crepes, cream puffs, cookies and biscuits are traditional teatime sweets. Make a small wedding cake to compensate for the large dessert selection.
Favors
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Tea related favors can be useful gifts to thank guests for celebrating your special day. Put together decorative packages containing the bride and groom's custom tea and hand them out with decorative tea strainers engraved with the date of the wedding. Let the guests bring their teacups home at the end of the reception or hand out miniature teacups filled with small bags of Jordan almonds.
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References
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