• Traditional wedding receptions can feel sterile and staged.Tables decorated at a wedding reception. image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
  
  Traditional wedding receptions may seem boring or overly-formal to the modern bride. While you may still want most of the reception trimmings (i.e. good food, music, dancing and tearful speeches), don't be afraid to mix things up and make your reception suit your non-traditional style.
  
  

Go Casual

• Instead of wearing formal clothes and splurging on an expensive venue and catering, make your reception casual. Wear jeans and t-shirts. Serve pizza and punch. You can have just as much fun as you would at a traditional reception at half the price and stress.
  
  

Beach Blow-out

• Check with the local parks/recreation and fire departments before holding bonfires or BBQs.bonfire image by Amjad Shihab from Fotolia.com
  
  If you are having a beach wedding, why not finish the day with a dip in the ocean? Organize a pool party-style reception. Invite guests to wear their beach clothes and skip the formalities. As the sun sets, you will have the perfect backdrop for a toasty bonfire.
  
  

Medieval

• Some castles and churches offer special services for hosting wedding receptions.medieval church image by Chris Lofty from Fotolia.com
  
  With the recent increase in fantasy literature and movies, more couples are opting for a medieval reception theme. Host the event in an outdoor venue; your local nature preserve or botanical garden may have space available. Invite guests to dress in costume. You can even hire a professional acting troupe and musicians to entertain your guests.
  
  

Charitable Donations

• Many wedding receptions involve the giving of gifts, extravagant catering and monetary donations directly to the couple. Make your celebration of love meaningful for those in need by using your funds to support different charities. Instead of floral centerpieces, decorate each table with donation jars. Take the donations directly to these organizations or mail the jars of donations. You can make your contributions anonymously or in honor of the newlyweds.