I'm getting married at an art gallery. The ceremony and reception are going to be in the same space. In fact, I'm going to have the guests sit at their tables and we will be married on the dance floor.

Do you have any ideas on how to break it up and make the beginning of the reception more official? -Ansley

We sure do! Here are some options...

Don't immediately join the guests at the reception, but rather take a break to go have your photos taken, or just spend some time together yichud-style. Then when you get back, WOO-HOO party time.

Have the DJ announce that the reception is starting and kick it off with a special group dance.

Create a separate post-ceremony mingling place, something like a drink, gaming, or s'more station, which will draw your guests out of their seats to start mingling.

Think about NOT having your guests sit at their assigned seats for the ceremony. You could have everyone gather and either stand or sit around you while you get married, then take their seats post-ceremony for the reception.

Make a decor change - have someone bring in the centerpieces, your wedding cake, or other special decor items that you didn't want to block your guests' view of the ceremony. Just the addition of a few festive items can change the vibe completely.

Play Minglo with your guests until it's time to dine and/or dance!

Now let's hive-mind it: What other ways can you transition between ceremony and reception when they're held at the same place?

Megan Finley

Megan Finley is the Associate Publisher and Editorial Overlord. When she's not slaving away for the Empire, she's sharing her dork side on her own blog.