Poor Reception

This afternoon a friend and I went to look at a couple reception sites. Both were garden wedding venues. Stone walk ways, colorful flowers, and luscious greenery adorned both sites. Both were absolutely lovely. So then why, oh why does planning my reception seem about as fun as figuring out my taxes?

While most brides-to-be would be picturing her majestic cake under the exquisite ivy archway, I was picturing my adorable four year old cousin picking the bright pink and orange flowers to, "make her own bouquet." I'm hearing the deafening crash of that beautiful garden statue as the little boys accidentally knock it over playing freeze tag. Don't get me wrong, I cannot even imagine having a reception without kids. I would even trade out some of the adults I want to invite before I'd eliminate the kids. I've just attended too many family reunions with 40+ kids to be naive about what happens when parents are chatting and breakables are around.

Then there were the things not included. Neither included a caterer, meaning coordinating the food is up to me. Pass the aspirin right now, please. And the one that didn't include linens- well, I almost eliminated it on the spot.

However, I've come to a realization. No one is going to remember 90% of the details of my reception. What they'll remember is some sort of signature feature. You know- a photo booth, a particularly entertaining DJ, an out-of-this-world cake... something like that. So what I need is a signature feature! Any ideas??? Seeing as how I'm the lamest bride-to-be ever, I'm very much open to suggestions.

P.S. Yes, I know- I shouldn't get bogged down in the frivolity of it all. It's about the people at the reception who are there to celebrate the happiest day of my life with me; the people who helped me get to this point in my life. Believe me, that is the ONLY reason I am doing a reception in the first place!