Here is an article I found online from one of the many sites I frequent for new ideas. I hope some of them help you out in planning for your big day.

10 Secrets to a Fun Wedding Reception

Well, they’re not really secrets — just really solid ideas.

1. Hire a Day-of Coordinator

You may have a ton of fun ideas for your reception lined up — say, a rockin’ entrance, an amazing band, and surprise late-night snacks — but the truth is it’s much harder than you’d think to keep each of those plans in check on the big day. To make sure it goes off without a hitch, book a day-of coordinator (or the most type-A friend you have who is not in the wedding party!) to oversee the details.

2. Order Good Food (That’s Not Stuffy)

Just ask yourself: What would you want to eat? If you’re not the meat-and-potatoes type, consider doing something more to your liking — maybe Spanish tapas, Mexican fajitas, or a big Italian dinner. Or skip the sit-down altogether and opt for a heavy hors d’oeuvres reception. Think mini grilled-cheese sandwiches paired with tomato soup shooters, bite-size vegetable quiches, and a cheese table.

3. Keep the Toasts Short (And Prep Your Toasters)

As meaningful and wonderful as toasts can be, it’s important that you don’t let those toasting to drone on and on. Quite frankly, it’ll put a lull in the evening. When it comes to toasts, it’s really all about quality over quantity. So direct anyone who is speaking in advance to keep their speeches to two minutes max and ask them to share any other long-drawn-out stories at a prewedding party like the rehearsal dinner.

4. Have a Game Plan for Kids

To keep the little ones entertained throughout the night (and to give their parents an opportunity to hit the dance floor!), set up an area specifically for them. In a separate room, arrange for a babysitter who can set up movies for them to watch. Or designate a couple tables just for the kids and pack them with coloring books, crayons, and small toys.

5. If You’ve Hired a Band, Make Sure There’s Good “Break” Music

We’ve all been to that wedding before: Just when the dance floor starts to get packed, the band takes a break and the party dies. Don’t let that happen to you. When you hire your band, ask specifically about how they plan to handle breaks. Some bands will take them in shifts and split off into a smaller 2- or 3-piece bands. Others will turn on filler music. If yours is planning to use filler music, ask whether you can provide the mix.

6. If You’ve Hired a DJ, Make Sure You Share the Same Tastes

Okay, this is an obvious one, but it made the list because music is a major fun factor at the reception and it has a lot to do with how long your guests will stay. The last thing you want to see is your dance floor clear out when the “chicken dance” comes on. So, make sure to talk to your DJ about your do-not-play list.

7. Add a Lounge to Your Reception

If at all possible, create a lounge-like area in your reception space. Why? People can get antsy. Instead of having your guests sit around the same dinner tables all night, a change of environment will promote conversation and keep even your nondancing guests entertained. Look into renting or borrowing couches, chairs, and other pieces of furniture that you can then stage with pillows and votive candles in your wedding colors.

8. Give Out Party Favors

Don’t forget that a reception is a party! Let your guests know that it’s okay to cut loose after a formal ceremony by passing out crazy wedding favors at the reception. A few of our favorite ideas? Funky masks, noisemakers, or Silly String. We even know one couple who handed out neckties and encouraged their guests to tie them around their heads on the dance floor. Quirky, but definitely fun!

9. Keep Your Guests Fueled

If you want to ensure an all-night crowd, arrange for your catering staff to bring out trays of late-night munchies like French fries or a self-serve taco bar. If you stick with low-key, comfort foods like those, they’ll wish the party would never end. Another great idea: Offer a coffee bar complete with special syrups and toppings to keep them caffeinated.

10. Plan a Surprise

Sometimes the best parts of a reception are the things guests don’t see coming. Surprise your guests with unexpected entertainment during the cocktail hour or reception, like a belly dancer, a mariachi band, or even a salsa dancer.

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