The wedding reception is the highlight of your big day – and it should be an opportunity to celebrate your love with your loved ones. It’s also a time to show your personality as a couple. You can set the mood of your wedding with everything from your venue to your menu options and even favors.

It’s important to decide on your reception venue and packages at least six months in advance of your wedding date, so that you have plenty of time to research prices, packages and any restrictions (like a minimum budget spend or guest count). Make sure to get multiple opinions from vendors before you sign anything!

If you have your heart set on a specific venue, don’t be afraid to ask for a discount or special promotion. This will save you money and make your wedding day less stressful.

Greet guests as they enter your venue, not just with a traditional receiving line but by having a station of lawn games or appetizers where people can mingle while waiting for the ceremony to start. It’s a great way to keep everyone entertained and it prevents them from having to leave the reception before your first dance or cake cutting begins.

You can’t control the weather but you can help your guests stay comfortable and happy by providing blankets, hand-held fans and if necessary, bug spray. If your wedding is outdoor, you can also set out citronella candles to keep insects away and sunscreen for those who forget to apply theirs.

Keep seating arrangements simple to help your guests feel more at ease, especially if they are not familiar with many of the other guests. Consider grouping friends from college or work together and having them sit close to each other, or even family members. It’s also a good idea to seat couples who have children with them at the same table.

A traditional guest book can get stashed in a closet, but you can have an alternative that doubles as wedding decor or an artistic memento: Have guests draw on a blank notebook or take Polaroid pictures to create a unique keepsake. Or, opt for a living wall of art: Live drawing, painting and illustration can add an incredible element of enchantment to your event that your guests will be able to hang in their home as a reminder of your big day.

If you’re hosting a themed wedding, have your vendors incorporate your theme into everything from food to drink and even the stationery. Cocktail napkins are easy to customize and can be printed with fun facts about the newlyweds or a cute, love-centric slogan. You can also add a pop of color to your tables by having them wrapped with ribbons or bows that match your theme or your wedding colors. For example, a swag of seashells is perfect for a nautical-themed wedding, while a crisp maple leaf brings in autumn vibes and cacti can represent the desert where you’re getting married.