2022 Wedding Reception Ideas

Happy 2022! 2021 was such a wonderful year in so many ways, and I’m incredibly excited about what’s to come in 2022! I was able to work a few dozen gorgeous weddings, so I wanted to share some of my favorite reception looks as inspiration for you.

One of the most challenging parts of planning a wedding is all of the decision making, and while hiring a planner can relieve you of some of that decision making, you’re still going to have to decide on what you want your overall look and feeling of the day to be.

Below I put together some wedding reception ideas, inspiration, and mood boards for you to help decide on what you want your day to look and feel like. Whether you’re looking for something vibrant, romantic, colorful, modern, minimal, or timeless, I’ve got something for you.

Don’t forget to pin your favorite look to Pinterest to revisit at a later time!

 
 

Photos taken as a second photographer for Kate Garcia

 
 

natural + romantic

This stunning reception space is at the gorgeous SoCal Botanica. The key to this look, is having a warm, naturally-lit ambiance. Instead of bright overhead lights, you’ll need lots of pillar candles and market lights to brighten up the room. Seriously, you can’t have too many candles.

LIGHTING: Candles + market lights

CHAIRS: light brown, cross-back chairs

TABLES: farm tables and round white table cloth covered tables

CENTERPIECES: greenery garland and pillar candles

COLOR SCHEME: earth tones; greens, browns, and whites

DETAILS: hang greenery from light fixtures and market lights

 
 
 
 
 

Photos taken as a second photographer for Kate VanAmrige

 
 

neutral + inviting

This incredible space is at San Diegos’s gorgeous Leo Carrillo Ranch. This set up is incredibly warm, inviting, and so stylish. The key to this look is warm colors and a fabulous floral centerpiece!

LIGHTING: market lights

CHAIRS: light brown folding lawn chairs

TABLES: round tables with off-white table cloths

CENTERPIECES: dynamic centerpieces with neutral floral colors

COLOR SCHEME: neutrals and earth tones; rust, pink, off-white, sage green

DETAILS: dark brown chargers, rust red tied napkins, and acrylic table numbers

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Photos taken as a second photographer for Kate Garcia

 
 

coastal + relaxed

Isn’t this rooftop reception space at Ole Hanson Beach Club just amazing? Your guests will have their jaws on the floor with this view. I have a feeling that the wildflower look is going to be a trend we’ll see more in 2022 and I’m here for it.

LIGHTING: market lights

CHAIRS: brown chiavari cushion chairs

TABLES: weathered solid wood tables and round white table cloth covered tables

CENTERPIECES: in season wildflowers in various bud vases and white linen runners

COLOR SCHEME: cool tones; blues, greens, and purples

DETAILS: use laser cut wooden place cards for seating arrangements

 
 
 

Photos taken as a second photographer for Kate VanAmrige

 
 

vibrant + timeless

This gorgeous estate wedding had some of the most gorgeous florals I’ve ever seen. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more bold colored florals in 2022. The key to this look is having lots of colored buds and less greenery.

LIGHTING: market lights

CHAIRS: light brown cross-back chairs

TABLES: round tables with white table cloths

CENTERPIECES: a variety of bold florals

COLOR SCHEME: pops of pinks; peach, dusty pink, magenta, sangria, etc.

DETAILS: gold accents, such as flatware, table numbers, and candleholders

 
 
 
 
 

Photos taken as a second photographer for Kate Garcia

 
 

colorful + cheerful

If you’re looking for something that represents your fun and spunky personality, then this might just be the look for you. This colorful look was put together at Secluded Gardens. The key to this look is tying together the color palettes of your florals and linens!

LIGHTING: market lights

CHAIRS: light brown folding lawn chairs

TABLES: farm tables and off-white cloth covered tables

CENTERPIECES: bold florals with dried grasses in various vases

COLOR SCHEME: colorful; mostly greens and pinks

DETAILS: three different colored napkins and colored runners

 
 
 

Photos taken as a second photographer for Erin Weise

 
 

minimal + chic

This minimal and chic set up is at Building 177 in Liberty Station. I’m a sucker for the way the black accents in this look give it more of an industrial feel. The key to this look is having black and white as your base colors, and then incorporating small pops of color in the napkins and centerpieces.

LIGHTING: standard overhead lighting

CHAIRS: white folding lawn chairs

TABLES: round and long tables with off-white table cloths

CENTERPIECES: greenery with white pillar candles and black taper candleholders

COLOR SCHEME: minimal color; mostly white with hints of pink, green, and black

DETAILS: black accents such as flatware and taper candleholders. Use plant sprigs as seating place holders.

 
 

Found a look that you love? Use an image below to pin to Pinterest!