Move usual party to an unusual place

With imagination, a couple can invite their wedding guests to a reception locale that is less-than-ordinary

Some couples opt for something a little more creative, holding their after-wedding celebration at a non-typical location — perhaps somewhere with special significance to the couple, like a favorite restaurant or lounge.

This personal touch can be a huge bonus, according to Schaun Morgan, owner of Affordable Splendor Wedding & Event Consultants in Glenn Dale.

‘‘Let’s face it, in this area, you have X amount of venues, and people have been to weddings and events and they’re wanting to see and experience something different and more reflective of the couple’s style than the venue’s style,” she said.

She added that taking an active role in planning one’s own unique reception can help make the event more personable, and less ‘‘cookie-cutter.”

In addition to making the day memorable, avoiding the revolving door of the hotel ballroom reception can also give the couple greater leeway in getting a great location during a notoriously busy time of the year for weddings.

If the couple is working with a wedding planner, chances are they’ll have several ideas to offer.

Michele Lee of Weddings By Mychea in Bowie suggests Allen Pond Park in Bowie as a possibility.

‘‘The park has a calm and serene atmosphere, while being a little hidden from onlookers,” she said, noting that a disadvantage might be interruptions from people not involved with the wedding — a risk involved in holding the reception at any public place where access is not restricted.

If one doesn’t mind the general public, receptions can get even more creative: Lee suggests Medieval Times in Arundel Mills Mall as an option, as parking would not be as much of an issue, and the facility is well-equipped to handle large groups.

Also, the nature of the entertainment would provide an alternative to the traditional bouquet toss and garter retrieval, followed by the wedding DJ spinning Kool & The Gang’s ‘‘Celebration” for approximately the eight-millionth time.

But you’re looking for more class and less clash of metal on metal, one could explore the possibilities of any number of nearby historic sites — the National Mall in the District, for instance.

‘‘The view is breathtaking with the water in the front and the monument.

‘‘You could have your reception be on a historic site,” Lee said.

Another consideration to holding it at an unusual venue is the budgetary concerns of the couple.

‘‘If they came to me with a limited budget, which most of them do, we go right to work on how to make the most of the budget they have by showing them ways to save various aspects of their day ... Friday or Sunday event dates, discount services and do-it-yourself type instruction,” Morgan said.

However, if the bride is the do-it-yourself type, the idea of the barbecue-at-home-turned-wedding-reception may seem that much more appealing.

Joy Bogans of It’s A Joy Events in Laurel said that there are advantages to styling one’s own reception, as opposed to allowing the service packages do all the thinking for them.

‘‘If you have the time and knowledge, it can be fun and exciting,” she said.