When most brides think of decorating the reception site, they naturally think first of the room where dinner will be served. That is certainly the biggest part of the reception venue, but it is not the only part of the space that your guests are going to see. Complete your decorating scheme by giving some attention to the other parts of the reception venue, such as the entryway, the hallways, and even the restrooms.
The first impression that your guests have of your reception will be made as they enter the site. To make the first impression a good one, spend some time sprucing up the entryway. If your reception is in a hotel, you would focus your attention on the entrance to the ballroom that you are using. For a smaller site, you can dress up the outside door.
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Wreaths and garlands make lovely ornaments for doors and doorways. A pair of wreaths on the door to your site makes a welcoming first impression (it also looks wonderful on the doors of a church). Wreaths can be round, square, or even formed in the initials of the bride and groom (Perhaps that is not technically a wreath). They can be simple greenery, such as boxwood or pine boughs, or more elaborate displays featuring your wedding colors and flowers. Suspend them from a beautiful wide satin ribbon for a great finishing touch.
Garlands are very versatile, and look romantic draped over doorways, wrapped around bannisters, or even dripping in trees. Another great use of a garland is to drape it across the front of the long table used by the bridal party (I did this at my wedding, and it was really beautiful). Spice up simple greens with scattered flowers and intertwined ribbons to make the garlands extra special.
A hot trend right now is decorating the hallways of the reception site. Think beyond just placing a vase of flowers on a side table in the hall. For a truly spectacular look, use small containers of flowers on the floor to line both sides of the hallway. An evening wedding would be even grander with little votive candles suspended from the ceiling in glass holders. (Do not put the candles on the floor of an inside site because someone might bump into them and start a fire. My aunt walked down an aisle lined with votives at her wedding, and nearly caught the hem of her dress on fire!)
Your female guests will spend a lot of time in the powder room freshening up, so turn it into a pleasant environment. You can turn a basic restroom into a mini-oasis by bringing your wedding theme into that often neglected space. When your attendants are in there comparing their bridesmaid gifts and complaining about how their shoes pinch, they should at least be able to do it in a beautiful bathroom. (For the record, you can avoid hard feelings by giving bridesmaid gifts of equal value to each attendant.) Fresh flowers are a must, but go the extra step by putting out soft hand towels, pretty soaps, and scented candles.
The other area to remember is the bar. Any items placed on the bar are likely to just be in the way, but you can make the area livelier with topiaries or potted trees on the floor nearby. Twinkling white lights will always look pretty in a topiary (use the battery powered kind so you don't need an outlet nearby). Since the cocktails are really what matters at the bar, speak to the bartender about custom garnishes, and use monogrammed cocktail napkins for a little special touch.
The reception site is about much more than the dinner area. Your guests will spend lots of time in the other parts of the venue over the course of the evening. If you take the time to decorate the outlying areas as carefully as the main room, it will make your wedding that much more fabulous.