Sure, you go to a reception and expect some dancing, a nice meal and a few traditional gestures, but wait — there’s more.

Kiss the old garter toss and cut the cake moment goodbye: Today’s brides and grooms are hosting their wedding receptions with new twists on the old standbys. They’re expressing who they are as a couple with a host of new ways to celebrate, and more than ever before they want their guests to have as much fun as they are having.

We’re not suggesting every celebration requires a fireworks display, but there are some novel ways to break from the norm and make your event more memorable. Here are eight great ideas:

1. New twists on toasting: Rather than have toasts come at the beginning of the reception meal, doing the toasts in between courses is becoming more popular. This way, guests stay seated instead of getting up on the dance floor and there’s “entertainment” while they’re waiting for the next course to arrive.

A special toast from the groom to his bride is also a big trend. One bride we know said it was her favorite part of the entire wedding. Alternatively, toasts from the bride and groom together to their guests are a sophisticated way for the newlyweds to thank their friends and family verbally. This is especially true as more couples host and pay for their own weddings.

2. Hiring an artist or fortune-teller: To get guests in on the fun, some couples are hiring artists to create caricatures, sketches or trendy black hand-cut silhouettes of guests during the cocktail hour and throughout the reception. While the dancing is in full swing, guests can take a break and have their likenesses created, then take away a stylish memento.

Alternatively, fortune-tellers or palm readers are also popular additions to the event for predicting wonderful developments (“You will meet your husband at this wedding …”) for curious party-goers.

3. Photo booths: There can never be too many pictures of the big day, and a great way to capture the spirit of the event (and supplement the wedding photographer’s shots) is by renting a photo booth. Friends and family can really ham it up and create great keepsakes from the evening — for themselves and for the couple.

Another idea is to set up a photo area by creating a backdrop so that guests can stop by and get playful portraits snapped by a photographer.

4. Colorful decor: For a striking visual punch, the latest trend in reception decor is to pick a distinct color theme. Whether it’s a hip color combo like red and pink or just one simple hue like white, these palettes are transforming humdrum rooms into sophisticated settings where all the elements — flowers, table linens, hanging lanterns — seem to fall into place. Some couples are even going so far as serving signature drinks in their reception colors.

5. A dramatic dance: Rather than just get out on the dance floor and go through the motions, many brides and grooms take professional dance lessons to prepare for their big night. However, we’re now seeing couples go several steps further (literally) by mastering intricate, choreographed moves — from tango to disco — that they can show off at the reception for their first dance together.

6. Bountiful dessert tables: Many couples are opting to forgo the wedding cake for an impressive display of their favorite desserts. From chocolate fountains to cupcakes, dessert becomes an activity as guests help themselves to the goodies.

We’re even seeing whimsical “candy bars,” where an assortment of fun treats from gummy bears to lollipops is presented, with little sacks for guests to fill up themselves.

7. Lounging areas: Creating a swanky lounge area with a sofa and chairs where guests can hang out at the end of the reception is a trend that’s been gaining popularity since the cigar bar craze. A new take on the lounge idea is adding a self-serve port wine and artisanal cheese station — an oh-so-chic way to wind down the evening. Handmade chocolates are also being offered for those with a sweet tooth.

8. Fabulous send-offs: As guests depart from the reception, many thoughtful hosts are sending them off with a breakfast bag — a new take on the old wedding favor idea. Filled with bagels and cream cheese or OJ and scones, the bags are put on a table by the door. Guests leave with the treats and a cute note thanking them for attending the special day. See TheKnot.com/favors for a gallery of great ideas.

For those who want to keep the party going into the wee hours, the bride and groom are capping off the reception with a lively parting song and then leading guests (those who wish to continue the merrymaking) to the after-party venue.