The party is here!! Receptions can be a blast! However, it’s important to make sure that you have your event well thought out. This is the job of your coordinator and your DJ/Band. Your caterer will also play a big role in the design and set up of your event. Every aspect of your reception affects the overall outline of the evening. I’m happy to help you create this timeline to capture all the images you would like while still allowing a fun experience for your guests.
Much like the ceremony, you have the freedom to make your reception your own! It’s your party, it should be exactly how you want it to be! Here is a list of some key events that happen often at receptions:
RECEPTION DETAILS
Bridal Party Introductions
First Dance
Daddy-Daughter Dance
Mother-Son Dance
Anniversary Dance
Money Dance
Traditional Religious Dances
Welcome by Father of the Bride
Blessing
Cake Cutting
Toasts
Bouquet and Garter Toss
Large group portraits with friends
The exit of the Bride and Groom
Reception Tips
One thing to keep in mind is that your photographers will need to have a vendor meal ready when the bridal party is eating. This way we are not photographing you eating (because no one wants those shots). If we are served after ALL the guests, then we will typically be eating during the toasts or first dance. If you let the coordinators know that you would like your photographers to eat right after the wedding party or have their meals ready at the same time as the bride and groom, then nothing will be missed and you will be maximizing your photography time.
Meal Timing
GUEST CONSIDERATION :
Take your guests into consideration when planning your timeline. If you have a lot of elderly guests that will not be staying until the very end, make sure you schedule the cake cutting at a relatively early time so that they can be a part of it. Grandma’s love seeing this sweet tradition!
KEEP IT MOVING :
Chat with your coordinator about how you can plan your reception in a way that will keep guests engaged and moving all night!
MAKE IT YOUR OWN : If you want to have a special dance with your grandparents, do it! Make your reception a reflection of who you are and don’t feel tied to traditions. Also, make sure you give your DJ or Band a “Do Not Play” list if there are some songs you really don’t want to hear during your reception!
DON’T GET CAUGHT UP in the formalities and the details. Sure, details are pretty and fun to photo- graph, but they can steal the joy of the day if you get too caught up in them. (Just speaking from experience here) Plan your centerpieces, welcome table, etc. well before the wedding date, and teach your coordinator or family friend how to set them up so that you aren’t even thinking about those things the day of!
RECEPTION COVERAGE : If you haven’t purchased enough coverage time for your photography to last until the exit, that’s ok! We have several options! (See next page!) I recommend planning your timeline so that you can have at least one hour of dancing photographed. The guests who dance during the first hour will still be dancing in the third hour! One hour of dancing will be enough time to really capture the joy of your reception!
