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. For example, if you’re not having a plated meal, your reception will need to be set up in a way that allows movement. Guests will need to be able to find the food stations easily and there will be a mixture of dinner tables and hightop cocktail tables. This will encourage guests to mix and mingle. If you are having a plated dinner, you will more than likely need escort cards, full place settings and space for all of your guests to be seated comfortably. Whatever the style of your event, make sure that you plan out all of the events of the evening. Your coordinator and DJ can help you set up the evening so that guests won’t leave early or experience long periods of waiting for the next thing to happen. 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.
RECEPTION TIPS
Your coordinator and DJ should take care of making sure that everything stays on schedule so that you can enjoy your night. Here are some helpful tips that will help your reception flow smoothly.
- 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.
- 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. Some traditions don’t hold meaning anymore but couples end up doing them because they think that is what’s expected. I’m seeing a lot less bouquet and garter tosses and haven’t seen a sixpence in years!
- During the reception I tend to shoot very candidly. I typically do not take photos of each table of guests, but if this is something you really want please let me know. It’s also a great idea to have someone that can point out the VIPs, that way I can be sure to grab some photos of them.
SPARKLER EXITS
The sparklers you use make all the difference! I recommend buying 36 inch sparklers which usually last about four minutes. There are so many advantages to these. They burn brighter and provide more light, it also gives you ample time to make your exit instead of sprinting the whole way, and you can stop towards the middle of the line and kiss without worry that they will go out. Extra time also means more photos!