Wedding Wish #10

Wedding Wishes

My business is wedding photography. Therefore, I have been to… uhm, a couple weddings you could say, (sarcasm), and consider myself a sort of artist of the evening. I feel it’s my job to best equip you with things to consider that will affect your photos. You want them to be fabulous; I want them to be fabulous. So, let’s work together to ensure that we won’t run into any hurdles on the way… or the day of.

Wedding Wish #10- Cut down the reception time… you want your guests leaving after you, not before you

The key to ensuring your guests, bridal parties, family, etc. have a great time at your wedding reception is to keep things short and sweet and schedule a good flow of events. Whether you are just having a piano reception or full on dj and dancing, keep things scheduled in 30 min-an hour increments. Don’t allow long lulls of nothing going on. You may think your guests want to dance all night long with you; the truth is… they don’t… even the craziest of dance parties must be brought to an end. Most likely your family and friends have been with you, being supportive/ entertaining/ whatever you need, for most of the day, now let them go home. You want guests leaving and saying how fun it was and what a great time they had, bummer it’s over, NOT thinking, OH thank GOODNESS, it’s almost time to go home, or how it’s finally over. Let them leave happy! My recommendations: piano reception- 2 hours, dancing night reception- 4 hours. You’ll also have a fabulous exit with lots of people to cheer and celebrate you on your way at the end of the night… and that make’s great photos J

Of course, there are things that effect receptions like your culture, religion, sit down 4 course dinner, buffet dinner, cake & mints, alcohol/ no alcohol, etc. Just be gracious of your guests and their time.

Tip: Keep guests there until the end by scheduling your last event, usually the bouquet/ garter toss, 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to make your grand exit. After that you’ll see a lot of people heading for the door.

And because pictures are fun…. Do you think this photo happened at 9:00pm or midnight??