Engagement season is right around the corner, so even if you aren’t currently wedding planning… well, you may be soon. And nailing down all the major elements beforehand can save you some trouble down the line. One of the most important vendors to hire for your wedding day? The photographer.
Meshing well with someone who can accurately memorialize your day is a must. Working with them on creating a checklist of all the right shots may seem daunting at first, but it’s much easier than waiting until the big day. So, here are some wedding reception pictures ideas and how to achieve a pictorial wedding day with your photographer.
Capturing the Party at Your Reception
You may think the bulk of your photos are done before and right after the ceremony, but it’s just as crucial to capture your reception, right up to your wedding exit. This is the part of the party where you finally get to mingle with your loved ones and truly celebrate your union. And you’ll want to look back on all of your hard work, from the decor to the wedding cake.Â
Plus, many couples note how quickly the whole day seems to go by, so these photos may be your big chance to see moments you missed or relive your favorite ones. Another great way to ensure you see it all? Using a photo sharing site or QR codes so that your friends and family snap shots from their own perspective. Viewing it through their eyes can give you a fun POV of your day, and maybe even some candid memories that you’ll treasure long after the wedding weekend ends. This is one of those wedding reception photo ideas that makes things a little more interactive for your loved ones.
Why Have a Wedding Photography Checklist?
While your photographer may have a checklist of their own, working together ensures every important moment to you (as the couple) is captured. Planning for this ahead of time also eases the stress, so your wedding day can be focused on just having fun. It’s also a chance for you and your photographer to be on the same page about any special reception activities you have planned, and to set them up so they’re prepared for every possible moment.Â
Looping in your other vendors, like a wedding planner or day-of coordinator, will offer an extra route of communication for your photographer as well. Your team wants you and your future spouse to have the time of your lives, not running around worrying if they snapped the big moments. This kind of collaboration and coordination sets realistic expectations for everyone, and it will also benefit your time management for the busy day.
Pro Tips for Perfect Reception Photos
Oftentimes, a couple’s first experience with professional photography is at the wedding itself. And you chose your photog for good reason, like their editing style or uncanny ability to take candid snapshots that look cinematic. They’ll help guide you (or let the moment play out), but here are some extra tips for ensuring your reception photos are memorable:
- Plan your day around the lighting: Natural light or the right indoor lighting can truly make a scene pop, and depending on your reception venue, you can fully utilize a glowing golden hour streaming into your space or hire a lighting expert to transform your decor.
- Ask your photographer for a mix of shots: And no, we don’t mean drinks. Not every wedding photo needs to be posed and perfect. Sometimes, the unexpected moments are even more special, so ask your photographer to capture a bit of both, especially during the exciting party, AKA the reception.
- Consider a second shooter: If you’re planning a long wedding day, speak with your photographer about a second shooter. This can ensure each gets a timely break throughout the day, or you can get multiple vantage points of key points. Plus, a second shooter can be extremely helpful in wrangling up your wedding party, family, and other guests for photos.
- Be flexible: Even the best wedding days don’t go exactly to plan, but that’s okay! In fact, many couples end up relishing the surprises. If there’s rain, lean into it with clear umbrellas in your photo shoot. If your hair and makeup aren’t done in time, ask your photographer to snag some getting-ready photos of your spouse-to-be. Everything has a solution, and sometimes, the best things are unplanned.
Reception Venue
No matter where you’re celebrating after tying the knot, a shot of the reception venue is key. Ask your photographer about both indoor and outdoor shots, along with some couples’ portraits around the venue, for an exciting new setting. You can also include some shots of any venue signage, outdoor decorations, and any unique elements (like if a venue is in a picturesque location or overlooks the city skyline).
Wedding Details
Your photographer may have spent some time before the ceremony taking detail shots of your rings, bouquet, and other ceremony accessories, but you can’t forget all the details (both big and small) from your reception. Here are some things to consider, along with any other unique decorations and accents, to add to the mix:
- Place cards/escort cards
- Guest book (or alternative)
- Centerpieces
- Floral arrangements
- Decorations
- Table settings
- Favors table
- Seating chart
- Sweethearts table
- Champagne glasses
- Invitations/stationery flat lay
Wedding Party and Newlyweds’ Entrance
Here it is, the moment where you two enter the reception as newlyweds! Catching this on film or even in still photos is well worth it. Add these other moments to your checklist, too:
- Couple arriving at the reception
- Receiving line moments
- Couple and their wedding party sitting at the head/sweetheart table
- Parents' table
- Guests' tables
Friends, Family, and Loved Ones
You might not get a chance to spend a lot of time with and thank everyone in person for coming to your wedding, so photos of these reception activities will give you something to look back on:
- Friends and family’s toasts
- Newlyweds sipping champagne
- Couple's families mingling with each other during dinner
- Couple saying hello to their guests
Wedding Reception Menu
One of the most anticipated parts of your best day ever? That delicious food. Whether you have a buffet, sit-down meal, or even a late-night food truck, ensure your photographer snags a few photos of your food/catering and any special signage that goes along with it.
‍
Reception Activities
From dancing to special entertainers, make sure your photographer highlights this portion of your wedding. Feel free to include any other activities, like the shoe game, interactive food stations, or entertainment:
- Couple's first dance
- Parents dancing
- Parent dances with the couple (such as father-daughter dance or mother-son dance)
- Newlywed games
- Choreographed dances (like the wedding party and bride/groom)
- Dancers/singers/live music
- Cultural ceremonies/dances/entertainment
Dance Floor
Time to let loose on the dance floor! For any low-key weddings with fewer dancing, you can also include in your shot list whatever other activities you’ll be having in place of these:
- Dance floor accessories (like glow lights, party hats, etc.)
- Wedding party dancing
- Grandparents dancing
- Kids playing or dancing
- Musicians or DJ doing their thing
- Guests celebrating on the dance floor
- Couple dancing with guests on the dance floor
Cake Cutting and Desserts
You can’t forget one of the key pieces of the reception: the wedding cake. It’s vital to grab some photos before you cut into the masterpiece:
- Wedding cake or dessert table
- Cake cutting moment
- Couple feeding each other cake
- Slices of the cake/dessert
Newlyweds’ Exit
How can it be over already? Before the end of the night, ensure these are on the checklist so those final wedding day moments live on forever:
- Guests throwing petals, waving sparklers, etc.
- Fireworks finale
- Couple leaving reception
- Couple waving from vehicle
- Back of vehicle departing (especially with cans/”Just Married” sign)
