Planning a Photogenic Wedding - Part 3
Today’s post is part three of a three part series, courtesy of Darbi G. of Darbi G. Photography. Darbi is a recent bride in addition to being a wedding photographer herself. This gives her a very unique perspective on wedding planning. You can find her blog here. Stacy Reeves of Dallas, Texas provided the gorgeous photography.
Be sure to read part 1 and part 2 of this series for other great suggestions on making your wedding photography fabulous!
7. Receptions should be the icing on the cake.
This is the time in which you, as the bride and groom, can really make an impression. Good food, free drinks…those are great to have. But the one piece of advice I can give to you… is… if you can’t a afford a kick-butt cover band (we couldn’t!!) HIRE A DJ.
I know, it’s probably tempting to save the $700-800 and get a friend to just push play on that iPod. But a good DJ can make a difference. If I’ve heard one thing about our wedding time and again, it’s that our DJ, James Cloyd of Complete Music, absolutely ROCKED. Seriously. He worked the reception and I didn’t have to worry about a thing. The guests had TONS OF FUN. Because of him!
The timeline of the reception had a lot to do with it. I’ve been to many receptions at which it’s stop and go all night. And the dancing that everyone wants to do just keeps getting pushed back. Before the bride and groom know it, everyone but a few close friends have bailed.
I asked my DJ to write our own timeline. I told him what all I wanted to do, but I wanted him to put it in the order that he, as a DJ, thought would work best for the guests. And he loved that I asked it! Because now he could finally use his own expertise. Man, he NAILED it.
This was the order of our events. And it went sooo smoothly. I highly, highly, highly recommend taking this to your DJ and discussing it with them to make the perfect timeline for your wedding.
- Cocktail hour (while wedding party was getting pics taken)
- Guests take seats/wedding party introduced
- Bride & groom immediately cut cake (only cut it…don’t serve it!! Be sure to let the photographer know in advance so that they can get photos of the cake before it is cut, and so that they are ready to take the cake-cutting pictures.)
- Father of bride does welcome toast
- Blessing
- Dinner served
- Toasts
- B&G restroom break/make rounds to visit
- Cake is served
- While people are eating cake:
- Specialty dances (the bride & groom’s first dance, father/daughter, mother/son)
- Bouquet and garter toss
- Wedding party dance to open up the dance floor
- Dance set of music
- Second set: During this time, I urge you to go outside or somewhere on premises somewhere with your photographer for a few more shots of just the two of you - like the photo at the end of this post
- Dollar dance or any other traditions like this
- DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!!!
By pushing everything that is considered an “event” into the beginning, this keeps the momentum going. If people want to dance, they will get their chance without having to wait all night long…or without having to start dancing…get in the groove…and then have to abandon the dance floor so you can throw your bouquet, etc.
And don’t be afraid to spice up the reception even more with your own customs, or fun things like a candy toss for the kids (so they don’t have to steal the bouquet/garter belt) etc. Again, use your wedding as a way to show guests who you both are!! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime party that you are throwing for those you love the most. At Darbi & Neil’s Wedding, a friend of theirs performed a special song just for them!
If you have any questions or comments about what I’ve recommended, please share! Or any of your own tips??? Spill the beans!
I hope every bride and groom gets their perfect day. It’s such a great way to start off a life together!
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