Wedding Guide: How to make sure your wedding reception is a PARTY!
Til Death Do Us Party!
After the formalities of your ceremony and portraits have been lovingly done and dusted, are you hoping for your guests to get on the dancefloor, let down their hair and make it a night to remember?
As a photographer, I’ve observed and photographed countless wedding receptions and engagement parties. I’ve compiled my top tips about how to make sure your reception is a party!
Dim the lights, add coloured lights
It can feel a little awkward to start busting moves under bright lights (unless you’re a confident dancer or maybe have had some liquid courage); I’ve seen that this often has guests shying away from the dancefloor and opting to instead sit and watch.
Get your venue to turn out all or most of the lights, leaving just the lights from your DJ or any other ambient light source such as fairy lights or a neon sign (bonus points for multiple neon signs, they create such a vibeee!).
I always notice a much bigger turnout as soon as the lights are switched off and the party lights come on. It also makes your reception photos look even better with background ambiance because it allows me to create those coloured light drags!
Give guests a novelty to use on the dancefloor
Heart-shaped sunnies, funny hats, wigs, temporary tattoos, polaroid/disposable cameras – anything to give your guests something to do with their hands, and something fun to take photos with. They’ll usually want to spend more time on the dancefloor to join others in the fun and silliness.
Hire a DJ or band who gets your vibe
Hire a DJ who understands your vibe and vision, and who can suss when the right time is to start playing party bangers that suit (almost) all ages.
A lot of DJs today also offer MC services, so they’ll get on the mic and know how to hype up your guests and encourage them to join the dancefloor (or you can get your most extroverted wedding party member to do the honours). I once saw a DJ join guests on the dancefloor to lead the Nutbush. Interaction like that is perfect!
Get yourselves on the dancefloor!
Guests usually want to be around the newlywed couple and will often join you if you’re tearing up the dancefloor, especially if you’re both letting loose, and/or making the rounds to dance or belt out a fave song with other guests.
Request a song from your DJ, get on down to the middle of the dancefloor and sing it loud! It’s your party, yew!!
Once speeches have finished, or cake has been cut and you’re ready for the dancefloor to open – get someone on the mic to announce for all guests to join you two on the dancefloor. Your DJ, MC, best mate, or even yourself can announce it!
Some couples opt to do this right after their first dance, especially if the first dance is something you’re not too keen on for a full song; have your DJ phase in a fun song and have your guests join you! You can also get your wedding party to surround you first to help kickstart the dance party.
Consider an outfit change or put your dancing shoes on
Get into something a bit more comfortable or a little more party-time! Shorter dresses, flowy dresses that are easier to dance in, and anything with sparkles or sequins that’ll glitter under the lights and in front of my camera’s flash are a fab choice. This is also a great time to show off your embroidered jacket if that’s your thing.
Check out House Of CB, Vivid Dresses, Showpo, Noodz Boutquie, Princess Polly, Meshki or even hire a dress!
Get out of your heels and stuffy dress shoes and into something you can comfortably dance in! Trending reception shoes are white or sequined sneakers (DIY’d or bought), worn-in Docs, thongs, or sometimes even just bare feet.
Choose a photographer who will help your guests to feel comfortable
A photographer who you vibe well with will help you and your guests to feel comfortable to dance, drink and be merry in front of the camera!
And if all else fails – you can’t go wrong with the Australian party classics!
You know the ones – Nutbush and the Macarena! Do we even know the origin story of how an American song about Tennessee became such an Australian classic? I don’t, but somehow that first note summons us all to the dancefloor. (I for one do wish the Monster Mash was played at more receptions tbh).
Get in touch for a no-obligation wedding consult!
Follow the party~!
