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, engagement parties and nightclubs. I’ve compiled my top tips about how to make sure your reception is a party!
Turn off the big lights, and bring on the coloured lights and string 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 adds a certain ‘oomph’ rather than just a dark background, and allows me to create those coloured light drags if you like that look!
Give guests a novelty to use on the dancefloor
Heart-shaped sunnies, novelty hats, wigs, temporary tattoos, polaroid/disposable cameras, glowsticks – 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
It is SO important to hire a DJ or band 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 and can get the party going exactly how you want it to.
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!).
Get yourselves on the dancefloor!
Guests usually want to be around the newlywed couple and will often join you if you’re on the dancefloor, especially if you’re both letting loose, and 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, 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 banger and have your guests join you! You can also get your wedding party to surround you two to help kickstart the dance party and fill the floor.
Consider an outfit change or put your dancing shoes on
Get into something a bit more comfortable and a little more party-time! Throw off your jacket and loosen your tie! Bustle your dress or change into a shorter dress that’s easier to dance in. Anything with sparkles or sequins that’ll glitter under the lights and in front of my camera’s flash are an extra fab choice. This is also a great time to show off an embroidered or customised jacket if that’s your thing!
Get out of your heels and stuffy dress shoes and into something you can comfortably dance in! Popular reception shoes are white or sequined sneakers (DIY’d or bought), worn-in Docs, thongs, or sometimes even just bare feet if you’re game.
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 I’ll get a little groove in too!)
Get in touch for a no-obligation wedding consult!
Follow the party~!
