Wedding Reception Tips
Lighting –
- Proper lighting is an essential element to consider when planning your wedding reception. It can make or break any event.
- Determine the desired lighting levels for dinner and dancing when you meet with your reception facility’s coordinator.
- Always keep soft lighting during dinner, as this creates a more comfortable atmosphere.
- Once everyone has finished their meal, dim the lights. This helps motivate your guests to dance.
- Consider light levels that will compliment any candles you plan to use.
- Ask that your lighting preferences be included in your contract with the facility.
- Choose a video company willing to use comfortable lighting, because you don’t want your guests to be squinting and covering their eyes throughout the reception.
Photography –
- Photography is another important thing to consider when planning your reception.
- Do select a photographer who has the professional skill to capture your special moments efficiently and unobtrusively.
Entertainment –
- Choosing a DJ may be one of the most important choices you will make when you prepare for your wedding reception.
- Once you’ve made this choice, sit down with your DJ to arrange the set up for your reception.
- Make sure your DJ has a reception planning form. Traditional reception events such as the grand entrance, toast, special dances, and the bouquet/garter toss must be carefully coordinated. A professional wedding DJ should have a comprehensive reception planning form that offers suggestions for formalities and music. If the DJ you’re considering doesn’t have one, find a DJ who does.
- Place your DJ next to the dance floor, as it maximizes your DJ’s ability to control the sound and interact with the dancers.
- Avoid seating guests between your DJ and the dance floor.
- Be wary of situations where the dance floor is located in another room or is difficult for your guests to access.
- Avoid facilities where you must share an area with restaurant diners or other parties. Those who aren’t attending your events may request that you lower the music levels. This can kill the energy at your event.
- Don’t try to select every song your DJ will play.
- Choose the song for your first dance and other songs for specific reception events.
- Tell your DJ what artists and styles of music to feature or avoid, but don’t micro-manage your DJ’s performance. A professional wedding DJ can ‘read the crowd’ and knows what and when to play selected songs that will keep the party going. More importantly, your DJ knows which requests clear the dance floor. You’re paying for your DJ’s knowledge and experience. Take advantage of it.
- Don’t rule out the Macarena! Think twice before you reject those so-called ‘cheesy’ group dances like the Macarena, Chicken Dance and YMCA. These dances may be the only opportunity some of your guests will have to get on the dance floor and have some fun.
- You don’t have to do the Hokey Pokey right after your first dance, but let your DJ keep all options open.
Grand Entrance –
- Invest quality time in planning your Grand Entrance. The Grand Entrance sets the tone and establishes the energy for the entire reception.
- Work closely with your DJ to stage a Grand Entrance that reflects your style and personality.
- Decide who will participate, where and in what order they will assemble, and finally, what, if anything they need to do.
- Clarify pronunciation of names, determine appropriate introductions for blended families, and, of course, select the perfect music.
First Dance –
- One of the special moments of the reception is the bride and groom’s first dance.
- Don’t wait forever to do your first dance and don’t do it forever.
- Having your first dance after the grand entrance, or right after dinner, is a great way to start the party.
- Don’t delay your first dance to visit with your guests. Doing so will deflate the energy of your reception.
- You’ve selected your favorite ballad, but that five-minute song may seem like an eternity both to you and your guests.
- Have your DJ fade out the song at a designated time if it continues more than a few minutes. Consider this rule when you dance with your parents.
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