Sometimes, wedding planning can feel like a frantic rush to try to do everything exactly “right” and “perfect.” Which, of course, can make even an expert planner stressed out! But at the end of the day, your wedding is all about you and your love…that’s the main point! So I have a few tips to help your reception run smoothly. And they’re all about planning and making choices that put your love first. After all, this may be the only time when all your favorite people are in the same place! So here are some tips to help your wedding reception run smoothly:
1. Hire a good DJ and/or a good wedding planner or wedding planner guide.
Can you remember a wedding with especially good transitions? No? Well, what about a wedding with especially bad transitions? You know, the buffet that got put away while you were still eating, the endless wait before the dancing got started, the frazzled maid of honor running around trying to wrangle people up for the bouquet toss.
Here’s the thing: the best weddings are seamless — you may never notice their transitions, and that’s a good thing! You want your wedding to flow naturally. Often, that means hiring or delegating to people that can take that burden away from you. Wedding receptions involve a lot of tiny, moving parts, and by hiring someone experienced, you benefit from that and get to take a break from all the stress of passing the mic and just enjoy your day…as you should!
Good DJs and wedding planners already know what to do to make your wedding reception run smoothly and when to transition, as well as how to read the room and get things moving. And if you’re not sure how to pick the right DJ, this article has some great ideas.
2. Ask or hire someone to guard your gifts.
Maybe it’s not a happy thought to envision someone stealing presents from a bride on her wedding day. But hey, it happens.You deserve one less thing to worry about on that special day.
Especially if your wedding takes place outside, in a conference area where multiple receptions are held at once (security guards don’t know who the host couple is “taking your gifts to the truck”), or somewhere else easily accessible to the general public, it’s good practice to either hire someone to guard your gifts or ask friends to help out in shifts. Don’t feel guilty, it’s another role for a friend whom you trust and love, but there wasn’t a spot for them elsewhere on your planning list. Your friends and loved ones want you to be able to relax!
There’s other benefits to having someone guard your gifts, too. Maybe your cousin who’s guarding the gifts can help remind you who brought that big red package where the tags fell off…or help stop that envelope from blowing away! Whatever your reception holds, it doesn’t hurt to have extra eyes on the gifts!
3. Plan a sunset photo break.
Hear me out: it’s 7 p.m., you’ve just finished a delicious dinner, you’re giddy on love and craving a quick break with your new spouse. This is the perfect time for a mini photo break!
I love these sunset reception photo breaks because they provide a little “escape” for the happy couple. It’s the perfect time to capture candid, intimate moments once you’re a little more relaxed. After all, you know you’ve already captured so many great photos with your wedding party — now you get to relax and cuddle up together and take advantage of that sunset lighting and one on one time to process your day.
Alone time really is rare during your wedding day, and I love it when couples get to be a little island together in the midst of all that joy. You can sort of “catch up” about the day. I recommend this even if it’s dark by the time you get a break — there are plenty of fun and creative ways to shoot at night. I have a few favorite light sources for nighttime that really add a fun, sweet element to the photos.
The most important reason to escape your wedding for a bit, is to chat about all the real, genuine moments of the day and the commitment you just made to each other. I am just there to help you get comfy in front of the camera and let you digest the day while I capture it.
4. Bring your “fun” shoes.
A reception is practically an athletic event compared to getting ready in the bridal suite or standing at the altar! You’ll be doing lots of dancing, walking, posing, bouquet tossing…so it’s worth it to wear something comfortable!
I love it when brides take a pair of fun shoes to wear for the reception. It’s a great way to show off your style and take some extra fun photos. After all, you deserve to be comfortable on a day this important. No one should be wincing with blisters on the way to their honeymoon!
Whether you love Crocs, Converse, or cowboy boots, your wedding reception is a perfect reason to invest in a pair of your favorite shoes — or bring along those nice, white, sparkly ones you’ve already broken in! And don’t worry about looking “fancy” enough. Everyone at your reception is there to support you, and they’ll be psyched to see you’re living your best life in comfort!
5. Customize your wedding reception to be perfect for you.
Here’s my question: why hold onto any traditions that you don’t love? Follow-up question: who says you can’t invent new traditions?
I especially enjoyed going to a wedding with a mini donut truck…I ate so many donuts! Dessert doesn’t have to be traditional, anyway! It’s one great way to celebrate what you love and make a memorable experience for your guests. If you like ice cream cake, get an ice cream cake. I know one happy couple who’s doing this!
If you know your friends will be working up an appetite and dancing into the wee hours of the morning, you might like the trend of bringing a fun food truck to the end of the reception. People can head home with a belly full of tacos or fried dough after all that fun!
Another fun idea is a photo booth! It doesn’t have to be a fancy machine from a company. You can set one up yourself with all your favorite props! Good lighting, goofy props, and a camera is all you need to help your guests make memories that’ll always make them smile.
I think a big part of the fun is getting to share your love story. So go ahead, order a million of those churros you had on your first date. Make some fun jean jackets with your nicknames for each other. Create a signature drink together. Find a fun party dress to switch into at the reception. Step out of the box and into your story, and you’ll have the best time!
At the end of the day, the best way to have a good day really is to plan ahead. Stay organized, and have some fun incorporating the fun little details that make you “you.” It’s all about setting yourself up for success by being considerate of your future self — she will be giddy, in love and TIRED! You deserve this to be the most AMAZING day it can be — so take note of these tips to help your wedding reception run smoothly and reap the rewards later!