If you want your wedding day to stand out, the most effective way is to elevate your wedding reception. As a wedding photographer, I’ve observed couples doing this in many fun and unique ways! From customizing your decor to hiring your favorite local band for the evening, you can ensure your reception is unforgettable by adding a few personal touches. Read on for four of my favorite ways!
How to Elevate Your Wedding Reception
Include Your Guests in the Fun
A surefire way to ensure your guests have an incredible time at your wedding reception is to involve them directly in the evening. There are endless ways to do this, so it’s entirely dependent on your personality as a couple! For example, Courtney and Michael asked their guests to photo-bomb them during a seated photo op. This trend has been catching on recently, and as a photographer, I think it’s so fun!
Another way to involve your guests is to get a customized prop or costume piece for them to wear in photos. Hannah and Jake customized pairs of sunglasses, then asked me to photograph their guests wearing them! Not only was this a ton of fun for their guests, but it also gave Hannah and Jake a visual guest book to enjoy.
Decor with Personal Touches
Rather than selecting typical decor, you can easily elevate your wedding reception by personalizing certain pieces, like cocktail napkins or drink menus. Another detail you can personalize is the dessert or late-night snacks, especially if you plan to have a groom’s cake! For example, Ashley and Hayden personalized their dessert table by ordering a hunting-themed groom’s cake with a realistic duck topper. Hayden loves hunting, so it was the perfect way to tie his personality and interests into the celebration!
Hire a Live Painter
Hiring a live painter to paint you and your partner at your wedding reception provides entertainment for the evening and a cherished keepsake. Lauren and Nathan did this, and it was a hit! Their guests loved watching the painting slowly come to life all evening long. The art was even more special because a local Bloomington artist (and former classmate of Lauren’s mom!) created it. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the beautiful final product!
Hire a Live Band
We’ve all been to weddings with DJs, but few of us have had the experience of dancing the night away to the sounds of a live band. Sarah and Andrew hired the Indianapolis-based band My Yellow Rickshaw for their reception, and the energy on the dance floor all night was unmatched! My Yellow Rickshaw plays events all over Indy, including weddings, and specializes in genres as diverse as bluegrass and R&B. They’re sure to give you and your guests an unforgettable evening!
If your goal is to elevate your wedding reception, there are ways to fit any personality and budget. An old-fashioned photo bomb is simple and low-cost, while hiring a live band is an investment in a memorable experience for yourself and your guests. As a wedding photographer, I love to help couples brainstorm ways to do this—especially ones that involve taking photos! I photograph weddings all over Indiana and the Midwest, and I would be honored to capture your love story next. Inquire today to learn more about my services!
