Guide to Wedding Reception Photography
I’m not sure why this image works – it just does… Whether it’s the lady on the left, seemingly raising her fascinator, or the hand holding a bottle near the camera, giving it a ‘point of view’ feel. I think the combination of everything makes it an excellent overview shot that illustrates the wedding drinks reception.
Wedding Day Overlaps
At the drinks reception, there is often an overlap with the other parts of the wedding day. Because the couple sometimes go straight from the ceremony into their reception, many elements of the day can come together almost at once:
This could be the ideal opportunity for the confetti shots. If both the ceremony and the reception are in the same venue, it will almost certainly be. Many guests want to congratulate the couple at the reception. See Chapter 6 – Confetti & Congratulations for more on these aspects of the day.
I also regularly photograph the posed shots at the reception. A short section about this is further down the page.
I am constantly looking for displays of love and affection at the drinks reception. The connection between the groom and his best man is apparent in this natural photograph.
First Chance to Relax
One constant at the drinks reception is that drinks and, usually, canapés are served. Most formalities are over, and the couple takes a well-earned breath and mixes with their family and friends properly for the first time. It is the first chance for the photographer to capture the newlyweds together in a more relaxed environment.
I’ve no idea what bride Suzie and her guests were laughing about, but I love to capture natural wedding-day moments like this at the reception.
Creating Wedding Day Memories
The drinks reception is perfect for natural, true reportage photography. The more you have going on, the more the photographer has to work with. Photography is all about creating memories… Fun additions such as a dressing-up box for the children (and grown-ups!), live music and even a magician are all popular ways to ensure your day is truly unforgettable. There are so many diverse and different ideas these days. There are 95 amazing wedding ideas to check out via that website link.
Magician Nicholas Clement added interest at Rachel and Greg’s wedding at the Ned in London, enabling me to produce a more diverse range of photographs for them. He was an excellent addition to the day.
Happy couple Helen and Dale pose with their reception band at Winchester House in London. The duo only played at the reception, as there was a DJ in the evening, but they created a lovely atmosphere for the couple to socialise.
Outdoor Wedding Receptions
The location also plays a huge part. Many venues have beautiful outdoor spaces that can be used in nice weather. They will usually offer this, but if not, do ask. Occasionally, the outdoor area may be out of bounds unless a specific package is ordered or the wedding ceremony is held there.
An upstairs window is ideal for shooting a good overview of the reception and location – every group of people tells a different story. It’s also a great spot to direct the couple and their guests for a group portrait.
Posed Shots: Informal
At the reception, guests often request small, informal group shots, and I am very happy to accommodate them. The shot below is a good example, and I’m sure that had I asked them to pose, it wouldn’t have looked as fun and relaxed.
Wedding portraits don’t need to be posed. These shaded sisters were having a sunny garden catch-up when I caught them. Notice how the outdoors creates a totally different feel. This reception took place at the couple’s home.
This is a typical shot of guests at a wedding. With the alcohol in full flow, people relax more and are up for a bit of monkeying around.
Posed Shots: Formal
The drinks reception is an excellent time for me to take the couple’s posed shots, particularly if the ceremony and reception are at the same venue. I like to keep this short, as it can disrupt the flow of the day, but some posed shots are usually required. However, I’m happy to be led by the couple, and if they are happy and their guests are too, then I’ve no problem extending it a bit. Posed photographs mean more to some couples than others. See my chapter on posed wedding photographs for more information.
Tara’s Indian wedding was at her parents’ house. The dining room provided the perfect backdrop for the posed photos at the reception.
I snapped this while photographing the group shots at the drinks reception. He was holding the extra glasses for other guests, and we both saw the humour in the situation.
Drinks Reception Top Tip:
Sometimes (i.e., fairly often), events run a little late, which may limit time for drinks. Venues should allow for this; some are very strict about timings, especially for dinner. So check with the venue beforehand about what will happen should things overrun. This can depend on the caterers’ flexibility, so if you’re hiring them separately, check with them as well.
At the reception, I spent a lot of time photographing the couple’s interactions with their guests. Here, the bride is overjoyed to meet up with a close relative.
When the groom and his friends saw me taking a photo here, they came together, and I captured this lovely shot of mates having a good time.
Wedding Details & Trimmings
This is also a good time to take some detail shots of the dining room and the dinner tables before everyone sits down for dinner. I try to photograph the place settings, flowers, cake, and anything else included to help make the day so special.
Sometimes, the wedding planner or venue manager shows the couple the dining room before the guests arrive. I accompany them where possible to take some reaction photographs as they see the room for the first time.
At the reception venue, Tanya and her mum spotted the cake in situ for the first time. After they finished, I took a few photos of the cake on its own.
Old meets young: I love photos of the more mature guests with the very young. It’s such a delight to witness meetings across generations. I took a sequence of this pair at the finger buffet reception.
Turning the tables: I have no problem with guest photography and encourage it, as it can yield some interesting shots. These two are unaware that they are being photographed from both sides!
Some photographers avoid shooting into the sun, but I embrace it. Bright sunshine has an interesting effect here, although the bride’s dress loses the details.
At the drinks reception, I always look for spontaneous acts of affection.
It’s funny what effect a couple of drinks can have. However, I don’t think Melissa and her bridesmaid generally had any problems letting their hair down!
A quiet moment between father and daughter. This was at a garden reception in Cardiff.
Chapter 10: The Wedding Breakfast – Food & Speeches – Next>>>>
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