Reception Space Details
About 15 minutes prior to Introductions, I like to pop into the Reception space and photograph the details, untouched by guests, when all of the candles are lit and everything is in it’s place, ready for the evening to begin.
Tips
Make sure to have the wicks of your candles trimmed before they’re lit. If not, the flames are too high and if the candles are inside glass holders or a votive, the rim of the glass turns black and gets very hot. This could shatter the glass.
Ensure your guests have enough space to back up their chairs to get up from their tables, move around the room to mingle, and enjoy themselves even if they do not wish to dance. It’s not easy when spaces are tight and guests are backing their chairs into one another and don’t even want to get up because they feel trapped.
As the venue staff or use the SunSeeker App where the sun will be setting if your space has windows. If possible, place your sweetheart or head table at a 90° angle from the sun so that your table is illuminated by the sun from the side. If you’re staring right into the setting sun, you’ll be squinting, and if the sun is behind you, you’ll be silhouetted. If it’s not possible to place the table in this fashion, don’t worry, I will of course still be able to photograph and capture good pictures! This is just a piece of advice, if it’s possible to do.
Time Allotment: 15-20 minutes
Design Advice
Choose your color scheme based on what will compliment the venue, not what you necessarily like, what you see on Pinterest, or even what your favorite colors are. Trust me, you’ll like the look of everything much more if it makes sense, is cohesive, and flows nicely. Work with the space, not against it. I love to try and help with design and color so feel free to reach out to me if you are having trouble seeing it all come together, and be sure to read over my tips for creating a well-curated Wedding style.
Consider dimension, height, shapes, and layers. When considering your centerpieces, floral arrangements should be under 14” or over 20” high so guests can see each other across the table and chat. You want them to be sensible and pleasing to the eye. Consider your overall vibe and theme when designing the centerpieces. Are you keeping it simple or lush and extravagant? If you’re having round tables, a square base at the bottom of your centerpiece would be nice to break things up a bit, especially with round plates and round glasses. Think about the size of your tables too. You don’t want to clutter things up and overwhelm your guests with something large, but substantial enough that it doesn’t seem misplaced and random.
Fresh flowers are amazing obviously, but there are many other ideas for decorating. Candles, potted plants, glass elements, vintage bottles and vases, old books, fruit and cheese platters even! Decorating with food is awesome and makes people say WOW. Think about the feel you’re trying to provide your guests. Think about what they may like to enjoy while seated at their tables.
Twinkle lights!! These are seriously the best and add such magic to a space, as well as to your photographs.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you absolutely love it and make it your own!