Three Things: Keeping people at your reception
"No, I'm talking about taking control. Like I do every day at work. I found Tracy, I saved the show, I always think of a third thing when I'm listing stuff." Liz LemonSometimes I have tips, or recommendations, or assorted other things I want to talk about that don't quite need a full blog post. So I'm starting this new little feature of quickie posts for the blog, called Three Things. Because I always think of a third thing when I'm listing stuff. First up, keeping your guests at the reception. It's super disappointing when you spend months planning your post-wedding party, only to have your guests take off early. I spend enough time at receptions to recognize some patterns, so I bring you some tips to keep your guests around until the wee hours.1. Feed 'em!
Probably the most common reason that I see people fleeing a reception en masse is that dinner has taken forever. I know, you're not making or serving the food, so it's not like you have too much control over this. But talk to your caterer and/or venue about your game plan. Will they need to move tables to make space for the dance floor? How long will that take? If you're having plated dinners instead of a buffet style, will you need to hire more serving staff? Generally, if guests have been at the reception venue for several hours and there's still no party starting, they tend to start calling it a night. 2. Get a great DJ
If you want a great party, get a great DJ. It makes a HUGE difference. Great DJs know how to read a room, will MC your events for the evening, and make my job so much easier (those super fun reception shots are of people having actual fun at a reception). 3. Keep them comfortable
I've seen people put out baskets of flip flops for when your guests have been in their heels too long, or shawls for outdoor affairs when it gets chilly. One couple even had a round of late night snacks - around 10pm or so, their caterer set out hot pretzels and chicken wings. Keeping your guests comfortable gives them one less reason to call it an early evening (and it's just considerate hosting).Have a question? Ask the photographer!
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