The Wedding Photo Checklist: Part 7 – The Reception

The 7^th and final installment of our Wedding Photo Checklist Series deals with the reception. This is the fun and celebratory part of the wedding and provides many interesting photo opportunities. There are a few obvious moments that need to be captured (the first dance, throwing the bouquet) but there are also quite a few other moments that you might want to be on the lookout for. For the most part as long as you (the photographer!) are paying the proper attention, all the “big” moments will come pretty naturally but it is important to be on the lookout for the more spontaneous special moments as well. Some amazingly beautiful candid shots can come out of the reception.

Here is a list of the photographs that need to be taken before and during the reception:

Interior and exterior shots of the reception hall before the guests arrive. If it is possible to take a photograph from above that would be great
Detail shots of things like the guest book, table seating board, name cards, table settings, wedding favours, centrepieces and champagne glasses
A good close-up of the cake
Hors d’ oeuvres and specialty drinks (eg – if guests are served champagne and cherries / strawberries on arrival)
Guests arriving and signing the guest book/checking the table seating board
The bride and groom arriving
Close up of all the speeches and toasts
Bride and groom speaking with their guests / showing off their rings
Bride and groom sipping champagne at their table
Each food course as it is served
DJ / musicians / entertainers
Bride and groom’s first dance
Bride dancing with her father
Groom dancing with his mother
Parents and grandparents dancing together
Guests dancing
Children dancing (in general remember to keep an eye on the kids. The ring bearer and flower girls can provide especially sweet photo opportunities as can any other children present at the reception)
Bridal party dancing with their partners / in a group
Cutting the cake
Bride and groom feeding each other cake
Bride and groom handing out the cake (if they follow this tradition)
Groom removing the bride’s garter
Garter toss
Bouquet toss
Whoever catches the bouquet
Newlyweds leaving the reception
Honeymoon vehicle

And that concludes our series on all the “must have” shots to be taken at a wedding. I’m sure the comprehensive lists might prove to be a bit daunting but trust your instincts and only let lists be a guideline. Remember that there are no hard rules as each wedding is different. It is up to the creativity of the photographer to capture the essence of each unique event.