Posts tagged with “reception”

Photo Ideas for the Big Day

In the hustle and bustle that will be your wedding day, there will be a lot you might not remember about the day. Of course, it can be easy to forget in the moment to get the shots you really want for your big day. So, be sure to grab a pen and paper, and make a list to be sure you and your photographer have the same picture of your big day. There's the obligatory family and ceremony shots, but there may be a few you're forgetting.

Here's a few shots you won't want to miss!

First Looks

Getting that once-in-a-lifetime shot of newlyweds first seeing each other decked out is a must for any photobook. Whether you choose to have a first look beforehand, or decide to leave the surprise until the ceremony itself, getting photos of your happy and surprised looks will be something you won't want to miss.

Outfit Details

What's your something borrowed and something blue? Did you buy monogrammed cufflinks just for the occasion? If there's any part of you or the wedding party's outfits that you adore, be sure to let your photographer know. These shots can get done while getting ready and putting them on for the first time, or up close in wedding party photos later.

Decor, Before

For all the time spent arranging tables and deciding centerpieces, it's definitely worth a little extra time to make sure you get some shots of it all together. While it's great to have photos once everyone's in place, a few photos of the perfectly arranged ceremony and reception venues before your guests arrive will make for some beautiful photos later, especially if your venues are somewhere scenic.

Family Reception Photos

While the posed family shots are expected with every wedding, the ones you'll truly cherish later will be the candid ones. The little things, like your flower girls dancing together or your grandparents wiping tears from their eyes, will be the sort of detail you'll probably miss on the day of. So getting shots of these moments helps preserve them - and you might catch something you completely missed!

Cake Time

You can keep your dress, and choose to have bouquets or corsages pressed or preserved, but unfortunately food expires. While the tradition of freezing a slice for the future is still practiced, the look of your food and wedding cake fresh and decorated is something you'll only have in memories. It can be best to preserve it by getting tons of photos - both of it before anyone has dug in, shots of you and your spouse cutting it together, and some glamor shots of the interior of the cake after the cutting. While you can't eat the pictures, they can really help remember that special part of the day.

The most important part of your wedding photos is discussing with your photographer before the big day what your expectations are. They may have their own suggestions of additional photos to take, but your photographer cannot read your mind - if you have something specific you want, be sure to make this clear so that you are not having to remember to ask on the big day. Once you've figured out what you're doing together, you can let yourself relax, let your photographer handle the rest, and enjoy the moment!

First-Dance Songs as Unique as Your Love Story

The first dance between newlyweds is a highlight for weddings all over the world. Traditions like this can be a great way to express the couple's love story to everyone present for their special day. There are expectations that come with the tradition, though — typically, people tend towards slow dancing or classically romantic tunes to dance to. Songs like Etta James' "At Last" and Tony Bennett's "The Way You Look Tonight" have become staples at many weddings

While many of these are classics for a reason, love has never been one size fits all, so why should the music? A first dance can be of any style of music, so be creative and consider what fits your own, unique love story to show your loved ones in celebration.

So, if you're wanting something a little less traditional for your first dance, try giving some of these suggestions a listen or use them as inspiration for a dance that could be all your own.

Somebody to Love - Queen

Freddie Mercury's vocals are always a showstopper, and this song shows off his excellent range like no other. This is a great option for a couple that does want a bit of a slower dance, but definitely not a subtle one. If you want your guests to get out lighters and cell phones to sway above them, this is a pick worth considering.

Dynamite - BTS

For those wanting something pop but not overdone, K-Pop can be an excellent subgenre to explore. BTS's international appeal shows how universally loved their music is. Dynamite is a great song to kick off dancing shoes to, and the fun lyrics will have guests tapping toes and wishing they could join in.

Groove Is In The Heart - Deee-Lite

A great option for couples that want something funky and retro for their wedding dance. While the hit was released in the 1990s, the sampling tracks and slide whistle in the breakdowns have a unique Funkadelic vibe perfect for a colorful couple.

Like Real People Do - Hozier

Hozier's unique blend of blues riffs and ethereal lyrics makes for a surprisingly slow and alluring song from his debut album. This song is perfect for the indie or alternative couple wanting something they can slow dance to that isn’t overdone.

Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Punk couples get married too! And combining the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' loud alternative guitar with the sweet, sentimental lyrics of Karen O can be a perfect combo for your special day. With both romance and a little edge, it has the best of both worlds for newlyweds wanting something alternative to typical first dance songs.

These are just a few options to explore, as anything can potentially be a first dance song. Explore you and your future spouse's music tastes, find something romantic, rocking, or even silly. Every love story is unique, and no one should feel limited in their options to pick something that reflects that. Hopefully, these suggestions helped you brainstorm the perfect song for you and your future spouse.