CHAPTER 8
The Reception

Image courtesy of Rick Collins (www.rickcollinsphotography.com).

In this chapter:

Focus on what’s important

The setup

Formal dances

Toasts

Cake cutting

Working the room

Especially for video

Shot list

It’s party time! There is lots of freedom in how you cover the reception. There might be certain points you will want to catch, such as the bouquet toss or the cake cutting, but there is also a lot of time for creativity and fun with your shooting. Receptions can vary from a single champagne toast following the ceremony to an all-night dancing affair. A wedding reception might be described as elegant, cozy, intimate, glamorous, chaotic, sweet, or extravagant (among other adjectives); as the documentarian, it is your job to understand and capture the mood that the couple has created with their event. As well as figuring out all of your shooting goals, make sure you figure out when you can relax and enjoy the party, too!