15 Reception Planning Tips
15 Tips: How to Plan Your Reception Timeline for Great Photos
Receptions are where the party really starts—but a little planning goes a long way in making sure the moments you care about get photographed well. From the first dance to the dance floor chaos, here are 15 tips to help build a reception timeline that works for you and your photos.
1. Talk to your photographer before finalizing your timeline
We’ll help you figure out what’s realistic and make sure there’s time to capture the important stuff without feeling rushed.
2. Plan your reception entry
Whether it’s a grand entrance or a low-key walk-in, let us know what you’re doing so we’re ready for it.
3. Keep speeches early
Plan speeches within the first hour of dinner—people are still seated, paying attention, and the lighting’s usually better.
4. Don’t stress about low lighting—we’ve got flash
If the space is dark or lit mostly by candles and twinkle lights, that’s totally fine. We use flash during receptions to keep everything well-lit and natural-looking, without losing the mood.
5. Do first dances early
First dances right after dinner or after your entrance mean we can catch them before the light disappears or guests scatter.
6. Let us know about any surprises
If someone’s planning a flash mob, choreographed dance, or any kind of surprise, clue us in. We’ll keep it quiet—we just want to be ready.
7. Cut the cake before the dance floor opens
This keeps the energy flowing and ensures your guests are still engaged. Plus, it looks better than sneaking in a cake cutting later when everyone’s half-dancing and half-eating.
8. If you're doing a sunset session, plan around golden hour
We’ll help find the best time for soft, warm light—it’s worth stepping away for 15 minutes.
9. Don’t overload the timeline
Leave buffer time. Things run late, and that’s normal. Padding your schedule gives us more space to capture things as they unfold.
10. Let moments breathe
If everything’s back-to-back, there's no room for real reactions or spontaneous moments. Build in space for connection.
11. Consider an early exit or faux exit
If you’re not having us stay all night, plan your sparkler exit or last dance earlier in the evening so we can capture it before wrapping up.
12. Keep the dance floor open
Once it’s open, keep it going. Avoid breaking it up with more formalities so people stay in the mood and we catch the best energy.
13. Tell us who's important
If there are guests you really want candid photos with (like grandparents or far-away friends), let us know so we can prioritize them.
14. Trust your vendors
Your DJ, planner, and photographer have all seen what works. Ask us if you’re not sure how something should flow.
15. Enjoy it
The best photos come when you’re relaxed and having a good time. If something goes off-script, let it. We’ll capture it just as beautifully.
Want help building a custom timeline with photography in mind? We’re always happy to talk it through and make sure it feels right for your day.
