Wedding Reception Timeline: Cheat Sheet To A Traditional Reception Schedule

A carefully planned reception timeline is necessary to maintain a smooth wedding affair. After all, this is when the celebration really starts. Below is a quick cheat sheet to a traditional schedule followed by millions of couples all over the world. It may be customized based on the bride or groom’s preferences. It may also differ depending on the customs and traditions of a specific country. However, the basic order of events is itemized here. Let this be a guide to those who are tasked to organize the party and have the huge responsibility to make this occasion extra-memorable.

Part 1. Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres.

As soon as the ceremony ends, the new husband and wife often head off some place for picture-taking. Meanwhile, the guests are asked to proceed to the reception venue. While waiting, appetizers and wines are presented to them.

The term “hors d’oeuvres” refers to food items served before the main course. The variety of choices is determined by the formality of the theme and the culture of the attendees. Popular picks comprise of vegetable salad, bread rolls, taquitos and imported or domestic cheese with crackers. On a cultural perspective, if you’re having a catering event in a Philippine setting, some exotic recipes include kebab frog or frog barbeque in Filipino and kuhol or expensive snail/slug.

Part 2. The Grand Entrance, Introduction and Dinner.

The arrival. The parents (bride first, groom after), the entourage (bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honour, best man, flower girl and ring bearer) and then the newlyweds enters the hall.

The first dance. This is like announcing publicly that “two becomes one”. So they dance – him and her. Then, her with her father, him with his mother.

The toast. Usually headed by the best man, he speaks his best wishes. The maid of honor, and the parents make their speeches as well. This segment officially marks the end of the cocktail hour.

Dinnertime. Everyone takes turn to go to the buffet area. Otherwise, the catering guys hand out their shares.

Part 3. The Party.

The Dancing. After dinner, the sweethearts take the center stage to take the lead. This formally announces that it’s grooving time.

The Cake Cutting. As they cut it together, the action signifies that they would be there for each other no matter what. Afterwards, the cake serves as a dessert for all.

Special Program. Majority considers a special program to follow. This includes the tossing of the bouquet and garter.

Wedding Photos: Must-Take Shot List After The Wedding Ceremony

Whether you’re hiring a professional or a newbie to handle your photos, it’s always advisable to have your own ready-made checklist of the important times you wouldn’t wanna miss looking at later on while you’re currently busy tying the knot with your partner. Significant frame-worthy moments such as the dressing up for the affair, the limo’s arrival to the nuptial location, your groom’s expression while waiting at the end of the altar, the momentous exchange of vows, the first kiss, and afterwards, all the activities and happenings in the reception like the cake cutting, the dance and everything in between – capturing them all on cam is what defines a successful wedding from an unsuccessful one.

Start the ball rolling by getting your photographer’s ammo ready with a “must-take” shot list. Here is a quick guideline.

The Venue and Details.

• The banquet hall from afar and up close, outside and inside.
• The wedding caterer menu, the centerpieces, name cards, place settings and flower decors.
• The food, the signature or specialty drinks, the buffet.
• The cake.
• The favors and guestbook signatures.

Group and People Shots. This may be done right after the ceremony, during the cocktail hour or during the party itself.

• Portraits of the man and woman of the hour. Smiling, hugging, kissing.
• Her with parents, him with his and vice versa.
• Her with bridesmaid, him with groomsmen and vice versa.
• Them with the whole entourage, family, colleagues.
• The musicians and the band prepping and playing. DJs in the background if there are any.
• The wedding catering staff at the food center and while at work.
• Attendees partying.
• Children having fun and laughing.

 The Reception.

• The pool of guests coming in.
• The new husband and wife arriving.
• The dance. Them together. Her with dad, him with mom.
• Tossing of bouquet and garter or guarder belt.
• The cutting of the cake. Them feeding each other.
• Them eating. Or whispering and having their own little world.
• The toast. The person making it while the pair is listening.
• Per table. Guests per table with the couple.
• The party and the people. All the dancing and the performing.
• Them distributing souvenirs.
• Them leaving on their way to the honeymoon. Husband holding wife’s hand and assisting her in riding the limo.
• Them inside the vehicle – holding hands, or looking into each other’s eyes, all smiles and dreamy looks.
• The back of the car with a banner saying “Just Married”. 

Wedding Photography: Must-Take Shot List Before The Wedding Ceremony

A “shot list” is a collection of the most important parts of the wedding affair captured on cam or video. This aims to document the whole occasion – from the small elements to the significant points in the best and unforgettable, yet artistic way possible. Here is a guide for new and professional photographers of the must-take moments before the wedding ceremony.

Preparation Time. Officially, the entire event begins with the very first glimpse of the bride where the wedding will take place, the entourage trailing ahead of her on the way to the altar, and then, her making that historic walk down the aisle while the man of the hour is waiting at the end of the line. However, it has been customary to take shots of the preparation time as well to build the suspense and thrill of this special day.

·        The bridal gown. Shoot it while in a hanger or draped across the bed. Have her look at the attire and catch that admiring stare.

·        The shoes and the bouquet.

·        Her in curlers and makeup being applied.

·        Her mom helping her dress up and working on the zip of her back. Her maid of honor adding veil.

·        The bride in her moment alone. Her gazing at the mirror, or facing out the window.

·        Her hugging her mom.

·        Her fully dressed up and ready to go. Her walking down the stairs or standing by the door.

·        The wedding rings. Be creative in making this photo memorable. Put it in unexpected places – on top of strawberries, with flowers or on the bride’s shoes.

·        The groom fixing his hair.

·        Him putting on a tie.

·        His moment alone. Him in prayer or checking the time.

·        His father or best man attaching boutonnière to his lapel.

·        Him hugging his dad. Them talking to each other as if the wiser is giving advice.

·        In groups. Take a group picture of the bride with her bridesmaids and the groom with his groomsmen. Be creative – make it wacky, make it serious, do it dramatic or sentimental.

·        The couple getting into their car on the way to the nuptials. Be sure to do this separately and distinctly.

Before the Ceremony. As soon as you arrive at the location, observe everything and everybody so you won’t miss a thing.

·         The venue. If it’s being held in a baroque church such as Our Lady of Remedies or Santuario de San Antonio, choose spots and angles that would aptly narrate its magnificent history. If it’s in a garden, select areas that would make any viewer appreciate the richness of nature and “scent of roses”. If it’s on a beach, remember to get that unique paradise ambience. Take photos from afar and up close. Note the details: the guest book, the pew or the guest chairs and all the decors on it.

·         The people. Take random shots of the people around. The more candid they are the better. Go for raw emotions.

·         The limo and its arrival.

Wedding Photography Tips For the Bride and Groom

Getting married is one of the most exciting and unforgettable event in one’s life. It is definitely a must to document it so you can easily reminisce and look back on the occasion as you grow older. Here are six (6) tips for the bride and the groom on getting their wedding photographed. 

• Consider budget. Is it part of the budget? Can you afford someone whose expertise guarantees highest quality or would you go for somebody you can depend on like a family or a friend? It all boils down to the cost.

• Decide between professional and amateur. Once you take the budget into consideration, choose the type of photography you and your partner want. Evaluate the pros and cons between the two. If you are tying the knot on a baroque church like Our Lady of Remedies, a professional can capture the history and magnificence of the church and make you feel like you’re traveling in time. Or if you are having a sunset affair on a garden like The Oasis, he can use the lighting and flower backdrops to its maximum and come up with excellent and intimate photos. However, on the opposite side, it can make your day extra special if the person taking pictures is someone you can trust and love.

• Start ahead of time. Whichever photographer you pick, you need lots of time to prepare. For pro, do your research, make a list and book early especially if the wedding will take place on a busy month like June. For amateur, search for tips and recommendations. Practice. Have a good knowledge of the venue.

• Narrow down the list. Should you opt for pro, ensure that you check his portfolio, contract and payment terms. Does he have back-up equipment? Does he have an assistant who can work on the lil things that the main photographer won’t be able do? Should you stick to amateur? Who among your buddies and loved ones can perform this task?

• Communicate. How would you like your photos to come out? Do you have any location preference? Where will you have your pre-wedding photo shoot? What are his suggestions in connection to the theme? When do you get the pictures? Supply a list of significant moments that you want to capture on cam – bridal shower, bachelor’s party, preparation time during the wedding, before and after the ceremony. Build your camaraderie with the photographer. It will help you relax during the big day. 

• Let everyone know about the plan. If you’re shooting on a certain area right after the nuptials, inform your entourage and guests about it. Get them involved so you can create a remarkable memory to treasure.

Wedding Flowers: Best Flowers For The Altar And Aisle

Weddings are occasions that call for the use of many flowers. The abundance of flowers in a wedding can easily create a positive mood and a classy, vibrant, and romantic atmosphere. Although the flowers used in the bridal bouquet are often the flowers that get the most attention in any wedding, flowers are often used everywhere and they all have their specific purpose.

In the reception venue, flowers are often used in the buffet tables and as table centerpieces. In church weddings, flowers are mainly used to adorn the altar and to line the aisle. Some churches such as the San Agustin Church are ornate enough that you do not need to put too many flowers. There are also some churches such as the Our Lady of Remedies Church in Malate that will benefit from well-placed and well-chosen flowers.

 No matter how your wedding church looks, putting flowers will add an air of festivity and celebration. If you are unsure of which flowers to use in the altar and aisle floral arrangements, below are some of the best flowers you can use.

• Calla lily. If you want something simple yet elegant, calla lilies are your best bets for aisle and altar floral decorations. For church decorations, especially for those that will be placed along the aisles, it is best to use the calla lilies with long, thicker stems. Although white or cream calla lilies are the popular choice, feel free to choose the more vibrant shades of calla lilies such as deep plum, orange, yellow, and mauve. However, calla lilies tend to be more expensive than other flowers but you can remedy this by using just a few stems for the aisles.

• Orchids. There are many different types of orchids you can use for your altar and aisle floral decorations. They come in various colors and they are dainty and delicate looking. Feel free to go minimalist by using just orchids or you can also put more volume to the floral arrangement by adding other leaves and flowers.

• Roses. A favorite no matter for what purpose, roses are the classic romantic flowers. They come in a wide variety of colors and you can choose to go with one color or a mix of colors. There are numerous possibilities when it comes to floral arrangements using roses so make sure to choose one that reflects the type of wedding that you want to have.