Crystal Image Photography
  • Home
  • Meet Crystal
  • Galleries
    • Weddings
    • Engagement
    • H.S. Seniors
  • Pricing
    • Weddings >
      • Wedding Collections
      • How To Book
      • FAQ
      • Pros of a First Look
      • The CIP Wedding Experience
      • Client Reviews
      • Wedding Albums
      • Bridal Portraits
      • Vendors & Wedding Planning
    • Engagements
    • H.S. Seniors
  • FAQ
  • Client Login
  • Blog
    • Storefront
    • Gift Cards
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Return Policy

Spring has sprung and engagement and wedding season has begun! at Brown's Island https://t.co/B5eu85gxeR

3/31/2018

0 Comments

 

Spring has sprung and engagement and wedding season has begun! ??? — at Brown's Island https://t.co/B5eu85gxeR

— Crystal Image Photo (@xcip1995x) March 31, 2018


March 31, 2018 at 02:52PM
via Twitter https://twitter.com/xcip1995x
0 Comments

https://t.co/e78PZAYJkm

3/30/2018

0 Comments

 

https://t.co/e78PZAYJkm

— Crystal Image Photo (@xcip1995x) March 30, 2018


March 30, 2018 at 05:50PM
via Twitter https://twitter.com/xcip1995x
0 Comments

20 Secrets to a Fun Wedding Reception

3/29/2018

0 Comments

 
20 Secrets to a Fun Wedding ReceptionOkay, they're not really secrets—just awesome ideas we encourage you to steal.

by The KnotWhile your wedding ceremony is both special and crucial (it's when you'll actually get married!), the reception is probably what you and your guests are most looking forward to—who doesn't want to eat, drink and dance? The best celebrations incorporate personal, fun and unique touches to keep guests smiling and talking about it long after the last dance. Get inpsired by our favorite reception ideas, from simple planning tricks to wow-worthy entertainment below, and by taking our fun Style Quiz. Then start planning your party here.
  1. 1. Arrange Seating Thoughtfully

    It sounds obvious, but don't discount the importance of a solid seating arrangement. Place guests with people they'll know and get along with. It might seem like a great idea to play matchmaker, or force your guests to sit with strangers to make new friends—but at the end of the day, they're there for you, and to catch up with their own farflung pals. Put another way, a well-thought-out seating chart leads to great conversation, which leads to a great dance party, which leads to an unforgettable night. So seat your tween cousins with other kids their age and let your college friends sit together.
  2. 2. Hand Out Awesome Favors

    Wedding favors should be the cherry on top of a fabulous reception. Let your guests know how much you appreciate having them there by offering a take-home treat (think: doughnuts, hot cocoa mix and marshmallows, a bag of your favorite coffee beans or jars of local honey), a cute succulent plant or a pair of sunglasses branded with your initials and wedding date.

  3. 3. Keep Toasts Short and Sweet
    Wedding toasts are all about quality over quantity, so ask anyone who's speaking to make sure their toasts are no more than two minutes. If they have any longer anecdotes, they can feel free to share at the rehearsal dinner.
  4. 4. Have a Plan for Kids
    To keep the little ones entertained throughout the night (and to give their parents an opportunity to hit the dance floor), give them their own designated area. In a separate room, arrange for a babysitter to set up and oversee movies, games, crafts or a kid-centric dance party. You can also set up a few tables topped with coloring books, crayons, games and small toys.

  5. 5. Shake Things Up for Your First Dance

    All eyes will be on you during your first dance—it's the perfect opportunity to wow your guests with a fun surprise. Start with a romantic dance to "At Last," or other classic first dance song, then suddenly switch gears to a energetic Latin dance or break it down to Bruno Mars. 
  6. 6. Offer an Interactive Food Station (or Two)

    Great food makes for a great celebration, but offering dishes that everyone can customize to their liking is even better. Interactive food stations, from a mac-and-cheese bar to a sushi-rolling setup, where guests can create their own ideal bites will leave you with happy, well-fed friends ready to have a good time.
  7. 7. Rethink Dinner

    Instead of a typical three-course menu of salad, entrée and dessert, stretch out dinner over four or five smaller courses (but don't stretch it too much if you're still hoping to get everyone on the dance floor). Plan small surprises between dishes, like a short toast from your hilarious aunt, a sweet poem from a lifelong friend or a professional performance, like a vocalist or dancer. It'll give your guests the experience of a fun night out, complete with dinner and a show.

  8. 8. Change Into Something Comfortable

    Let's put it this way: You won't have a good time at your reception if you can't take two steps without snagging your train, right? So after the first dance, brides can swap the veil and bustle for a fabulous little white dress or jumpsuit, and grooms can change to a more relaxed suit. If you and your new spouse are comfortable enough to move freely, you'll dance more, chat more, laugh more and eat more cake—that'll rub off on your guests.
  9. 9. Plan Surprise Entertainment
    photo by ANNE ALMASYSometimes the best parts of a reception are what guests don't see coming. Surprise your loved ones with unexpected entertainment during the cocktail hour or reception, like a magician, mariachi band, aerialists or a salsa dancer.
  10. 10. Make Sure Your Band Has Great Break Music

    Everyone's been to that wedding before: Just when the dance floor starts heating up, the band takes a break—and the party seems to as well. To make sure this doesn't happen at your wedding, ask potential bands how they plan to handle breaks before you hire them. Some bands will rest in shifts and split off into a smaller two- or three-piece band, while others will turn on filler music. If yours is planning on the latter, ask whether you can provide the playlist, or at least check and approve their picks before the party.
  11. 11. Find a DJ Who Gets You
    Okay, this is a little more obvious, but we have to mention it because music is a major reception fun factor, and has a lot to do with how long your guests will stay. The last thing you want to see is your dance floor clear out when the DJ plays obsure songs that are hard to dance to. Talk to your DJ about your do-not-play list upfront.
  12. 12. Play Music Everyone Can Dance to

    Whether you've hired a band or a DJ, if you want to keep the dance floor packed, plan a playlist that will please the whole crowd, not just you two. You may love obscure indie rock, but now isn't the time to show off your discerning taste in music. Sure, mix in a few of your favorites, but don't leave out the past and present hits, otherwise you risk an empty dance floor.
  13. 13. Have a Lounge Area

    If your site and budget allow, set up comfortable lounge chairs and couches in your reception space. Instead of having your guests sit around the same tables all night, even after dinner's over, a change of environment will promote conversation, give your energetic dancers a resting area and keep your nondancing guests entertained. It's also an elegant and comfortable way to let elderly guests relax and chat while others take to the dance floor. Look into renting or borrowing couches, chairs and other furniture to create stylish, cozy vignettes complete with pillows, flowers and votive candles in your wedding colors.
  14. 14. Hire a Day-of Coordinator

    You may have a ton of fun ideas lined up for your reception, but no matter how organized you are it's much more difficult than you'd think to keep each of those plans and moving parts in check. If you already have an event planner, you're all set. If not, look into booking a day-of coordinator to oversee the details (trust us, it's worth it). Check out the different types of planners you can hire.
  15. 15. Roll Out a Tasting Station

    A full bar is a must-have for a great reception, but take it up a notch with an interactive drink experience. A wine, beer or whiskey tasting lets guests sample different drinks and learn a few tasting notes. A hand-rolled cigar station also fits the bill, as does a make-your-own margarita bar—who could say no to that?
  16. 16. Create a Nice Flow Within the Space

    One of the less obvious keys to a succesful celebration is movement. The best parties encourage lots of dancing, with mini breaks for mingling and snacking. For maximum dimension and circulation, divide your reception into distinct areas for dancing, drinks and chatting, and coffee and cake. Arrange a few cocktail tables near the bar, offer outdoor seating or set up a table of desserts or late-night bites.
  17. 17. Serve Good Food

    It doesn't get more 101 than this. Ask yourself what you'd want to eat, both as a wedding guest and in general. Love spaghetti bolognese, dim sum or tacos? Chances are your caterer can find elegant, creative ways to serve it to a large crowd. Another option is to skip the sit-down dinner altogether and pass hearty, satisfying hors d'oeuvres with cocktails.
  18. 18. Don't Let Your Guests Get Hungry

    Want a guaranteed all-night crowd? Arrange for the catering staff to bring out late-night food like French fries, pizza or doughnuts after midnight (or before, if you just can't wait). Offer a DIY coffee bar complete with flavored syrups and toppings to keep them on their feet. If you stick with low-key favorites, your friends will never want to leave. 
  19. 19. Plan a Fun Surprise

    Here's a secret for you: Keep guests celebrating by planning a surprise for the end of the night that everyone can look forward to. You and your new spouse can perform a song with the band for the last dance or prep a memorable reception getaway like a fireworks send-off.
  20. 20. Host a Welcome Dinner


0 Comments

Thanks to all of our couples who voted for us!! https://t.co/gQ5dYYcQoh

3/26/2018

0 Comments

 

Thanks to all of our couples who voted for us!! pic.twitter.com/gQ5dYYcQoh

— Crystal Image Photo (@xcip1995x) March 26, 2018


March 26, 2018 at 07:39PM
via Twitter https://twitter.com/xcip1995x
0 Comments

#Virginiawedding #virginiaweddingphotographer #weddingphotography #virginiaisforlovers #instawedding #weddingideas #instabride #weddingfashion #marriage #bridesmagazine #weddingphotography #futuremrs #marryme #tyingtheknot #wifetobe #thatsdarling #heput

3/26/2018

0 Comments

 

#Virginiawedding #virginiaweddingphotographer #weddingphotography #virginiaisforlovers #instawedding #weddingideas #instabride #weddingfashion #marriage #bridesmagazine #weddingphotography #futuremrs #marryme #tyingtheknot #wifetobe #thatsdarling #heputaringonit #soloverly … pic.twitter.com/zlIEkFJCCp

— Crystal Image Photo (@xcip1995x) March 26, 2018


March 26, 2018 at 07:31PM
via Twitter https://twitter.com/xcip1995x
0 Comments

Thanks to all of our couples who voted for us!!

3/26/2018

0 Comments

 

Thanks to all of our couples who voted for us!!
March 26, 2018 at 07:38PM
via Instagram https://ift.tt/2IWiVre
0 Comments

#Virginiawedding #virginiaweddingphotographer #weddingphotography #virginiaisforlovers #instawedding #weddingideas #instabride #weddingfashion #marriage #bridesmagazine #weddingphotography #futuremrs #marryme #tyingtheknot #wifetobe #thatsdarling #heput

3/26/2018

0 Comments

 

#Virginiawedding #virginiaweddingphotographer #weddingphotography #virginiaisforlovers #instawedding #weddingideas #instabride #weddingfashion #marriage #bridesmagazine #weddingphotography #futuremrs #marryme #tyingtheknot #wifetobe #thatsdarling #heputaringonit #soloverly #brideandgroom #ohwowyes #flashesofdelight #realwedding #aisleperfect #theknot⠀ #theknot #weddingday #picoftheday #picofthe #weddinginspiration #thedailywedding
March 26, 2018 at 07:31PM
via Instagram https://ift.tt/2Gx2IdA
0 Comments

2018 Engagement Ring Trends That Youll Fall in Love With https://t.co/TmzcnQ3u2Q

3/23/2018

0 Comments

 

2018 Engagement Ring Trends That You’ll Fall in Love With https://t.co/TmzcnQ3u2Q

— Crystal Image Photo (@xcip1995x) March 23, 2018


March 23, 2018 at 03:06PM
via Twitter https://twitter.com/xcip1995x
0 Comments

21 Cool Wedding Cake Stands You Can Buy and DIY https://t.co/mxepBkzc8A via https://t.co/9yuCNhjrIp

3/22/2018

0 Comments

 

21 Cool Wedding Cake Stands You Can Buy and DIY https://t.co/mxepBkzc8A via https://t.co/9yuCNhjrIp

— Crystal Image Photo (@xcip1995x) March 22, 2018


March 22, 2018 at 03:06PM
via Twitter https://twitter.com/xcip1995x
0 Comments

21 Cool Wedding Cake Stands You Can Buy and DIY https://t.co/mxepBkzc8A via https://t.co/9yuCNhjrIp

3/22/2018

0 Comments

 

21 Cool Wedding Cake Stands You Can Buy and DIY https://t.co/mxepBkzc8A via https://t.co/9yuCNhjrIp

— Crystal Image Photo (@xcip1995x) March 22, 2018


March 22, 2018 at 03:06PM
via Twitter https://twitter.com/xcip1995x
0 Comments
<<Previous
    Picture

    About Crystal

    Crystal Vandegrift is a wedding photographer covering Virginia, D.C. NC and Maryland.

    Interested in being a guest blogger on our site?  Contact us below!

    Categories

    All
    Bride Style
    Crystal's Clear View
    Destination Weddings
    Engagements
    Featured Weddings
    For CIP Brides
    For The Home
    LGBT Weddings
    Photo Tip
    Wedding Planning Tips
    Wedding Tips

    Archives

    February 2021
    January 2021
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    March 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014

    We love Instagram! Check out our feed below and follow us!

What Our Clients Are Saying

Pictures were one of my top priorities for my wedding. I spent a lot of time reading through photographers and even contacting some. I was also pretty nervous, I had never been professionally photographed before. Crystal and her team were SO easy to work with and immediately took away the nerves. I trusted her completely and I am so happy I did. Cannot recommend enough!  Ellen - Yorktown VA

If you're looking for an amazing photographer who is relaxed, has experience, and knowledge look no further. Crystal took our engagement and wedding photos. Not only were her photos amazing, but she is extremely responsive to messages and will even help you when planning your big day. It was important to us to work with a photographer who has experience with same sex couples, and Crystal and Casey did a great job capturing everything for my wife and I. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. - Emily - Nellysford, VA

Read more reviews here.
  • Home
  • Meet Crystal
  • Galleries
    • Weddings
    • Engagement
    • H.S. Seniors
  • Pricing
    • Weddings >
      • Wedding Collections
      • How To Book
      • FAQ
      • Pros of a First Look
      • The CIP Wedding Experience
      • Client Reviews
      • Wedding Albums
      • Bridal Portraits
      • Vendors & Wedding Planning
    • Engagements
    • H.S. Seniors
  • FAQ
  • Client Login
  • Blog
    • Storefront
    • Gift Cards
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Return Policy