One of the most interesting things about being a wedding photographer is seeing the unique flavors clients tend to bring to their weddings and especially their receptions. I know after I publish this article another 5 memories from weddings I’ve shot will pop into my head. However, here are a few that come to mind based upon some recent Chicago and Northwest Indiana wedding receptions.
Caricature Artist
Image of caricature courtesy of Matthew Hutchinson. Drawing by Colm Campbell and Nuffinc.
Recently I’ve been seeing caricature artists at wedding receptions such as Lauren and Mark’s Chicago wedding at Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building. Guests sat down for these drawings at cocktail hour and appeared to have a good time posing and quite a few laughs were had when they received one of these exaggerated drawings of themselves to take home.
A caricature artist sketches out drawings of wedding guests.
Check out the Instagram feed of Nathan Biancardi of Nate “Can Do” Caricatures and reach out to him for your reception fun.
Bride and groom take a stroll along State Street in Chicago.
Live Band / Karaoke
The bride rocks out some air guitar at her wedding reception.
This is a bit of a two for one as simply having a live band is quite unique for wedding entertainment. Although, I am seeing it more and more.
The Karaoke part does have the potential to go off kilter as guests grab the microphone. However, it can be quite successful if it is worked out with the band to be a small set of songs you know your guests will like or know and also limiting the time period for this. Perhaps when you are making the rounds to greet guests at their tables and pre-first dance would be the time to bring out the mic.
Live bands playing music at wedding receptions.
Cocktail hour music at wedding receptions.
Live music during cocktail hour with a DJ following later that night is another great option.
Some of the live acts in the area who perform at weddings are:
Final Say - My friend Robbie Celestin will entertain your crowd with dance music all night.
Angelo Cicco - My old music scene friend has been at many weddings I’ve shot.
The Crawpuppies - If guitar based, danceable classic rock is your bag, do check out my buddies in Crawpuppies.
Sky Lanterns / Open Air Venues
Sky lanterns head toward the night sky at a wedding reception celebration.
I occasionally go outside to photograph the bride and groom as well as guests let sky lanterns loose into the sky. This happens a lot at open air venues, but occasionally we step out of the building for this. Sometimes it’s only the newlyweds and is sentimental and other times it’s with guests to stir the celebration.
Sky lanterns at wedding receptions.
To send your sky lanterns into the sky without them careening off into a light pole you will need a fairly calm night wind wise, a long tool to light them and of course permission from your venue.
Themed Reception
A 1920’s era look for the bride and groom at the old Crown Point Courthouse.
Some do not want to carry on a theme for the entire wedding day so they simply reserve this for the reception. Kelly and Matt did a 1920’s themed wedding at the old Crown Point Courthouse and really got into character. Others have also gone retro at the reception only with period clothing and decorations as well as modern movie themes.
Vintage themed events in Indiana, Chicago and Michigan.
Blindfold The Groom Game
The groom gets blindfolded and has to guess which person is his bride.
I’m not sure what this wedding game is actually called, but it had to be one of the funniest I’ve ever seen. We know about the shoes game and that can definitely bring some good natured laughs, but after this Molly and Ahsan took it a step further.
The groom was blindfolded and experienced a soft kiss from various handpicked guest and also the bride. His job was to pick out his bride from the bunch. Well, he made his pick and the last image shows just who it was!! Oops…
I hope you have enjoyed my 5 Unique Wedding Reception Ideas article. To inquire about wedding photography for your day so I can capture your unique wedding fun, please fill out the Contact Form right here.
The bride dances with her father at an afternoon wedding reception at The Pavilion at Sandy Pines.
