The Events
the Reception
The biggest room of the weekend. A grand entrance, a new outfit, speeches, dinner and a dance floor that the DJ will not let go quiet.
What Happens At A Reception
The reception is the party after the ceremony, and for many Atlanta South Asian weddings it is the biggest event of the weekend. Couples often change into a second outfit, a reception lehenga, a gown, a sherwani or a tuxedo, and make a grand entrance with the wedding party. Then come the first dance, speeches, dinner, a cake, and a long night of dancing.
Some families hold the reception the same night as the ceremony, some the next evening. For many Muslim families the walima, hosted by the groom's family, takes this place.
The Entrance
I photograph the room before the doors open, while every table and flower is still perfect.
Choosing The Room
A big South Asian reception usually needs a ballroom. Look at the guest count each venue publishes and leave room for a stage, a dance floor and a DJ. Several Atlanta hotels publish large rooms and that they host South Asian or Indian weddings.
- Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atrium Ballroom up to 2,000 banquet.
- The Westin Buckhead Atlanta, Grand Ballroom for weddings up to 1,200.
- Loews Atlanta Hotel, Ellington Ballroom up to 770 seated dinner.
- The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Peachtree Ballroom for 700 wedding guests.
Check catering early. Some hotels serve their own Indian menus, some allow outside caterers, some charge a fee for it. The venues page lists what each one publishes.
Entrances, Speeches And Dances
The reception is often the one event every guest attends, so it carries the most moments. A clear order keeps it moving and keeps the couple out of the green room.
- A grand entrance for the wedding party, then the couple, with music they chose.
- A welcome from a host or emcee, ideally someone who knows both families.
- Short speeches. Ask each speaker to keep to a few minutes and send drafts to one person.
- The couple's first dance, then family dances.
- Dinner, then cake cutting, then open dancing until close.
Many families keep a few traditions in the reception too. A short video about the couple, a dance from the cousins who did not perform at the sangeet, or a final bhangra or garba circle before the night ends. Tell the DJ early which songs matter, and tell me which moments must not be missed.
Running Order
A clear running order keeps the night on time and makes sure the important moments happen while the room is full.
- Cocktail hour while the couple changes and takes portraits.
- Grand entrance, then straight into the first dance.
- Welcome and blessing, then dinner.
- Speeches during the main course, kept to a few.
- Parents' dance and a family dance.
- Cake, then the floor opens.
- Last song and a send off, if the venue allows sparklers or a car exit.
Food, Bar And Late Night
Food is one of the things guests talk about after a South Asian wedding, so give it time in the plan. Decide early whether you will use the venue's own kitchen, an outside Indian or Pakistani caterer, or both, and ask each venue directly what it allows and what it charges for outside food.
Plan service around the program. A buffet with several stations moves faster for a large crowd. Plated dinner looks formal but needs more staff and time. Many couples serve appetizers during the cocktail hour and entrances, then dinner after the first speeches, so nobody is hungry during the dancing.
If the families drink, decide the bar plan with both sides. Some receptions are dry, some offer a full bar, some offer mocktails and chai. A late night snack, chaat, samosas or a dessert table, keeps energy up and is a favorite for guests who stay until the lights come on. Ask the venue about end times and overtime before the night, not during it.
A Sample Reception Night
- Cocktail Hour
Portraits
The couple changes outfits, and we step out for twenty minutes of portraits.
- Entrance
Grand Entrance
The wedding party enters, the couple last, straight into the first dance.
- Dinner
Toasts And Dinner
Speeches during the main course, family tables photographed between courses.
- Late
Dance Floor
Parents' dance, cake, then the floor until the end.
From Behind The Camera
How I Photograph A Reception
During dinner I bounce my light off the ceiling, so faces stay soft and the room keeps its warm color. I photograph each speech from the side so we see the speaker and the couple reacting. For film, speeches need clean audio, so we take a feed from the DJ or the microphone when allowed.
For the dance floor I mix flash and room light, so it looks like the night felt. Tell me the songs your family loves. When the bhangra starts, I want to be on the floor.
Questions Couples Ask
How long is a South Asian wedding reception?
Often four to six hours including cocktails, dinner and dancing. Check the venue end time before you plan the last dance.
Should we change outfits for the reception?
Many couples do. Leave about thirty minutes, and use the time for a short portrait session.
Can we bring an Indian caterer to a hotel?
Some hotels allow it, some charge a fee and some do not. The Westin Buckhead Atlanta publishes that it allows third party caterers for Indian weddings.
How many speeches should we have?
A few short ones. Four or five speeches of three minutes each keeps the room with you.
When should we do portraits on the reception day?
During cocktail hour, and ten minutes outside after dark if the venue has a pretty spot.
Check Your Date
Tell me your room and your guest count and I will tell you how I would light the night.