Typically, a wedding reception follows a standard format\u2014 one that includes plenty of stages to keep track of. Here are the common elements you\u2019ll typically find at a wedding, with a brief description of each.<\/p>\n
Some guests arrive early at the reception. So be sure all reception to-dos are complete by the time your wedding\u2019s scheduled to start. Also, all wedding vendors should be suited up in proper attire for early and lingering guests. All tables should be set up, including the cake table, the entertainment\u2019s table, the sign-in table, food tables, and tables with chairs for all guests. If you have a seating arrangement, all seating lists should be at the reception with everyone\u2019s name indicating where they sit.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n
Introducing the Wedding Party<\/h2>\n
This step isn\u2019t mandatory, but it\u2019s nice for everyone to know who the wedding party \u2014 many guests haven\u2019t met them before your wedding. Create a \u201cReception Planning Guide,\u201d and give this to your emcee before the wedding. Among other things, this guide should detail your party by the order they enter the reception site, and give their names and titles. The order of entrance is: parents of the bride, parents of the groom, ushers with bridesmaids, flower girl and ring bearer, special guests, best man, maid\/matron of honor, bride and groom. In addition, go over how to pronounce the wedding party\u2019s names with the emcee.<\/p>\n
Introducing the Bride and Groom<\/h2>\n
This is always the last of the introductions. Everyone should stand before the bride and groom enter. In addition, you can arrange a special song with the musical entertainment and a special announcement with the emcee to punctuate a truly grand entrance. Also, inform the emcee how you\u2019d like to be introduced: Mr. and Mrs. Smith? John and Jane Doe?<\/p>\n
Giving the Blessing<\/h2>\n
This is another step that\u2019s not mandatory \u2014 but for the religious couple, it makes a nice setting. If you invite the minister to the reception, ask them to conduct the blessing. But if they\u2019re not able to attend, a parent or family friend is a good idea. Alternately, the emcee could bless the meal. Be sure to communicate with whoever\u2019s giving the blessing well in advance, so they\u2019re prepared to give it a personal touch.<\/p>\n
Forks at the Ready!<\/h2>\n
It\u2019s time to eat! And no matter how many people are clamoring to wish you well, the bride and groom should stop, rest and partake. This may be your only chance in the day that can all-too-easily become one big blur. Plus, it\u2019s customary for the bride and groom to start the food line, which most guests are aware of \u2014 so don\u2019t be late!<\/p>\n
Cutting the Cake<\/h2>\n
Of course, the bride and groom traditionally cut the first slice on their wedding cake. Then, the bride feeds half of the piece of cake to the groom, and the groom feeds the remainder to the bride. The ceremonial cutting is meant to symbolize the couple\u2019s caring and sharing for one another. Don\u2019t be afraid to use forks for this step, since they look great in pictures. They almost minimize the possibility of smearing cake all over the wedding regalia.<\/p>\n
Toasting the Happy Couple<\/h2>\n
In the first stage of toasting, the bride and groom toast each other, then interlock arms and drink. Immediately following, the best man and maid\/matron of honor make toasts to the bridal couple. Be prepared for other family and friends to follow, too.<\/p>\n
Bride & Groom\u2019s First Dance<\/h2>\n
The Bride & Groom\u2019s Dance is the first dance between a bride and groom as a married couple. Where you choose to place this in the schedule depends on your preferences. One common option: immediately following the grand entrance, with the wedding party circling the dance.<\/p>\n
Father & Daughter\u2019s Dance<\/h2>\n
The Father & Daughter\u2019s Dance or the Father Bride Dance is the dance between the father(s) of the bride and the bride. Brides, if you have more than one father in your life, one can tap the other on the shoulder in the middle of the dance so you can dance with both of them. If you don\u2019t have a father, a common substitute is a father figure. Even your brother would make a very nice gesture.<\/p>\n
Mother & Groom\u2019s Dance<\/h2>\n
The Mother & Groom\u2019s dance is the dance between the mother(s) of the groom and the groom. Grooms, if you have more than one mother in your life, one can tap the other on the shoulder in the middle of the dance so you can dance with both. If you don\u2019t have a mother, a common substitute is a mother figure, or your sister.<\/p>\n
Special Dances<\/h2>\n
Like many people, you might have some songs that are near and dear to your heart. You can ask the entertainment to play them immediately after the formal dances. Example: If someone close to you passed recently, you could ask the entertainment to play \u201cAngels Among Us\u201d by Alabama.<\/p>\n
Bouquet and Garter Toss<\/h2>\n
In the traditional tossing of the bouquet, the bride tosses her bouquet (or a substitute) to all the single women in attendance. Immediately after the tossing, a chair is set in the middle of the dance floor, for the bride to sit on while the groom removes the garter from her leg, and tosses it to all the single men in attendance. The man and woman who catches the garter and bouquet are said to be the next to marry.<\/p>\n
Dancing and Fun<\/h2>\n
This is what you pay the music entertainment to do \u2014 get people out of their chairs and on to the dance floor. Give the entertainment your favorite songs and some absolute no-gos, but don\u2019t try to conscript them to a list of 100 songs you picked out in advance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Typically, a wedding reception follows a standard format\u2014 one that includes plenty of stages to keep track of. Here are the common elements you\u2019ll typically find at a wedding, with a brief description of each. Guests Arrive at the Reception Site Some guests arrive early at the reception. So be sure all reception to-dos are complete by the time your wedding\u2019s scheduled to start. Also, all wedding vendors should be suited up in proper attire for early and lingering guests. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":91,"featured_media":45217,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[6446,469],"class_list":["post-45214","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wedding-reception","tag-everyone","tag-bride"],"yoast_head":"\n
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