Wedding Reception Order Of Events

Wedding Reception Order Of Events

Introduction

As someone who recently got married, I can attest to the importance of having a well-planned wedding reception. One of the key elements of a successful reception is the order of events. In this article, I will share my personal experience and provide tips on how to plan the perfect wedding reception order of events.

The Basic Order of Events

The typical wedding reception order of events includes the following:

• Cocktail Hour
• Grand Entrance
• First Dance
• Speeches/Toasts
• Dinner
• Cake Cutting
• Dancing
• Bouquet and Garter Toss
• Final Dance
• Exit

Details of Each Event

Cocktail Hour

The cocktail hour is a time for guests to mingle, enjoy some appetizers and drinks, and get to know each other before the festivities begin. It typically lasts for an hour and is held immediately after the ceremony.

Grand Entrance

The grand entrance is when the newlyweds make their first appearance as a married couple. This is usually accompanied by music, and the couple is introduced by the DJ or MC.

First Dance

The first dance is a special moment for the newlyweds. It’s typically a slow dance and can be to any song of their choosing. This is also a good time for the parents of the couple to share a dance.

Speeches/Toasts

Speeches and toasts are given by the best man, maid of honor, parents, and other close family and friends. These speeches are usually heartwarming and include funny anecdotes.

Dinner

Dinner is typically served after the speeches and toasts. It’s important to consider any dietary restrictions of the guests when planning the menu.

Cake Cutting

The cake cutting is a fun tradition that involves the newlyweds cutting the cake together. This is usually followed by feeding each other a small piece of cake.

Dancing

After the cake cutting, it’s time to hit the dance floor. It’s important to choose a mix of slow and fast songs to keep guests engaged.

Bouquet and Garter Toss

The bouquet and garter toss are typically held towards the end of the night. The bride tosses her bouquet to the single ladies, and the groom tosses the garter to the single men.

Final Dance

The final dance is a chance for the newlyweds to share one last dance together before the night ends.

Exit

The exit is when the newlyweds leave the reception. This can be done with sparklers, confetti, or any other fun send-off.

Question and Answer

Q: What’s the best way to plan the reception order of events?

A: The best way to plan the reception order of events is to work with your wedding planner or coordinator. They can help you create a timeline that works for you and your guests.

Q: How long should the cocktail hour be?

A: The cocktail hour should be around an hour long. This gives guests enough time to mingle and enjoy some drinks and appetizers.

FAQs

Q: Can we change the order of events?

A: Yes, the order of events is not set in stone. You can work with your wedding planner or coordinator to make any necessary changes.

Q: Do we need to have a bouquet and garter toss?

A: No, the bouquet and garter toss are not mandatory. It’s up to you to decide if you want to include them in your reception.

Q: How long should the reception be?

A: The reception should be around 4-5 hours long. This gives guests enough time to enjoy the festivities without getting bored or tired.

Conclusion

Planning the perfect wedding reception order of events can be a daunting task, but it’s worth the effort. By following the basic order of events and making any necessary tweaks, you can ensure that your guests have a great time and that your wedding day is unforgettable.