The Order of a Wedding Reception
Planning a wedding reception, but don’t know how it should all go? Most receptions follow a fairly similar format, starting with the cocktail hour and ending with the newlyweds’ grand exit. Find out about what happens in between, with this look at the typical order of a wedding reception.
Almost every wedding reception starts with a cocktail hour. This is the perfect time for the guests to mix and mingle, while enjoying drinks and appetizers. The cocktail hour is usually set up in a separate space from the main dinner area, such as in an adjoining bar or patio. The newlyweds are not generally present for the start of the cocktail hour, as they will likely be having photos done. The bridesmaids and groomsmen will also probably come late, as they too will be photographed in their great outfits and fancy bridesmaid jewelry. The word “hour” in cocktail hour is significant – anything over that is too long.
Following the cocktail hour, guests enter the main dining space. If the receiving line was not done outside the ceremony venue, this is an ideal time for it. The newlyweds, their parents, and possibly the bridesmaids can stand inside the dining room and greet each guest as they enter. Comments should be kept brief on both sides to keep the lining moving along. The bride and groom will be formally announced at this point by the bandleader or d.j.
There is a trend right now for the couple to go directly into their first dance, although it can also be done later. I find it more natural for the spotlight dances to occur immediately following dinner. The newlyweds take their first spin around the dance floor, then the bride dances with her father and the groom dances with his mother. Sometimes after that, the groomsmen and bridesmaids take to the dance floor (they all look so wonderful out there, with the bridesmaids in their gorgeous dresses and special bridesmaid jewelry). Partway through this dance, the bandleader can request that everyone join them on the dance floor, and the party begins.
When everyone has been seated for dinner and received their salad, it is time for the champagne toast. Please do not start the toasts before guests have been served their food, because they will find the speeches to be miserable if they are standing between them and dinner! After the speeches are complete – which should not take too long – the rest of the meal is served. At the conclusion of dinner, the newlyweds will have their first dance if they did not do so earlier. Then the floor is opened up to everyone and the real merriment begins.
About an hour before the end of the reception is the usual time for the cake cutting ceremony. The music should stop and the bandleader should announce what is about to happen so the guests have time to gather round and watch. Then the guests return to their tables, and the waitstaff serves them cake and coffee. If you plan to have a Viennese hour, this would be the time. Traditionally, it is considered polite for all of the guests to remain at the reception at least through the cake cutting. Once that has happened, it is a signal to those who wish to call it a night that the party will start winding down and they can say goodbye.
The final parts of the wedding reception are the bouquet toss and the grand exit. A lot of couples now hang around their reception until the bitter end, but there is something nice about the newlyweds heading out in grand style while there are still people there to see them off. If the bride and groom plan to change into going away outfits, they slip away to do that. Then it is announced that the newlyweds are about to depart, and everyone comes outside to cheer as they rush to their waiting limo. Sometimes they might wave sparklers or toss confetti to make the moment even more exciting. It is the perfect ending to a wonderful wedding.
Bridget Mora loves to help brides plan their dream weddings with advice on receptions, decorations, fashion, and more. Treat your bridesmaids to beautiful and affordable bridesmaid jewelry from Silverland Jewelry – they will love it!
Published in Entertainment, Family, Relationship