Wedding reception is the grand finale of every wedding ceremony. It is the time when the newlyweds and their guests come together to celebrate the couple’s union. However, planning a wedding reception can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to deciding the order of events. To help you plan your wedding reception, we have put together a guide on the order of a wedding reception.
Cocktail Hour
The cocktail hour is the perfect time for guests to mingle and get to know each other. This is usually held immediately after the wedding ceremony while the couple takes pictures. During the cocktail hour, guests can enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and music.
Grand Entrance
After the cocktail hour, the newlyweds make a grand entrance into the reception venue. This is usually accompanied by cheers and applause from the guests. The couple can choose to make their entrance to a particular song or music.
Dinner
After the grand entrance, dinner is usually served. The couple can choose to have a sit-down dinner or a buffet-style dinner. It is essential to ensure that the guests are adequately fed and that there are enough food and drinks for everyone.
Toasts and Speeches
Toasts and speeches are usually given after dinner. The best man, maid of honor, and parents of the couple can give speeches. The couple can also give a speech to thank their guests and express their love for each other.
Cake Cutting
After the toasts and speeches, it is time to cut the cake. This is usually a fun moment for the couple, and guests can take pictures while the couple cut the cake. The couple can choose to feed each other the cake or smash it on each other’s face.
Dancing
After the cake cutting, it is time to hit the dance floor. The couple can choose to have their first dance, followed by a father-daughter dance and mother-son dance. After the traditional dances, the guests can join in on the dancing.
Bouquet and Garter Toss
The bouquet and garter toss are usually done towards the end of the reception. The bride tosses her bouquet to the single ladies, and the groom tosses the garter to the single men. The person who catches the bouquet or garter is believed to be the next to get married.
Conclusion
Planning a wedding reception can be stressful, but with this guide, you can make your reception a memorable one. Remember, the order of events can vary depending on your preference and cultural background. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the moment.
FAQ
What is the best time to have the wedding reception?
The wedding reception can be held immediately after the wedding ceremony or later in the evening.
How long should the cocktail hour be?
The cocktail hour should be approximately one hour long.
Who gives the speeches at the wedding reception?
The best man, maid of honor, parents of the couple, and the couple can give speeches.
What kind of music should be played during the reception?
The music played during the reception can vary depending on the couple’s preference. It can range from slow romantic music to upbeat dance music.
