Reception Order of Events

Reception Order of Events

Here are some suggestions for wedding reception order - feel free to personalize this to your preferences, as all receptions are a bit different, sometimes depending on location and/or religion.

If the receiving line is done at the reception, after the line and after the cocktail hour is finished, the guests move into the main dining area and are seated. When the guests are all seated, the Master/Mistress of Ceremony (sometimes the DJ acts as M/MOC) introduces the bridal party. Whoever does the introductions should check beforehand on preferences of names and pronunciations. If they have not already been seated also, there can be a procession - beginning with bride's parents, groom's parents, flower girl and ring bearer, bridesmaids and groomsmen, best man and maid of honor, and finally the bride and groom. If the receiving line is done after the ceremony, introductions can still be made at the reception, with or without a procession.

The first dance with just the bride and groom can take place right after the introductions above or after the meal is done. Toward the end of the song, the M/MOC tells the bridal party to join in and then guests may also be included if you like. One consideration is the length of time the photographer will be at the reception and if you want the first dance captured on his/her film.

The cake cutting is introduced by the M/MOC and they can direct guests to the location. This is usually done before the meal, so the cake can be served in sequence after the meal, without having guests get up and down.

Just before the main meal is served, the best man is introduced and he toasts the couple. The maid of honor can also toast if she wishes. And it is customary at religious weddings to have the officiant say a prayer before everyone eats (prepare him/her in advance to do this). If there is a buffet, some direction may be announced on what is where and perhaps a table order for forming the lines.

Toward the end of the reception, the M/MOC can gather eligible ladies to the middle of the floor and the bride tosses her bouquet. The groom can remove the garter and toss it to eligible men.

The groom/bride and/or bride's father/mother can stand up and formally thank the guests for attending and helping to make the wedding special.

Other events can be announced/done, such as slide shows of bride/groom's growing up, professional dancers or entertainers, solo singers, readings/speeches, the dollar dance, disposable cameras on each table (and what guests are expected to do with them), etc.