Wedding Reception Events - Traditional Wedding Events Explained
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The arrival of Guests at the Reception Site
Typically, the Bride and Groom will not have much time between the Ceremony and the Reception. Some Guests will arrive early to the Reception. Therefore, be sure everything on the Reception to-do list is complete by the start time of the Wedding Ceremony. Also, all Wedding vendors should be wearing proper attire for early arriving and late staying Guests. All tables should be set-up including cake table, entertainment table, 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 site ahead of time- with every Guest's name specified along with where they will be seated.
Introduction of the Wedding Party
This step is not mandatory, but it is nice for everyone to know who the Wedding party is as many have not met before. Also- it can be a lot of FUN! If you have hired a Wedding DJ for example, these details could be listed in your event planner. The traditional order of entrance is as follows: Grandparents of the Bride, Grandparents of the Groom, 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, please review the pronunciations of the Wedding party's names with the Master of Ceremonies. Introduction of the Bride and Groom
This is always the last of the introductions. Everyone should stand up before the Bride and Groom enter the Reception Hall. A meaningful introduction song should be played and a special announcement made to punctuate a truly grand entrance. You will also need to decide how you would prefer the Master of Ceremonies to make your introduction: Mr. and Mrs. Smith or John and Jane Doe, for example.Blessing
Meal
Finally, it is time to eat! Bride and Groom, please be sure to stop and take a moment to eat. This may be your only chance on your Wedding day! It is customary for the Bride and Groom to initiate the buffet line prior to their Guests.
Cutting of the Cake
Cutting of the Cake
This is the traditional event of the Bride and Groom making the first cut into their Wedding cake. The Bride then offers half of the piece of cake to the Groom and the Groom then offers the remaining half to the Bride. The cutting of the cake is a Ceremony intended to symbolize the newlywed couple's commitment to caring and sharing for one another. Forks may be used as they make the image attractive for the photographer.
Toasts
Traditionally, this is when the Bride and Groom toast each other and then interlock arms. Immediately following, the Best Man and Maid/ Matron of Honor also make toasts to the bridal couple. Be prepared for other family and friends to want to follow with their toasts too. First Dance - Bride and Groom
The Bride and Groom Dance is the first dance between a Husband and Wife as a married couple. The dance is also commonly known as the "First Dance". The timing of this dance can vary within the Reception depending upon your preferences. The first dance can be done immediately following the grand entrance with the Wedding party or immediately after dinner. This song is very important, so let your disc jockey assist you with some recommendations.
Father and Daughter Dance
The Father and Daughter Dance is the dance between the Father 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 that you can dance with both of them. If you do not have a Father, a common substitute is a Father figure or even your Brother would make a very nice gesture.
Mother and Groom Dance
Mother and Groom Dance
The Mother and Groom dance is the dance between the Mother 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 that you can dance with both of them. If you do not have a Mother, a common substitute is a Mother figure or even your Sister would make a very nice gesture.
Special, Meaningful Songs
There may be songs in your life that are dear to your heart. You can request your wedding dj to play these songs during the Reception or immediately following the formal dances.
Bouquet and Garter Toss
Traditionally, this is when the Bride tosses her bouquet to all of the single women in attendance. Immediately following the bouquet toss, a chair is set in the middle of the dance floor. The chair is for the Bride to sit and the Groom to remove the Bride's garter from her leg. Then the Groom tosses the Bride's garter to all the single men in attendance. The people who catch the garter and bouquet are said to be the next ones to marry!
Dancing and Fun