What to do and in what order for your reception. This is a baffling problem with most brides. This guideline should keep the party moving right along.
The order of events at your reception will vary with you deciding what you're most comfortable with.
If the receiving line was not held at the ceremony site, it can be held at the reception site during the first 30 to 60 minutes. Beverages would be served as guests mingle, pick up their placecards and find their tables.
If dinner is to be served immediately, the bridal party proceeds to the head table. If cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are to continue, the bride and groom may begin the dancing with their bridal dance to a favorite song, previously chosen. At an extremely large wedding, guests may be invited to begin dancing once they've been through the receiving line.
After the first dance, the bridal party is seated at the head table. A blessing is then offered by the clergy or a family member. The best man raises his glass in a toast to the newlyweds. The groom then toasts his thanks to the best man, complements his bride, his parents, and his new in-laws. The bride, the parents, and other well-wishers may then rise to toast.
Shortly after dinner, before dessert is served, the couple will cut the wedding cake. At a cocktail reception, the cake is cut immediately after the receiving line concludes.
After dessert, the single women are urged onto the dance floor for the tossing of the bouquet. This is usually followed by the gathering of single men for the tossing of the bride's garter.
The bride's mother may remove her daughter's veil after the bride has danced with her father. The bride and groom then change into going away outfits, spend a few private moments to thank their parents, and leave in a shower of rice, birdseed or rose petals. This may or may not signal the end of the reception. Many couples opt to return and party with their guests well into the night!
The Party's Over
Make a list of special items that you want collected and delivered to your home, or another specified location. Remember the cake top, the anniversary layer of the cake, the cake knife and server, the toasting goblets, the guest book and pen, the gift basket or wishing well, disposable cameras, a plate of cookies from the cookie table, and your place cards.
Several days before the ceremony, set aside an imprinted napkin, a favor and a copy of the wedding program for your keepsake album.
Some guests will bring gifts to the reception. You will need to arrange to have them transported to your (or your parent's) home after the reception. Ask one person to take charge of the gift table. Provide them with a roll of tape so that the gift cards can be secured to the proper boxes. As a thank you, pick up a small gift for them on your honeymoon.
If the receiving line was not held at the ceremony site, it can be held at the reception site during the first 30 to 60 minutes. Beverages would be served as guests mingle, pick up their placecards and find their tables.
If dinner is to be served immediately, the bridal party proceeds to the head table. If cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are to continue, the bride and groom may begin the dancing with their bridal dance to a favorite song, previously chosen. At an extremely large wedding, guests may be invited to begin dancing once they've been through the receiving line.
After the first dance, the bridal party is seated at the head table. A blessing is then offered by the clergy or a family member. The best man raises his glass in a toast to the newlyweds. The groom then toasts his thanks to the best man, complements his bride, his parents, and his new in-laws. The bride, the parents, and other well-wishers may then rise to toast.
Shortly after dinner, before dessert is served, the couple will cut the wedding cake. At a cocktail reception, the cake is cut immediately after the receiving line concludes.
After dessert, the single women are urged onto the dance floor for the tossing of the bouquet. This is usually followed by the gathering of single men for the tossing of the bride's garter.
The bride's mother may remove her daughter's veil after the bride has danced with her father. The bride and groom then change into going away outfits, spend a few private moments to thank their parents, and leave in a shower of rice, birdseed or rose petals. This may or may not signal the end of the reception. Many couples opt to return and party with their guests well into the night!
The Party's Over
Make a list of special items that you want collected and delivered to your home, or another specified location. Remember the cake top, the anniversary layer of the cake, the cake knife and server, the toasting goblets, the guest book and pen, the gift basket or wishing well, disposable cameras, a plate of cookies from the cookie table, and your place cards.
Several days before the ceremony, set aside an imprinted napkin, a favor and a copy of the wedding program for your keepsake album.
Some guests will bring gifts to the reception. You will need to arrange to have them transported to your (or your parent's) home after the reception. Ask one person to take charge of the gift table. Provide them with a roll of tape so that the gift cards can be secured to the proper boxes. As a thank you, pick up a small gift for them on your honeymoon.
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