The Wedding Reception

Overview:
There many options in planning your reception and the flow of events.  It all depends on individual tastes, preferences and circumstances.  Listed below are the the most often included parts of a typical reception.  They are listed here to serve only as a guide in planning your wedding celebration.

The Start of the Reception:
Once the wedding ceremony is complete the guests start making their way to the reception.  Usually, the Bride and Groom and the wedding party will stay behind for photographs.  The “background” music will begin as soon as the first guest arrives at the reception hall.  Typically the music played at this time is a mix of soft rock, smooth jazz, and instrumentals meant not for dancing but as background for conversation and socializing.  Often, DJ/MC announcements are made at this time informing the guests of the planned order of events including the the Bridal Party welcoming plan, the dinner plan, etc.

Introductions:
Once the wedding party has arrived at the reception location they are lined up outside the hall for the Grand Entrance.  The DJ/MC will introduce the wedding party as they enter.  A typical wedding party lineup will include: the Flower girl and Ringbearer, followed by the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, the Maid of Honor and the Best Man, and then finally the introduction of the Bride and Groom.  Often the Bride and Groom may have their first dance at this time as part of the Grand Entrance or may choose to mingle with the guests first and have their first dance a little later in the reception.

Dinner:
Depending on wether there will be a buffet, heavy hor d’oeuvres or a formal dinner there may be a blessing performed.  If it is a formal dinner, light background music may continue as before or, if a buffet or heavy hor d’oeuvres are being served, the music may be a little faster pace.  The tempo of the music may also increase in the latter part of the dinner to prepare your guests for the dancing portion of the reception to follow.

The Toast: 
The toast is traditionally done following the dinner and just before the cake cutting.  However, often the toast preceeds the dinner.  It’s all a matter of personal preference.   The Best Man is usually the first person to offer a toast to the Bride and Groom.  This is often followed by toasts from the father of the bride, and possibly the father of the groom.

The Cake Cutting:
The cake cutting is a big part of the reception.  It usually preceeds the dancing portion of the reception and is usually done right after the meal.  Many people like the idea of serving the wedding cake as dessert.  It is a “photo opportunity” and as such is usually organized and lead by the photographer.

The First Dance & Special Dances:
If you haven’t already had your first dance during the “Grand Entrance” you will, traditionally, want to start the dancing portion of the reception here with your first dance as husband and wife.  Following your first dance you may want to have the Father/Daughter dance, followed by the Mother/Son dance, followed by the Wedding Party dance, etc.  At this point the dance floor is opened to all guests.

The Bouquet Toss:
According to tradition, the person that catches the bouquet will be the next bride in the group.  Before the toss, the DJ/MC will call for all unmarried ladies in the audience to come up to the dance floor and line up at one end.  Then, on the count of  “three”, the Bride will toss the bouquet over her shoulder.  Of course there are many options available.  You may choose to only have ladies 16 years old and up take part.  You may choose to face the group of ladies, or elect toss the the bouquet to just the bridesmaids in your party.  Another popular option is to have all the single ladies circle around you as a song is played, then, when the music stops, present the bouquet to the person in front of you.


The Garter Ceremony:
For various reasons many brides are opting to eliminate the Garter Ceremony.   However, it is an option available to you.  Traditionally, the DJ/MC will have a chair pulled out into the middle of the floor.  With the Bridemaids standing behind the chair (for photos and effect), the bride sits and the Groom (down on one knee and with musical fanfare) removes the garter.  Then, the “eligible” men (16 years old and up) are called up to form a line at the edge of the dance floor (as the ladies did) and on the count of “three” the groom tosses the garter.  Then, the chair is brought back out into the middle of the dance floor and the lady who caught the bouquet has a seat.  Then the gentleman who caught the garter (down on one knee and with musical fanfare) slips the garter on her leg.  Again, there are options to you.  You may decide to eliminate the placing of the garter on the guest who caught the bouquet.

The Last Dance:
Just before your departure you may elect to have a “Farewell Dance”.  This is a great way to mark the end of the reception and prepare your guests for your “Send-Off”.  A very nice touch is to have the guests circle you as you and your husband have your last dance of the night. 
Following the last dance the DJ/MC will announce your departure and ask guests to gather at the entrance with bubbles (or birdseed, sparklers, etc.) for the send-off.