A Reception Outline

Your reception is just that, YOUR reception. Plan it according to what you would like to see happening. It is important that you talk with your Mistress of Ceremony to assist you in coordinating the events that will be happening. Plan it out also with your catering service, your Emcee (Band leader or Disc Jockey), and your photographer. You may want to also talk with the manager of your reception hall so they know when to clear dishes, tables, ect.. Listed below is a general outline of a reception. The reception can be broken up in three areas: The Cocktail Reception; The Dinner; and The Party. You may want to make sure that any group photos that you want to have happen in the beginning.

The Cocktail Reception

• Guests arrive; bride, groom and attendants are having pictures taken elsewhere.
• Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are served as background music plays
• Wedding Party arrives and are announced.
  • Groom's Parents
  • Brides Parents
  • Attendants
  • Best Man escorting Maid of Honor
  • Flowergirl and Ring Bearer
  • Bride and Groom
• Cocktail reception continues.
• Cocktail reception ends; everyone enters the dining room and find their seats

The Dinner

• Benediction, grace or other blessing of the meal.
• Meal is served
• Meal Service is cleared
• Emcee announces the newlyweds' first dance.
• Bridal Party Dance
• Father/Daughter Dance
• Toasts are made
  
  • Best Man first
    
  • -Others from the wedding party
    
  • -The floor is opened to guests

The Party

• Cutting of the Cake
• Bouquet Toss
• Garter Toss
• Party time! Music continues. Guest will slowly leave.
• Departing of the Bride and Groom.

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