Email Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest AddThis

Your Reception

After months of planning, you are now man and wife, and if that isn’t reason to celebrate, then nothing ever will be.

There’s a traditional order of proceedings for receptions that you may want to follow, although that depends very much on the formality and theme of your wedding. A traditional running sheet starts with your guests’ arrival at the reception.

If yours was a formal wedding, you may decide to opt for a receiving line to welcome your guests. This line should include both you and your new husband, the wedding party and your parents. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres are then served before the MC invites your guests to be seated and announces your entrance: first your parents’, then your attendants’, and then you.

Toasts and speeches can be scheduled either towards the end of the main meal, or be interspersed between courses. They should include any congratulatory faxes and emails, which are read by the best man. After the cutting of your cake, you and your groom begin the dancing with a bridal waltz. The MC then invites your parents onto the dance floor, followed by your attendants. Finally, your guests will join in. Towards the end of the evening, you can throw your bouquet to the single ladies, while your groom tosses your garter to the single men.

Your guests then form a circle. You and your groom go around the circle in opposite directions saying goodbye to each guest, finally meeting in front of your parents. It’s then time for you to leave.

Your reception is the opportunity to share some very special time with the people you love. As part of your planning, you should consider their transport options. Hiring a bus is one option, or if your guests are likely to use taxis, it’s a great idea to forewarn the local taxi company.

Find out more on writing your weddings vows