Wedding Reception Events Guide

Below is the order of the traditional and typical wedding reception events, along with descriptions of what takes place during them.  This is your reception, and there is no “wedding reception law”, changes can be made according to your wishes:

  • Arrival of Your Guests at the Reception Hall
  • Introduction of the Wedding Party
  • Introduction of the Bride and Groom
  • Bride and Groom’s First Dance (can also be after Dinner)
  • Blessing
  • Dinner
  • Toasts
  • Dancing and Fun!
  • Cake Cutting
  • Father and Bride Dance
  • Mother and Groom Dance
  • Special Dances
  • Bouquet and Garter Toss
  • More Dancing and Fun!
  • Last Dance

Arrival of Guests

Prior to the arrival of the Wedding Party and during the Cocktail Hour, your DJ will play the type of music that you choose to create the mood that you wish.  Jazz style music is typical, but again, can be whatever style you wish.

Introduction of the Wedding Party

The order of entrance and Introduction of the Wedding Party is traditionally as follows:

  • Grandparents of the Groom
  • Grandparents of the Bride
  • Parents of the Groom
  • Parents of the Bride
  • Flower Girls
  • Jr. Bridesmaid(s)
  • Ring Bearer(s)
  • Special Guests
  • Bridesmaids with the Groomsmen
  • Maid/Matron of Honor with the Best Ma
  • Bride and Groom!  

    Upon your arrival, your DJ will assist you and the wedding party outside the reception hall in getting ready for the introductions.  Most couples choose to have music playing as the DJ announces the names during the introductions, others do not. Your DJ will coordinate the introduction music to your wishes.

Introduction of the Bride and Groom 

This is always the last of the introductions. Most couples choose to have music playing during their introduction, others do not. Your DJ will play the music of your choice for your Grand Entrance.  Some brides choose to then go immediately into their first dance, others choose to wait until after the meal.  Your DJ will coordinate this to your wishes.

Bride & Groom’s First Dance 

The Bride & Groom’s First Dance is typically to a song that has special meaning to you.  Some couples choose to dance alone to their song, some choose to invite the Bridal Party join in part way through, and some choose to invite all their guests to join them.  This is entirely up to you.  

If the Bride and Groom choose to dance alone, some couples choose a second song for them along with the Bridal Party to dance to, immediately following their First Dance.  If you were torn between two songs for your first dance song, the Bridal Party dance is a great time to play your second choice. The timing of the Bride and Groom’s First Dance can vary in the evening based on your preferences, either following the toasts, or following your grand entrance.

Blessing 

If the clergy member or other person who conducted the wedding ceremony will be also attending the reception, they often also conduct the Blessing.  If this person is not available or you choose otherwise, usually a parent of the Bride or Groom, or a close family friend, will say the Blessing.

Dinner 

It’s time for you and your guests to enjoy the celebration dinner!  Jazz and standards are typically played during dinner, but the dinner music can be coordinated to your wishes. If the meal will be served buffet style, your DJ will announce the opening of the buffet for the Bride and Groom first, then the Wedding Party, then the remaining guests.

Toasts 

The Toast is often said by the Best Man, but it can be anyone you choose.  It’s best to arrange this with whoever you choose prior to the reception, so that they will have time to put together a great toast.  Traditionally, the Bride and Groom toast each, other then interlock arms and drink.  Some couples have other family members or guests take the microphone to say a few words to the new couple, some couples also take the microphone following all the toasts to say a few words to their families and guests.

Dancing and Fun!

Your guests will be ready for some dancing and fun, great music and fun wedding games (if desired) will be played, getting everyone up and having a great time!

Cake Cutting 

The Cake Cutting is a traditional ceremony which symbolizes the caring and sharing for one another. The Bride feeds half of the piece of cake to the Groom, and the Groom feeds the remaining half to the Bride. Some Brides and Grooms choose to do a playful squash of cake on the face of their new spouse, that is up to you to decide.  It’s best to discuss the “to squash or not to squash” details before the reception.  Popular song choices for the Cake Cutting are listed in our Reception Music Guide, but can be whatever song you wish.

Bride and Father Dance 

Popular song suggestions for this dance can be located in our Reception Music Guide, but can of course be any song you wish.  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 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. 

Groom and Mother Dance 

Popular song suggestions for this dance can be located in our Reception Music Guide, but can be any song you wish.  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 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. 

Special Dances 

There may be songs that are important to you, your family, or others, that you would like to be played.  Your DJ will coordinate these dances and any special music that you wish.

Bouquet and Garter Toss 

Your DJ will call all the single ladies and the Bride to the dance floor for the Bouquet Toss, tradition has it that the single lady who catches the bouquet will be the next to marry.  Typically, immediately following the bouquet toss, a chair is set in the middle of the dance floor and the Bride sits in the chair while the Groom removes the garter. Your DJ will call all the single men and the Groom to the dance floor for the Garter Toss.  The single man who catches the garter is said to be the next to marry.

Many couples opt to add a little extra fun to this event by choosing to have the single lady who caught the bouquet sit in a chair on the dance floor, and the single man who caught the garter put the garter on her leg, every inch up means another happy year of marriage for the Bride and Groom! This is up to you.  Popular song suggestions for the Garter and Bouquet Toss are listed in our Reception Music Guide, but can be any song you wish.

Dancing and Fun!

Now it’s time for you and your guests to dance and celebrate!  Your DJ has a number of fun wedding reception games and contests (if you want these), and great dance music to get the party going! 

Last Dance

The Bride and Groom dance for their last time at the reception before leaving for their honeymoon.  Popular song suggestions for the Last Dance are noted in the Reception Music Guide, but can be any song you wish.