What Is the Order of a Wedding Reception Program?

After the wedding ceremony, there is a common order of events for the reception celebration.

Depending on the time of day, event type, catering schedule and the couple's preferences, the order of wedding receptions varies greatly. Use the traditional timeline of reception events in order to begin your own.

Cocktail and Hors d'oeuvres Hour

During a casual hour of drinks and appetizers, guests sign the guestbook, find assigned seating, place gifts at the gift table, and converse with friends and new acquaintances.

Introduction of the Newlyweds

Once guests gather, the master of ceremonies announces the new couple, their wedding party and their family.

Champagne Toast

Traditionally, the best man proposes a toast to the new couple; sometimes the maid of honor or the hosts also offer a toast.

Dinner

Dinner is served once guests and the bridal party have arrived.

The First Dance

Traditionally, the groom and bride share a first dance together.

Garter, Bouquet Toss and Cake Cutting

Most weddings include a wedding cake for the couple to share their first dessert together.

The bride tosses her bouquet into a crowd of bachelorettes, and the groom removes the bride's garter and tosses it into a crowd of bachelors; superstitions suggest that whoever catches them will be the next to marry. The bride and groom then cut their first piece of cake and either share it, feed it to each other or playfully mash it in each other's faces.

References

• A-wedding-reception.com: Planning a Wedding Reception