How to Hold an East Coast-Style Wedding Reception

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By hairjc
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If you are looking to hold a wedding reception that is a bit of a break from the norm (depending on the area of the country you live in), try exploring the East Coast-style wedding. This format separates the evening between meal courses and gives the bride and groom more opportunities to speak with guests. It will also give everyone the chance to eat some of the food they've selected! Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Order of events

Step 1

Hold cocktail hour as you would traditionally. Have guests enter the reception area prior to wedding party arrival.
Step 2

Enter the reception with the bridal party introduction. Immediately go into the bride/groom first dance. You already have everyone's attention; you might as well capitalize on it!
Step 3

Hold the first round of speeches/blessings/toasts.
Step 4

Serve the first/appetizer course. Complete the speeches after the first course has been served.
Step 5

Serve salad course. After it has been served, announce and hold the cake cutting.
Step 6

Parents of the bride "thank you" to guests, followed by the father/daughter and the mother/son dances.
Step 7

Serve the main course, during which you can display a slide show or some other form of entertainment.
Step 8

Serve cake.
Step 9

Continue with the desired reception music until "last dance."

Tips & Warnings

During and between each course incorporate both the dinner and dancing music. There should be a good 15-30 minutes between courses to give sufficient time for each planned event and for the guests to finish eating.
Use the downtime you get between courses to eat and visit with your guests. They will appreciate the attention; and it will give you the opportunity to actually take in what's happening around you.
Make sure your reception vendor and the band/DJ have a list of the order of events and fully understand the flow.
If you aren't from a place where they hold this type of wedding, you may have some guests who are confused by the eating schedule. Most of the time, they'll understand once you explain it; but be prepared to deal with the odd guest who still wants his meal immediately.