WEDDING FORMALITIES

So many receptions have the same type of flow and most people are used to the standard, cocktails, then dinner, then formal dances and then cake cutting followed by bouquet toss.

Nowadays nothing is set in stone with formalities except ensuring that all of your guests are greeted by you both and know who your parents/sponsors are as well as the members of your bridal party. This is usually done either with a receiving line or more popular nowadays through a grand entrance announcement. Oh yes, and having the Bride and Groom stay together and greet each of their guests together is a must.

I personally feel that the most important part of any wedding is putting YOUR touches on it. Whether or not you have a professional wedding planner helping you, each couple should have their own ideas incorporated into the wedding and reception. Take ownership of your special day and enjoy each and every moment of it, as it will pass by so fast.


SUGGESTED FLOW OF EVENTS

Here's a suggestion on a beautiful, yet easy flow for the perfect wedding reception...

Guests await the arrival of the Newlyweds
Queue the Emcee/DJ
Bridal Party and Family Members line up for Grand Entrance
Newlyweds line up at end of line for Grand Entrance
Announcement of Parents of Bride and Groom
Announcement of Bridal Party
Then for the first time in public...
Announcement of Mr. & Mrs. ___
Newlyweds go straight into their first dance
After the first dance, if there is a Blessing over the meal, this is when it would be done
Dinner/Lunch is served OR Food Stations are Open
Newlyweds make their way around to greet guests
Cake Cutting
It is suggested that this be done as soon as everyone has been served . You'll ensure that doing so early on, guests will not miss the formality and everyone can witness the cake cutting.
Toast by Best Man (and anyone else doing toasts)
Family Unity Toast (Newlyweds and both sets of parents)
Blending the new families together
Toast made by Father of Bride
Once Father of Bride has made his formal toast, he ends his toast by inviting his daughter to dance floor
Father/Daughter Dance
Mother/Son Dance
Everyone invited to dance floor
Party, Party, Party!
Getting all the formalities out of the way early on, wil ensure that once the party has started, you will not have to continue stopping and going
Towards the end of the evening, if you are going to offer a bouquet and garter toss, this should be done now
Farewell Dance followed by a
Formal Send-off