Wedding Reception Timeline
The Order of Events
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The bride and groom usually discusses the wedding reception program with the reception manager and the master of ceremonies (MC). This is to ensure everything runs smoothly, on time and according to your requests. The order can be changed and customised to suit your own wedding ideas and different wedding customs.
The bride and groom would have had their wedding photos taken (following a detailed wedding photography checklist) before they arrive at the wedding reception. Some photo's will be taken at the church and the others could be taken at a nearby picturesque location with the entire bridal party and bride and grooms family. The newly weds are then chauffeured in a luxury limousine while enjoying scenic water views, drinking french Champagne and eating canapés.
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| On arrival, the drinks waiter offers your wedding guests a choice alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. | Pre-dinner finger food. A waiter offering canapés to the wedding guests while they are mingling. |
The Role of Wedding Reception Ushers
At least one wedding usher should be at the wedding reception before the wedding guests arrive. A wedding reception usher can be male or female, usually a trusted friend or relative. Their job is to greet wedding guests and collect wedding gifts, on arrival.
The reception manager works with the wedding usher/s directing the guests to their seats and crossing off their names as they arrive. In some cases, a second wedding usher collects any money gifts on arrival (placing the money envelopes in a decorative box) and pinning a small boutonniere on the guests clothing (optional).
Wedding Reception Order of Events
Here's a sample wedding reception program. You can create customised wedding reception program samples to suit your own wedding. The following information below is mearly a guide to help get you organised. Just accommodate the order of wedding reception to your own customs and specifications.
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Your guests arrive at the wedding reception, they are greeted by a wedding reception usher and/or the reception manager. |
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On arrival, the drinks waiter offers your wedding guests a choice alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. |
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Your guests are either given their table numbers or escorted to their tables. In some cases the guest can look up their own table number and seat themselves. |
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A food waiter walks around offering canapés to the wedding guests while they are mingling. |
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The Master of Ceremonies (MC) announces that dinner will be served soon and asks your guests to make their way to their seats. |
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The bridal party is annouced: The Master of Ceremonies introduces the bridal party. Firstly the bride’s parents, groom’s parents, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, the maid of honour and best man, then the ring bearer and flower girl and last of all the newly weds. |
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The bride's father makes a short speech and welcomes everyone to the wedding reception and thanks them all for coming. |
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First course of dinner is served. |
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The Bestman makes a toast to the newly married couple. |
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More wedding speeches and stories can be told during and after dinner, to entertain the guests. (Optional) |
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The MC or DJ annouces the first dance for the newly weds. |
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After the first dance, the rest of the bridal party is asked to join the dance floor. |
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The MC or DJ annouces that everyone else can join the dance floor. |
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The MC or DJ annouces the cutting of the wedding cake. |
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Your groom removes and throws the wedding garter. (Optional) |
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The brides throws a bouquet, usually a bridesmaids bouquet. (Optional) |
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Wedding cake and coffee or tea is served. |
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The newly weds change into their going away outfits and have another dance. (Optional) |
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The newly weds thank their wedding guests and say their goodbyes. |
Wedding Reception Program
A wedding reception program is an essential checklist, not only for your wedding guests but also for your Wedding MC. It ensures your wedding event is planned to perfection. You have a time limit at the reception, so use the time wisely. Plan with care and your wedding reception will be amazing.
