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Use the following itinerary for your wedding
reception or dinner. It is just a guide, so make adjustments
as necessary to match your style and personality.
Cocktails before dinner
Think of this time as the “cocktail hour” with
refreshments and hor d’oeuvres for your guests. This
is the official beginning of the reception and should begin
around 6 PM. You and the rest of the bridal party will usually
take drinks and hor d’oeuvres in a separate room or
reception area that is reserved for the wedding party. This
period should not extend beyond 45 minutes, and have the
guests take their seats immediately following so that the
MC may introduce you and your wedding party.
Provide the MC with the names and pairings of the bridesmaids
and groomsmen so they may be introduced and presented in
the order you choose. After the pairs are introduced and
seated, it is time for your official introduction as man
and wife. Provide the MC with how you would like to be introduced,
such as Mr and Mrs John Smith, or first names only, or other
people’s names if you are truly adventurous. You may
even decide to enter to your own theme song. Prepare all
of this beforehand and be sure the MC is clear on the details.
The Main Course
After all are seated and the Bride and Groom have taken
their places, it is time for a short welcome introduction
or Grace to everyone, either by the MC or a family member.
When the entrees are served, the wedding couple should
take the opportunity to lightly mingle with their guests,
but return to your places before dinner is served. After
dinner, pop the bubbly and prepare for the speeches!
Toasts to the Happy Couple
While many cringe to think of wedding toasts, it is a time
for genuine feelings of good will. Toasts should be presented
as follows:
1st up is an initial toast to the new couple by a friend
or close relative; Next, the Bride or Groom, or both, respond and also
salute the wedding party; Follow with the Best Man and other party members if
they are prepared to do so; Finally, any emails, faxes, text messages, and even
telegrams from those unable to attend should be presented,
again by a friend or close relative.
Be sure that you list the order each is to be presented;
otherwise it can digress into an unruly free for all. Speeches
can occur after your introduction, after entrée,
or during the main course. Try to be mindful of the transition
from formality to festive - you do not want solemn speeches
given in the middle of the funky chicken dance.
The Rest of the Evening
Cake cutting can happen after your initial introduction
or after the toasts and speeches. Whenever you decide, have
the MC walk you through the process. Be sure there is an
understanding with your significant other regarding cake-feeding
etiquette. He may not appreciate how unhappy you will be
if your beautiful gown is smeared with frosting!
After the cake cutting, the Bride and Groom usually open
the dancing with their Bridal Dance. You may decide to have
the Bridal Dance occur after entrée, or forego the
Bridal Dance altogether. Dessert can be served during this
time as well.
Hurry Cinderella…
About 15 minutes prior to the close of the festivities
is a good time for the Bride to throw her bouquet and the
Groom to toss the garter, and be sure plenty of photos are
taken. This is the final chance to say farewell and thank
your guests.
Arrange transportation beforehand so all is prepared when
you are ready to leave.
A final note – no matter how hard you try, there may
be a disaster or two. Take them in stride and the magic
of the day will overcome. Best wishes! |
