Reception:
When to do what?
By Carley RoneyQ.
I'm not certain about the order of events at the reception.
Could you please give a rough timeline of the following events: receiving line,
cocktail hour, first dance, champagne toast, best man's and maid of honor's speeches, dinner,
cake cutting? I'm so clueless!
A. No problem! Here's the basic order of events.
How long each event lasts depends on your party -- is it a simple cocktail reception or a seated dinner?
(The average reception with full meal lasts around four hours.)
Keep in mind that you're not orchestrating the reception alone -- your banquet manager,
caterer, bandleader (who might act as MC), and other wedding professionals are old hands at this stuff,
so they know what's supposed to happen when. Remember, too, that nothing is set in stone --
there are always options.
Receiving line:
The line can form at the ceremony site just after the
wedding or at the reception site, depending on logistics. If you think your guests will get to the
reception before you (if you and the wedding party will be taking pictures after the vows),
you might want to have the line at the ceremony site. Another option is to hold the cocktail hour
in a room other than the main reception room. You'll have plenty of time to get to the cocktail hour,
and when the doors to the reception room open, you and your parents can form the receiving line
as guests enter.
Cocktail hour:
The cocktail hour kicks off the reception and can last for an hour or
perhaps an hour and a half. Guests arrive, greet each other and you (see "Receiving line"),
and generally get into party mode.msn shopping relationship vases $150.00RedEnvelopeMore Gifts: Weddings
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First dance:
This blissful moment can take place when you two are announced for the first time as
husband and wife -- just go directly to the dance floor. Alternatively, you can wait until after the
salad course -- it's entirely up to you.
Champagne toast/speeches:
The toast generally happens
after everyone is seated and the first course has been served. The best man starts the toast and
gives his speech, followed by the maid of honor. The couple responds (the groom usually responds
to the best man, but why not let the bride say something, too?), and then parents and other guests
get into the act.
Dinner:
Once cocktails are finished, the couple and wedding party have been announced,
and the first dance is over (if you've chosen to dance before the meal), dinner should be served.
Generally, not much more than half an hour should have passed since guests entered the main reception room.
Cake cutting:
The cake is usually cut during the last hour of the reception, which makes sense
because it's time for dessert and coffee as the party is winding down. Also, the cake cutting generally
signals to guests that it's okay to leave soon, so don't cut the cake too early or
things could start wrapping up before you're ready!