SAMPLE WEDDING RECEPTION
I have compiled a list of ideas for your wedding reception. Just read through and hopefully you’ll get some ideas about how you want reception to flow. Together with adequate planning you can have a reception that everyone will remember and will be a blast for your guests. Of course all of the ideas are optional and can take place in any order you wish or not at all.
COCKTAIL MUSIC
While the guests arrive, we are playing either a light, popular jazz or classical, or a light, rock-soul and oldies mix. We keep the music level low because we realize that your guests are spending this time talking with family and friends. We do need to talk about if you would like your guest to go ahead and begin eating befor the couple arrives. I will be glad to announce everyone can begin helping themselves to the food and if so we need to decide if their will be blessing passed over the food.
BRIDAL PARTY INTRODUCTIONS "optional"
About a month prior to your reception, you will have the opportunity to speak with meet with me to discuss the proper name pronunciation of your bridal party attendants, and the proper placement of these attendants within the order of introduction. Parents/Grandparents can be included in the introductions. Once the bridal party is at the head table the MC will ask everyone to rise and will officially announce the bride and groom as "Mr. & Mrs." as everyone cheers and applauds.
BLESSING & BRUNCH, LUNCH, or DINNER
The MC will ask a guest (someone selected prior to the reception - minister, parents, friend, etc.) by name to say the blessing. A wireless microphone will be provided. Depending on the number of guests you have and depending on whether it is a sit-down or buffet please allow at least one hour for the meal. During the meal, we play a light, easy-to-talk-over music.
FIRST DANCE
I think it's best to be announced upon arrival, while we have everyones atention. Straight to the dance floor, I'll say some thing like, " Ladies and gentleman taking the dancefloor for the very first time as husband and wife Mr and Mrs Smith". The bride and groom select their first dance song prior to their wedding date. This song should be well thought out, and define something special about the two of you.
PARENT DANCES (Father/Daughter & Mother/Son)
After the bride and groom have danced their first dance as husband and wife, they may want to dance with their parents. If these dances are occurring the bride will first dance with her father, and then the groom will follow by escorting his mother to the dance floor for their special dance together. At times there have been instances where someone else has danced in place of either parent.
TOAST
A toast is usually done by the best man and maid/matron of honor (can also be done during/after the meal). We will coordinate this with the caterers to make sure that everyone has a full glass.
CAKE CUTTING
This usually takes place after the meal. This is the logical time as everyone is ready for dessert. We will make sure that the photographer and the bride and groom are ready, then we will make an announcement for people to gather around the cake. We usually play background music for the cake cutting. I like Dixie Cups Chapel of Love as background music.
OPEN DANCING
After the cake cutting has been completed, we will invite everyone to join in on the dance floor. In the beginning of the reception, we usually play a lot of very upbeat popular music to get everyone involved in the dancing.
MONEY/DOLLAR DANCE
The basic premise is to allow gentlemen to dance with the new bride, and ladies to dance with the new groom, for a fee. This dance usually lasts anywhere from 3-5 songs (depending on number of guests). We suggest a bridesmaid and/or groomsman collect the money rather than trying to "pin" the money on the bride and groom. The DJ will generally select appropriate music. This can be a lot of fun and often couples have ended up with 400-500$ which comes in handy on that Honeymoon.
BOUQUET & GARTER TOSS
The MC will ask for the bride and groom to make their way to the dance floor for the Bouquet & Garter Toss. First, the groom will remove the garter and then we will invite single ladies to gather on the dance floor for the bouquet toss. After, the bouquet, it's the guy's turn with the garter toss. Afterwards, the photographer will ask the recipient's to take a picture with the bride and groom.
ADDITIONAL CELEBRATORY DANCE(S)
As an option, you may wish to include special songs to celebrate certain guests' engagements, recent marriages, anniversaries, birthdays, new births or other important observances.
BACK TO DANCING
The MC will invite everyone back to the dance floor for more dancing. The music mix will continue to allow guests to celebrate and engage in romantic moments on the dance floor.
LAST DANCE
About, five minutes before the reception ends we will ask the bride and groom to make their way to the dance floor for their final dance. Often couples struggle with first dance song. This is a good place to play that second choice song.