Can you please tell me the sequence of the program at a wedding reception?

Question

My friend will marry by August and she's on a tight budget. Instead of hiring a wedding coordinator, she asked me to help her out. The problem is, whenever I attend weddings, I''m not so keen on the sequence of the ceremonies. At the receptions, i just focus on the food...lol... and chat with old time friends that I seldom see. Pls. help me out. I will also be the emcee. What should I say....?

Answer 1

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I can tell you how mine went. When we arrived (the wedding party) The DJ announced us all and then as we were being announced we sat down at the head table. After that the Speeches came and then the prayer (it depends if you want a prayer) After that we ate. then we had a slide show and we watched that. Then the party started after dinner. Also We cut the cake before dinner I forgot about that part. But if you have a really good DJ they will put the night together for you. make sure you guys talk to the DJ about how the night will go.

Answer 2

Most reception halls have the order for you available. In the past weddings I've been to, the first thing after the guests were in the sitting arrangement was to allow the bridal party to enter. This is done by the MC introducing them in the order that they entered the church. So, first Bridesmaid/groomsman couple, and so on. The Best Man and Maid of Honor come last, and finally, you introduce the new Mr and Mrs XXX. At this point, they dance their first dance, you announce the song. Half way through it, you ask the bridal party to join, finally the rest of the guests. Some weddings have right after the Father/bride dance and the Mother/Groom dance. Remember to announce the song their dancing to. The last wedding I went to, had this after the main meal. Right before or right after (I've seen both) of the cake cutting, which is after dinner, you have the bouquet/guarder toss. The new couple usually opens the dance floor. The order isn't set in stone, and you can change it as best as it suits you.

If you want a good check list with all the details try: http://www.thedjforyou.com/Reception%20Itinerary.htm

Answer 3

There are plenty of websites with good advice about traditional and creative reception sequences as well as toasts. You can just twiddle the words to make them your own. Google it.

Generally, my experience is this.
Hor' d'ouvers are served while guest wait for the reception hall to be set up and the wedding couple to arrive to the reception location.

Guests are allowed to enter the reception hall and find their seats

Wedding party arrives and waits outside the hall

MC announces the wedding party..
(the parents of the couple first, then each of the bridesmaids/groomsment... then finally a big announcement of the new couple)

MC announces the schedule (what the guests can expect).. this is usually followed by the food being served.

Everyone eats.

this part depends on the plan... (is there dancing, is there a slideshow?)

Usually about an hour into eating MC announces the slideshow.

After slideshow more eating....

MC announces first dance and then gets everyone on the dance floor.

An hour later, MC announces cake cutting. After cake cutting part, the toasts are done by whoever you choose. Last one is done by the MC...

MC then gets everyone back on the dance floor.

Answer 4

Your friend has asked YOU not some traditional and boring wedding planner. Talk it over with her and decide between you what order she wants it in. Don't panic and just talk to your friend, I'm sure she'll agree how boring and crap normal receptions are!