Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding involves many decisions, and one of them is whether to make a grand entrance at the reception. While some couples enjoy the idea of a dramatic entrance to get the crowd excited, others may find the idea of being the centre of attention uncomfortable. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one, and there is no obligation to make a grand entrance if it doesn't align with your vision for your wedding day. However, if you choose to go for it, there are several ways to make your entrance unique and memorable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Necessity | It is not necessary to do a wedding reception entrance. |
| Purpose | It is a way to kick off the reception and greet guests. |
| Participants | The newlyweds, wedding party, parents, and grandparents may all be introduced. |
| Order | The wedding party may enter first, followed by the newlyweds. |
| Music | Songs are typically played during the entrance, with the newlyweds having their own intro music. |
| Actions | Participants may walk and wave or dance during the entrance. |
| Timing | The entrance often occurs at the end of the cocktail hour before dinner. |
| Announcement | A DJ or MC may announce the participants as they enter. |
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What You'll Learn
There is no obligation to make a wedding reception entrance
There is no obligation to make a grand wedding reception entrance. While it is a common tradition, it is not a requirement, and ultimately, the decision is up to the couple. If you are not comfortable with being the centre of attention, you can opt for a simple entrance or even forgo the entrance altogether and join your guests discreetly during cocktail hour.
The wedding reception entrance, also known as the grand entrance, grand announcement, or introductions, is an opportunity for the newlywed couple to make a dramatic entrance into the reception room and create a memorable moment. It is usually done after the cocktail hour, when the couple has finished taking photos and is ready to "greet" their guests. The DJ or emcee may make an announcement for everyone to take their seats, and the bridal party, including parents and grandparents, may be introduced before the couple.
However, there is no rule that says you must make a grand entrance. You can choose to walk in normally, without any announcements or fuss, and simply enjoy the celebration with your loved ones. Some couples prefer to have a simple entrance, while others may opt for a more low-key approach, such as greeting guests as they arrive or mingling during the cocktail hour.
The wedding reception entrance is just one of many wedding traditions that can be customised to fit your style and preferences. Whether you choose to make a grand entrance or keep it simple, the most important thing is that you are comfortable and having fun on your special day.
Remember, it's your wedding, and you can choose to do what feels right for you. Don't feel pressured to follow traditions that don't resonate with you. Your wedding day should reflect your personality and preferences, so feel free to be creative and make it your own!
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Grand entrances are common
The grand entrance can include the wedding party, with parents, grandparents, bridesmaids and groomsmen. They can be introduced in pairs, or as two sides, and they usually walk in to a chosen song. The bride and groom then make their entrance, often to a different song, and proceed to the dance floor for their first dance.
However, there is no requirement to make a grand entrance, and some couples prefer to simply walk in and join their guests. This can be a more relaxed option, especially for couples who don't like being the centre of attention. Ultimately, the decision on whether to make a grand entrance or not is a personal one, and couples should choose whatever option makes them feel comfortable and excited about their special day.
Some couples may also opt for a simple entrance, such as walking in hand-in-hand, waving to guests, and then taking their seats for dinner. This can be a more understated way to make an entrance, while still marking the beginning of the reception.
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The wedding party can enter before the couple
For couples who want to keep things simple, the wedding party can be seated right before the reception, and the couple can be announced and enter together, hand-in-hand, to greet their guests. This is a more low-key approach, without a formal entrance, and allows the couple to mingle and celebrate with their guests.
In a traditional wedding processional, the wedding party enters before the couple. The wedding party typically includes the officiant, parents, groomsmen, bridesmaids, flower girls, and ring bearers. The wedding party enters in a specific order, which may vary depending on the couple's religious or cultural background. For instance, in a Christian wedding, the more traditional route is for the officiant and groom to enter from the side, whereas a modern approach is for them to walk down the aisle with the rest of the wedding party. In a Jewish wedding, both the bride and groom are escorted down the aisle by both parents, who stand under the chuppah.
Ultimately, the wedding party can enter before the couple in a variety of ways, depending on the couple's preferences and cultural or religious traditions. There is no hard and fast rule, and couples can choose to customise their entrance to suit their unique needs and personalities.
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The couple can enter to their own music
Wedding receptions are a time for celebration, and music is a key part of setting the mood. The couple's entrance is their first appearance as a married couple, so it is an important moment in the reception. The couple can enter to their own music, choosing a song that reflects their taste and the vibe they want to create.
There are many ways to approach this. The couple might choose a fun, upbeat song to get everyone in the party mood, or they might opt for a romantic song to create a more elegant atmosphere. If the couple shares a favourite artist or band, they could choose one of their songs as a nod to their shared interests. For instance, they could go for a classic like "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie King Cole, or a more modern hit like "Best I Ever Had" by Drake.
The couple might also want to consider the length of the song and how long they want their entrance to be. They could choose to enter at a particular point in the song, such as the chorus, or they might want the song to play for the entire duration of their entrance. It is a good idea to practice walking to the song during a rehearsal to get a sense of the timing and whether any editing of the song is required.
Ultimately, the choice of music is a personal one, and the couple should pick a song that they both love and that reflects their personalities. This will make their entrance memorable and unique.
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The couple can enter after the wedding party
There are no set rules for how a couple chooses to enter their wedding reception, and they should feel free to do whatever feels right for them. Some couples opt for a grand entrance, with the bridal party entering first, followed by the couple, who then proceed to their first dance. In this case, the couple should select their entrance music in advance.
However, some couples prefer a more low-key approach, simply joining their guests at the end of the cocktail hour and mingling discreetly with no official entrance or announcement. This option may appeal to couples who don't like being the centre of attention.
If the couple does choose to make an entrance, they can enter after the wedding party. The wedding party usually walks in sets to their chosen music, followed by the couple who enter to their own music. The bridal party, groomsmen, and parents of the couple may also be announced and enter before the couple.
The couple can then proceed to their first dance, although this is not mandatory and can be done at any time during the reception.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it's up to you. Many couples choose to forgo a grand entrance and simply walk into the cocktail hour or reception with their guests.
Traditionally, the wedding reception introduction order includes the parents, grandparents, and wedding party, all introduced before the newlyweds. However, you can include as many or as few people as you like.
Typically, couples walk in hand-in-hand, waving to their guests. Some couples choose to do a "walk and wave" or "dance it out".
