Junior Rasmussen
There are many ways to make a grand entrance at your wedding reception. The bridal party usually enters first, with bridesmaids and groomsmen walking in pairs, or as two groups, before the maid of honour and best man. The newlyweds are typically announced last and enter to a different song. However, there are no hard and fast rules, and entrances can be tailored to individual preferences. For instance, the couple can enter first, and then join the guests in cheering on the wedding party. The DJ or band can seamlessly change from the entrance song to the first dance song, or the couple can opt to get the first dance out of the way before dinner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Order of entrance | There is no fixed order, but traditionally, the bridesmaids and groomsmen enter first, followed by the maid of honour and best man, and finally the bride and groom. |
| Music | The bride and groom select songs in advance for the grand entrance. Typically, one song is played for the entire bridal party entrance, and a second song is played for the bride and groom's entrance. |
| Choreography | The bridal party may perform some fun dance moves during their entrance. |
| Announcements | The DJ or MC announces the names of the bridal party as they enter. |
| Timing | The grand entrance usually takes place right before the end of cocktail hour. |
| Activities | During the grand entrance, the couple may cut the cake, give a welcome or thank you speech, or perform their first dance. |
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Order of entrance
The order of entrance for the wedding party is flexible and can be tailored to the preferences of the couple. Here is a suggested order of entrance that follows traditional conventions:
- Grandparents of the couple: In some cultures, such as Chinese weddings, the groom's family members are given precedence and enter first.
- Parents of the groom
- Parents of the bride
- Flower girl and ring bearer: Their entrance may vary depending on the couple's preferences. They can enter before the bridesmaids and groomsmen or after them.
- Bridesmaids and groomsmen: They can enter in pairs or as two groups representing the bride and groom's sides. If there is an uneven number, three people can walk in together.
- Maid of Honour and Best Man
- Bride and Groom: The newlyweds are typically the last to be announced and enter to their chosen music.
The wedding party can be introduced in various ways, such as by a wedding planner, DJ, or Emcee, who will line them up outside the entrance and ensure everyone enters in the correct order. The couple may choose to have a grand entrance, with music and choreography, or a more discreet entrance, mingling with guests during cocktail hour.
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Music
When selecting songs for the wedding party's entrance, it is important to consider the vibe you are going for and the guest list. If your guest list has a wide range of ages and backgrounds, choosing a classic that everyone will recognize, such as "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang, or "I Feel Good (I Got You)" by James Brown, can be a good idea. You can also opt for fun and upbeat songs like "ME!" by Taylor Swift, or "Marry Me" by Bruno Mars, which are sure to get everyone in the mood for a party. If you and your partner share a favourite artist or genre, this is a great opportunity to showcase that interest. For instance, hip-hop fans might choose "Best I Ever Had" by Drake, or country music lovers might opt for a song by Taylor Swift or Tim McGraw.
Typically, one song is played for the entire wedding party's entrance, with a second song reserved for the bride and groom's entrance. The couple should select these songs in advance and provide them to the DJ or band, along with the entrance order and name pronunciations. While some couples may be tempted to choose a different song for each pair or individual entering, this can be disruptive to the flow of the entrance, as there is usually not enough time to cue up a new song for each entrance.
The music played during the wedding party's entrance should be fun and upbeat, with lyrics that are happy and loaded with love. It can be a good idea to choose songs that are universally crowd-pleasing, but also meaningful to the couple. This will make the entrance feel special and unique.
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Choreography
There are many ways to choreograph the wedding party's entrance to the reception, and it's ultimately up to the couple to decide how they want to do it. Here are some ideas and tips to consider:
Music
The bride and groom should select songs in advance for the grand entrance. Typically, one song is played for the entire bridal party's entrance, and a second song is played for just the bride and groom. The DJ or band should seamlessly transition from the entrance song to the couple's first dance song.
Order of Entrance
There is no fixed order for the wedding party's entrance, and it can be tailored to the couple's preferences and cultural traditions. Here are some common options:
- Grandparents, parents of the groom, grandparents, parents of the bride, bridal party, then the newlyweds.
- Parents of the bride, parents of the groom, bridal party, maid of honour and best man, then the bride and groom.
- Bridesmaids and groomsmen enter first, followed by the maid of honour and best man, and finally the bride and groom.
- The bride and groom enter first, followed by the wedding party.
Pairs or Groups
The wedding party can enter in pairs, with bridesmaids paired with groomsmen, or they can enter as two groups, with the bride's side and the groom's side entering together. If there is an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, they can be paired in groups of three.
Dance Moves
To make the entrance more fun and memorable, the wedding party can perform some simple dance moves as they enter. This adds a unique and entertaining element to the reception.
Announcements
The DJ or MC can announce the names of the wedding party as they enter, ensuring that name pronunciations are discussed and provided in advance. For a more low-key approach, the wedding party can simply be introduced as a group.
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Announcements
The wedding reception is an opportunity for the newlyweds to be ushered into the reception room and make a grand entrance. The DJ or MC will typically make an announcement for everyone to take their seats, and this also allows the couple to line up and get ready for their entrance.
The couple may choose to have their parents and wedding party enter before them, or they can enter together as a group. The wedding party can walk in as pairs, or the couple can have their respective sides enter together. If the couple chooses to have their wedding party enter first, the DJ or MC will announce each person as they enter. The traditional order is to have the bridesmaids and groomsmen enter first, followed by the maid of honour and best man, and then the bride and groom.
However, there is no hard and fast rule, and the couple can choose to mix up the order of the wedding party's entrance. For example, the couple may choose to enter first, and then join the guests in cheering on the wedding party. The bridesmaids can also enter as a group, followed by the groomsmen.
The couple should select songs in advance for the grand entrance. Typically, one song is played for the entire wedding party's entrance, and a second song is played for the bride and groom's entrance.
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Parents and grandparents
The entrance order of the wedding party, including parents and grandparents, is a significant aspect of the wedding reception. While the specific order may vary depending on personal preferences and cultural traditions, here is a comprehensive guide to help you plan the grand entrance for the parents and grandparents:
Honourary Seating:
If the parents or grandparents are not officially part of the processional, they can be seated before the officiant's opening remarks through "honourary seating." This involves Partner 1 (the groom or bride) entering with their parents, escorting them to their seats at the front, and then joining the officiant.
Entrance Order:
The entrance order for parents and grandparents can vary. One suggested order is:
- Grandparents of the groom
- Parents of the groom
- Grandparents of the bride
- Parents of the bride
- Bridal party (bridesmaids and groomsmen)
- Newlyweds (bride and groom)
However, this order can be adjusted based on personal preferences and cultural traditions. For example, in Chinese customs, the groom's family members, including his parents and grandparents, may enter before the bride's family.
Pairing and Escorts:
It is customary for the wedding party to be introduced in pairs. If any of the parents are divorced, a family member or significant other can escort them. In the case of an uneven number of bridesmaids or groomsmen, consider pairing three of them together.
Seating Arrangements:
The seating arrangements for parents and grandparents are essential and can be tricky. Here are some suggestions:
- Seat grandparents with the parent that is their child to ensure they are taken care of and can share special moments.
- If the grandparents have many friends at the wedding, they may have their own table near the newlyweds but away from the dance floor.
- For step-parents, seating them with their spouse is respectful. If they share a strong relationship with the couple and an amicable relationship with the birth parents, consider seating them at the same table.
Cultural and Religious Variations:
The involvement of parents and grandparents in the wedding procession may vary depending on cultural and religious traditions:
- Jewish weddings typically include more family members, with both parties' grandparents walking down the aisle.
- In Hindu weddings, the parents play a more prominent role in the processional, with the bride's parents even sitting with the couple during the service.
- In Christian-style weddings, it is customary for the parents to sit in the very front row at the aisle, regardless of whether the wedding includes religious elements.
Remember, the most important aspect is to create an entrance and seating arrangement that feels right for you and your family dynamics. Discuss any specific cultural or religious traditions you want to incorporate with your wedding planner to ensure a smooth and memorable reception entrance.
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Frequently asked questions
The traditional order for the wedding party to enter the reception is for the bridesmaids and groomsmen to enter first, followed by the maid of honour and best man, and finally, the bride and groom.
No, you can do the entrance however you want. Some couples choose to enter first, and then join the guests in cheering on the wedding party.
If you have an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, you can pair three of them up to walk in together.
The wedding party is usually announced by the DJ or MC.
Before the wedding, you should give the DJ or MC a list of names of those being introduced, in which order, and how to pronounce them.
