Lyla Dejesus
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but it is important to ensure that the wedding party is recognized at the reception. The wedding party introduction is often considered the most important part of the wedding, and it is usually the last introduction of the night. There are several ways to make this introduction memorable, such as creating a Reception Planning Guide for the emcee or DJ, which includes a detailed timeline, the order of entrance, names, and titles. Traditionally, the wedding party enters in pairs, with bridesmaids escorted by groomsmen, followed by the maid of honor and best man, and finally, the newlyweds. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and couples can choose a traditional or unique entrance that reflects their individual tastes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Order of entrance | The order of entrance is usually the groom's parents, bride's parents, flower girl and ring bearer, bridesmaids escorted by groomsmen, maid/matron of honour escorted by the best man, and finally, the bride and groom. |
| Music | Music is played by a DJ or band during the wedding party's entrance. The couple may choose a song to be played during their entrance. |
| Announcer | A professional, such as a DJ or band member, or a friend or loved one, announces the wedding party's entrance. |
| Timeline | The wedding party's entrance occurs after the ceremony and cocktail hour, and before dinner. |
| Choreography | The wedding party may perform a choreographed dance during their entrance. |
| Props | The wedding party may use props during their entrance. |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a traditional entrance or something unique
If you're opting for a traditional entrance, the bridesmaids and groomsmen enter first, followed by the maid of honour and best man, and finally, the newlyweds. You can ask the DJ or MC to announce everyone's names as they enter.
However, if you want to do something more unique and creative, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas:
- Make a grand entrance by arriving in a vintage car or on a tandem bike, or even by parachuting into your reception.
- Create a one-of-a-kind entrance by working with performers or a unique entertainment act, such as cabaret showgirls or a live band.
- Involve your wedding party in the fun by having them enter with props like bubble guns or signs, or even choreographing a simple dance routine.
- Base your entrance on your interests or the theme of your wedding. For example, if you love adventure, you could jump into a hot air balloon after the ceremony and arrive at your reception ready to party.
- Make your entrance interactive by having your wedding party announce your arrival as newlyweds or creating a high-five line with your guests as you enter.
- Choose an entrance that reflects your personality and what brings you and your partner together. This could be as simple as walking in hand-in-hand or entering to your favourite song.
Remember, the most important thing is to choose an entrance that you feel comfortable with and that sets the right tone for your reception. Whether you go for a traditional or unique entrance, careful planning and clear communication with your wedding party and vendors will ensure that your entrance goes smoothly.
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Plan the timeline and communicate it to the MC
Planning a wedding reception timeline is an essential part of ensuring your celebration is a success. The average wedding reception typically lasts between four and seven hours, including an hour for cocktails and four hours for dinner and dancing.
First, decide what will happen between the ceremony and the reception. This could be a cocktail hour for mingling with guests or taking formal pictures. Next, communicate the timeline to the MC. For example, you could say: "The ceremony will end at 5:30, and the cocktail hour will begin. At 6:30, we want the guests to be escorted into the dining room. At 6:40, we would like the bridal party to be announced."
Give the MC a written list of the wedding party's names, in the order they will enter, so they can announce them correctly. If necessary, include a pronunciation guide. You could also send an email to everyone in the wedding party the week before, reminding them of the timeline for the day. For example, during photos, you could say: "Remember, everyone, we'll line up to enter the reception at 6:35."
Finally, gather your wedding party near the door where they will enter the reception. Traditionally, they will line up in the same order they entered the ceremony, with the bridesmaids and groomsmen entering first, followed by the maid of honor and best man, and the newly married couple last.
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Line up the wedding party
There are several ways to line up the wedding party at the reception. Here are some suggestions:
Traditional Entrance
The wedding party is usually introduced to the guests during their grand entrance, showcasing their special relationships with their closest friends and family members. The DJ or emcee should do the introductions, and you can choose a traditional entrance or something more tailored to your individual tastes. Pick songs to create energy and excitement! The wedding party is typically announced in the following order:
- Groom's parents
- Bride's parents
- Flower girl and ring bearer
- Bridesmaids escorted by groomsmen
- Maid/Matron of Honor escorted by the Best Man
- Bride and Groom
- First dance, followed by a champagne toast
- Dinner is served
- Announcement for people to go up to the buffet
- Bride and Groom cut the cake
- Special dances
Line-up by Height
One way to avoid any hurt feelings is to line up your bridesmaids and groomsmen by height, with the shortest closest to the altar and the tallest the farthest away. The maid of honor and best man, however, should stand directly next to the couple, regardless of their height.
Line-up by Friendship
Another option is to arrange your bridesmaids and groomsmen based on the length of friendship, with the longest friendships closest to you and the newest friends on the outer edge. This option can be a bit sensitive, so proceed with caution.
Blended Line-up
If you have an uneven wedding party, you can skip the traditional "his side, her side" arrangement and have your wedding party blend together with bridesmaids and groomsmen on both sides. This option adds a bit of visual interest and can be a fun way to mix things up.
Choreographed Entrance
To make your entrance more entertaining, consider incorporating music, props, or choreographed dances. You can create a fun dance routine with the bridal party, including some easy steps like the moonwalk or disco moves. Just be sure to respect your wedding party's comfort levels and don't force complicated choreography if they're not up for it.
Other Tips:
- Keep your bridal party assembled in a designated area before the reception to help the MC start the evening's events on time.
- Provide the MC or DJ with a written list of names, including a pronunciation guide if needed, to ensure smooth and accurate introductions.
- Communicate your wishes directly to the bridal party to ensure everyone knows the plan and is comfortable with the chosen entrance style.
- Limit the amount of alcohol the bridal party is allowed to consume before entering the reception to avoid any mishaps.
- Consider using an elegant limo, a funny bridal party walk, or a fun golf cart for the bridal party's entrance to add a unique touch.
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Choose an announcer
The announcer, or MC, is a key part of the wedding reception. They will guide the event, providing direction and ensuring the reception runs smoothly. The MC will also be responsible for introducing the wedding party and the newlyweds, so it's important to choose someone who can do this well.
You could ask the DJ to act as the MC, which is a common choice, or you could ask a friend or family member to take on this role. If you want a professional, you could hire a dedicated MC, who will be able to provide subtle direction in a normal fashion. A good MC will be able to adapt to your style and preferences, whether that's a traditional entrance or something more personalised.
If you're asking a friend or family member, consider choosing someone who is comfortable speaking in front of a crowd and who knows the wedding party well. They should be able to make the announcements with confidence and clarity, and they should be happy to take on this responsibility.
Provide your MC with a clear timeline of the event, including when they should be making the introductions. Give them a written list of names, including a pronunciation guide if necessary, and the order in which the wedding party will enter. You should also communicate this plan to the wedding party, so they know where to be and when.
The MC should be mindful of titles and preferences, especially if one of the newlyweds has a title, such as a military rank or doctoral degree. They should also be aware of any non-traditional family situations and respect the couple's preferences for how they wish to be introduced, especially if they have chosen to retain or hyphenate their surnames.
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Create a Reception Planning Guide
A wedding reception is an important event for the newlyweds, and planning it can be both exciting and scary. Here is a comprehensive reception planning guide to help you recognise the wedding party and ensure a memorable event.
Timeline Planning
Firstly, decide on the timeline of events between the ceremony and the reception. Traditionally, there is a cocktail hour between the two, which allows guests to mingle, enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres, and travel between venues if the ceremony and reception are in different locations. It also gives the couple an opportunity to take formal pictures. Communicate the timeline to the MC, and ensure the wedding party is aware of their role and when and where they need to be.
The Grand Entrance
The grand entrance, also known as the grand march, is an important part of the reception, introducing the newlyweds and the wedding party. The couple may enter together, or the bridesmaids and groomsmen can enter first, followed by the maid of honour and best man, and finally the bride and groom. The wedding party can enter in pairs or as a group, and the order can be detailed in your planning guide.
Announcements
The DJ, MC, or a professional announcer should introduce the wedding party. Provide them with a written list of names, in the order they will be announced, and any titles or relationships to the couple. If you want to make it more memorable, you can include music, props, or choreographed dances for each member's entrance.
The First Dance
The couple's first dance usually follows the introductions. The music is lowered, and guests are asked to stand and join in welcoming the newlyweds. The wedding party may then form a line around the dance floor or take their seats.
Dinner and Speeches
After the first dance, guests are usually invited to eat. This can be followed by speeches, blessings, or prayers. The reception then continues with music, dancing, and celebrations.
Other Considerations
When planning the reception, be mindful of the venue contract, noise restrictions, and timing. Discuss these with your venue before finalising the reception order of events. Also, consider the songs played during the reception, as an overzealous playlist can disrupt the flow of the entrance and transitions.
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