Rhiannon Hendricks
There are many traditions and cultural differences that dictate what a bride and groom do after their wedding reception. In a Jewish tradition, the newly married couple takes 10 to 15 minutes alone together. In a Nigerian wedding, the bridal party is introduced through dance, with 'money spraying' taking place on the dance floor. In Western cultures, the bride and groom typically make a grand exit at the end of the reception, with guests ushering them off on their honeymoon. This can include sparklers, glow sticks, bubbles, rice, birdseed, confetti, or fireworks. The couple may also opt for a more subdued moment, such as a private last dance. After the reception, the newlyweds may head to a hotel to rest or go straight to the airport for their honeymoon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spend time alone | 10-15 minutes |
| Take photos | With guests, family, and wedding party |
| Grand entrance | Entering the reception to loud applause |
| Fake send-off | Midway through the reception |
| Formal exit | At the end of the reception |
| Honeymoon | Next morning or a few days later |
| After-party | At a bar or venue nearby |
| Cake cutting | Acceptable for guests to leave after |
| Dance floor | Traditional games, photo booths, trivia, music |
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Take photos
Taking photographs is a key part of the wedding day. Many couples choose to take photos before the ceremony, but some opt for a more traditional approach, waiting until after the ceremony to take photos with their family and wedding party.
If you decide to take photos after the ceremony, you will need to allow enough time before the reception. A minimum of 60 minutes is recommended, with 30 minutes for photos with family groups and the wedding party, and another 10-15 minutes for the couple alone. If you are short on time, you can opt for a table photo at the reception.
Some couples choose to take a few minutes alone directly after the ceremony before returning for photos. This can be a special moment for the couple to connect and can help reduce stress before the photos.
When taking photos after the ceremony, the couple often stands together at the front of the venue to be congratulated by the guests. They can then move to a separate location to take photos while the guests leave for the reception or a cocktail hour.
It is important to consider the time of day and the sunset when planning photo locations. You may also want to include your pets in some photos, which will require coordination with your photographer.
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Enjoy cocktail hour
The cocktail hour is a great opportunity for the bride and groom to relax and socialise with their guests. It is a time when guests can mingle, grab drinks and appetizers, and get into the party mood. It is also a chance for the newlyweds to thank their guests before the reception.
The cocktail hour usually takes place in a different area to the reception, and it is a good idea to provide seating for around 30% of your guests. It can be a nice touch to provide entertainment, such as live music or a photo booth.
As a bride and groom, you may want to be introduced at the cocktail hour, or you may prefer to simply walk in and chat with your guests. You can also use this time to take some photos, either with your guests or just the two of you. If you want to make a grand entrance at the reception, you might want to skip being introduced at the cocktail hour. However, many couples find that attending the cocktail hour is a great way to spend more time with their guests.
If you plan to take photos during the cocktail hour, it is a good idea to create a timeline to ensure you have enough time for everything. You can start with family photos, then bridal party photos, and finally, some portraits of just the two of you. This will ensure you have time to enjoy the cocktail hour and socialise with your guests.
Overall, the cocktail hour is a great opportunity for the bride and groom to relax, socialise, and enjoy drinks and appetizers with their guests before the reception. It is a time to celebrate and create a celebratory tone for the rest of the event.
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Cut the cake
Cutting the cake is a significant moment in the wedding reception. Traditionally, the music would stop, and guests would clear the dance floor and gather around the bride and groom for the cake-cutting ritual. The couple would then exchange bites of cake, or playfully smash cake into each other's faces, before the music resumed.
There is no set rule about when to cut the cake, and the timing is often chosen to suit the preferences of the couple and the flow of the reception. Some couples opt to cut the cake immediately after entering the reception, before sitting down for dinner. This ensures they look fresh in the photos and gives the catering staff time to cut and serve the cake. Cutting the cake straight after dinner is also a popular choice, as it can mark the end of the meal and the start of the party, with high-energy songs and performances.
If the couple chooses to cut the cake later in the evening, they may wish to consider cutting it after a few dances, to avoid interrupting the flow of the party. The cake-cutting can be a great way to mark the transition from dinner to dancing, and it is a special moment for the couple to share and guests to witness.
The wedding cake is often displayed in the middle of the room during the cocktail hour, so guests can admire it. It is also customary to have a groom's cake, which is typically cut immediately after the wedding cake, so guests can choose which flavour they would like.
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Dramatic departure
The wedding exit is a chance for the newlyweds to shine and celebrate the beginning of their new chapter. Here are some dramatic departure ideas for the bride and groom to make a statement:
The Grand Getaway Car
Make a stylish escape in a vintage drop-top car, a classic motorcycle with a sidecar, or even a horse-drawn carriage adorned with ribbon streamers. For a modern twist, a blue motorcycle can serve as the "something blue". If you're feeling extra glamorous, jump into a vintage convertible and share a romantic kiss as you drive away.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Create a magical moment with lights and sparkles. Have guests line up outside the venue with long sparklers, or hand out glow sticks and lightsabers for a sci-fi-themed departure. For a colourful exit, guests can toss confetti or flower petals, or wave colourful pom-poms.
Up, Up and Away
Release paper lanterns or wish lanterns into the night sky. This is believed to bring good luck and new beginnings as notes with prayers or wishes are attached to the lanterns. For an eco-friendly twist, use biodegradable paper lanterns.
Creative Conveyance
For a unique exit, consider a scenic gondola ride adorned with flowers or a Mini Cooper decorated with ribbons and streamers. If you're feeling adventurous, ride off on a vintage motorcycle or a horse.
The Dramatic Send-Off
Make a grand exit by releasing balloons, blowing bubbles, or tossing fresh leaves, dried flowers, or lavender. For a fun twist, hand out personalised maracas or paper airplanes to your guests, or have them create a tunnel of cheer pom-poms for you to run through.
Remember, always coordinate with your wedding planner and venue to ensure your chosen dramatic departure idea is feasible and safe!
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Honeymoon
The honeymoon is a special time for the newlyweds to relax and enjoy each other's company without any distractions or obligations. There are differing opinions on when to embark on the honeymoon. Some couples opt to leave for their honeymoon immediately after the wedding reception, wanting to extend the excitement of the wedding day and take advantage of the romantic atmosphere. This approach ensures that work or other commitments do not interfere with the honeymoon plans.
However, others prefer to wait a few days or even a few weeks before departing on their honeymoon. This delay allows the couple to rest, unpack, and spend time with family and friends who may have travelled for the wedding. It also provides an opportunity to open gifts, write thank-you notes, and tackle any post-wedding tasks. Waiting can also be a strategic decision based on work schedules, family commitments, or the chosen location's favourable season.
Some couples choose to stay in a hotel near the reception venue for one night before embarking on their honeymoon the next day. This provides a chance to rest and prepare for the upcoming trip. Others opt for a 'belated honeymoon', waiting several months to plan the perfect trip and create something to look forward to amidst the post-wedding blues.
Ultimately, the decision on when to go on a honeymoon depends on the couple's preferences, finances, and schedules. Whether leaving immediately or waiting, the honeymoon is a chance to savour the joy of being newly married and create lasting memories.
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Frequently asked questions
The bride and groom usually stand together at the front of the venue to be congratulated by their guests. After this, they may take some time alone before returning for photos.
The reception is when the bride and groom are formally introduced, followed by their first dance. There may be a cocktail hour, and food will be served. The cake is usually cut during the reception, and guests may throw confetti or blow bubbles.
The reception is usually followed by an after-party, which may be at a different venue. The bride and groom may change outfits and join their guests to dance and celebrate.
The newlyweds may stay in a hotel near the reception venue. The next day, they might open gifts, have brunch with family, or head straight to the airport for their honeymoon.
A "send-off" is when guests gather outside the ceremony site and shower the newlyweds with rice, confetti, or petals. It takes place immediately after the ceremony.
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