George Boyle
The first hour of a wedding reception includes many of the formalities associated with the big day, such as the couple's grand entrance, first dance, and blessings or prayers. The wedding party and couple make their entrance to the reception, usually to music and cheers from the guests. This is followed by the couple's first dance as a married couple, which is often a symbolic and significant moment for both the couple and the guests. The first hour also includes food and drinks, which can range from stationary or passed appetizers to a formal sit-down dinner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cocktail hour | Guests enjoy drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and conversation; the couple takes portraits; guests retrieve escort cards or view the seating chart |
| Grand entrance | The wedding party and couple make their entrance, usually to music and cheers from the guests |
| First dance | The newlyweds share their first dance as a married couple, often followed by dances with their parents or wedding party |
| Dinner | Guests are seated for dinner, which may be a sit-down meal, buffet, or food stations |
| Toasts/Speeches | Speeches are given by the best man, maid of honor, parents of the couple, and other wedding party or family members |
| Cake cutting | The newlyweds cut their wedding cake and may feed each other a slice |
| Dessert | Guests enjoy cake, ice cream, cupcakes, donuts, pies, or other treats |
| Dancing | Guests are invited to dance, often starting with a song that gets everyone on the dance floor; the bouquet and garter toss may also take place |
| Grand exit | The couple makes a grand exit, often with bubbles, sparklers, or confetti, and the after-party begins |
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Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres
The cocktail hour is a great opportunity for the couple to take their wedding portraits, although some couples may prefer to do this before the ceremony. It is also a chance for the wedding party and family to make their grand entrance and for the couple to make their debut as newlyweds. The cocktail hour can last for around 60 minutes, with staff serving drinks and hors d'oeuvres to get guests mingling.
Hors d'oeuvres can be a fun way to showcase the couple's culture, heritage, or favourite foods. They can be served as small, bite-sized versions of popular dishes, such as sliders, corn dogs, or pizza, or more adventurous options that reflect the couple's personalities or love story. Creative displays and presentations can also make these appetizers stand out.
If the couple chooses to have an hors d'oeuvres-only reception, it is important to clearly communicate this to guests to manage their expectations regarding a full meal. However, it is also essential to provide enough food to keep guests comfortable and energetic for the celebrations, especially if the reception is at a mealtime.
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Grand entrance
The grand entrance is a significant aspect of the wedding reception, marking the transition from the ceremony to the celebration. It is a chance to wow your guests and set the tone for the evening. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating a memorable grand entrance:
Planning and Timing
The grand entrance should ideally take place after all the guests are seated but before the meal is served. Work with your wedding planner or coordinator to ensure that the timing is just right. The entrance should be swift and entertaining to hold your guests' attention and set a festive mood.
Music and Dance
The right song can elevate your entrance and make it truly extraordinary. Choose an upbeat tune that is meaningful to you as a couple, and consider incorporating playful dances or choreography with your wedding party as they enter. The music and dances should align with the overall theme of your wedding.
Wedding Party Entrance
The wedding party, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers, can play a crucial role in the grand entrance. Decide whether they will enter individually or as couples and in what order. If any parents are divorced, they can be escorted by a family member or significant other. The emcee or DJ will announce each wedding party member by name as they enter.
Newlywed Entrance
After the wedding party, it's time for the newlyweds to make their grand debut. As you enter, the crowd will typically cheer and celebrate. You can choose to perform your first dance immediately after entering, stepping into the spotlight, or wait until after the first course of the meal.
Wedding Attire
Your wedding attire, especially the wedding dress, should be a showstopper. Consider a dress with dramatic elements like a long train or sparkling embellishments that will catch the light as you make your way through the venue.
Remember, while you want to make a grand entrance, it should also reflect your personality and style as a couple, balancing theatrics with sincerity. Enjoy this special moment and the joy of celebrating your union with your loved ones!
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First dance
The first dance is a wedding reception tradition that has evolved over the years. While there are no set rules about the structure of the first dance, it is a good idea to use this moment to set the tone for the rest of the event.
The first dance usually involves the married couple dancing together for the first time as a married couple. In some cases, the couple may choose to invite other couples to join them after the first verse and chorus, or halfway through the dance, so that no one is left out. Some couples may also choose to dance with their parents or in-laws to symbolise the new relationships formed through the marriage.
The first dance typically happens after the couple's grand entrance and introductions, although some couples may choose to wait until after the first course or until after dinner. It is a good idea to do the first dance while guests are still seated and all eyes are on the couple, as this can be a special moment for the newlyweds.
The hora, a lively circle dance, usually follows the first dance at Jewish weddings. This dance involves lifting the newlyweds and their parents up on chairs and parading them around the dance floor while guests dance in a circular line.
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Dinner
For a sit-down dinner reception, the best man and maid of honour usually deliver their speeches and toast the couple between the first and second courses. This is also an excellent opportunity for the newlyweds to walk around and personally thank their guests for attending, especially if they didn't have a chance to do so earlier. The bride and groom may also want to address the group and express their gratitude to their parents and guests during this time.
If you're serving a plated dinner or a family-style meal, dinner can be served to all tables at once by the catering staff. On the other hand, if you're planning a buffet dinner, your wedding coordinator, band leader, or DJ should coordinate dismissing tables in sections to avoid congestion.
The dinner is also an opportune moment for traditional toasts and blessings. The father of the bride, best man, and maid of honour typically give toasts during dinner. These toasts usually take about half an hour.
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Toasts and blessings
The wedding blessing is an ancient tradition, especially for religious weddings, and can be led by a priest, religious officiant, MC, or family elder. Blessings can vary, but often include wishes for love, joy, wisdom, passion, and compassion for the newlyweds.
Champagne toasts are a popular way to end a speech and include others in the celebration. It is customary for the person being toasted to refrain from drinking until everyone else has taken a sip. Toasts can be done before dessert or between courses, with the flavour of the champagne considered in the timing.
For those who are nervous, a short toast or speech is recommended, while wordsmiths may opt for longer, rhyming toasts. To ensure the best sound, remind speakers to hold the microphone close to their mouth and avoid standing in front of speakers.
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Frequently asked questions
The first thing that happens at a wedding reception is the cocktail hour, which is a time for guests to enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres. This is followed by the grand entrance of the newlyweds, who are introduced to the guests by the DJ or master of ceremonies.
The next important event is usually the first dance, followed by the wedding party and immediate family members' entrances.
After the first dance, the newlyweds' parents may give a brief welcome speech or blessing before dinner is served.
