Deborah Chan
The order in which the wedding party enters the reception is an important aspect of wedding planning. While the duration of weddings can vary, having a general idea of what to expect during the reception will help you prepare for the big day. The wedding planner, MC, or venue manager typically takes charge of maintaining order and ensuring that the evening runs smoothly. It is essential to provide them with a wedding reception timeline. The order of the wedding party's entrance can vary depending on personal preferences and cultural traditions, but a traditional order is often followed, starting with the groom's parents, followed by the bride's parents, flower girl and ring bearer, bridesmaids escorted by groomsmen, maid/matron of honor escorted by the best man, and finally, the bride and groom.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Order of entry | Groom's parents, bride's parents, flower girl and ring bearer, bridesmaids escorted by groomsmen, maid/matron of honor escorted by the best man, and finally the bride and groom |
| Order of dances | Bride and groom's first dance, bride with her father, groom with his mother, and wedding party dance |
| Other traditions | In some cultures, the groom's family members are announced first; grandparents are seated first and enter before the parents of the bride and groom |
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What You'll Learn
The wedding party is announced
Traditionally, the wedding party is announced in a specific order. First, the groom's parents are introduced, followed by the bride's parents. Next, the flower girl and ring bearer make their entrance, adding a touch of charm to the proceedings. They are followed by the bridesmaids, escorted by the groomsmen, creating a beautiful procession. The maid or matron of honour, escorted by the best man, takes the lead in this group.
Finally, the moment everyone has been waiting for: the bride and groom are announced, now as newlyweds, and take their place at the head of the wedding party. This marks the beginning of their first dance, a special moment shared just between them.
While there is a traditional order, some couples choose to personalise the entrance to suit their preferences and family dynamics. For example, some choose to include grandparents, while others may opt for a different sequence of entrances to honour specific cultural customs or personal preferences. Ultimately, the order of entrances should feel right for the couple and their unique circumstances.
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Bride and groom enter
The bride and groom's entrance is the main event of the wedding party's grand entrance at the reception. The newlyweds traditionally enter the reception area last, after the rest of the wedding party has been announced and taken their places. The bride and groom's entrance is usually accompanied by a song chosen specifically for them, separate from the song played for the wedding party's entrance.
The couple's entrance song should be selected in advance, and the DJ or band should be informed so that they can seamlessly transition from the wedding party's entrance song to the couple's chosen song. Once the bride and groom have been introduced and entered the reception area, they typically proceed to the dance floor for their first dance.
The order of the wedding party's entrance before the bride and groom can vary, but it often includes the groom's parents, followed by the bride's parents, and then the bridal party. The bridal party typically enters in pairs, with bridesmaids escorted by groomsmen, and the maid/matron of honour escorted by the best man.
In some cases, the grandparents may be included in the entrance, usually entering before the parents of the bride and groom. The flower girl and ring bearer may also be included, although their placement in the order can vary. Ultimately, the order of entrance for the wedding party and the choice of songs are decisions that should be made by the bride and groom and communicated to the DJ or band in advance to ensure a smooth and personalised grand entrance.
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Special dances
The wedding reception is a time for celebration and joy, and dancing is a significant part of it. Here is a guide to the special dances at a wedding reception, typically done in the following order:
The First Dance
The newlyweds' first dance as a married couple is a very special moment and often the first dance of the reception. It can be a romantic slow dance or an upbeat number, and it is entirely up to the couple to choose a style and song that reflects their personality and comfort level.
Parent Dances
The parent dances are a lovely tradition where the bride dances with her father, and the groom dances with his mother. This can be done immediately after the first dance or later in the reception, such as after toasts or cake cutting. It is also common to include other special relatives, like grandparents, or important people like stepparents. For same-sex weddings, LGBTQIA+ couples can decide how they want to arrange these dances to include their loved ones.
Wedding Party Dance
After the parent dances, the wedding party is invited to the dance floor. Traditionally, the best man and maid of honour dance together first, followed by the rest of the bridal party.
Cake Cutting and More Dancing
The cake-cutting ceremony is often followed by another block of dancing, which can be geared towards younger guests with modern songs.
Last Dance
The final dance of the night can be an upbeat song that gets everyone singing along or a slower, more emotional tune to close out the event.
Other Special Dances
Some couples like to include other special dances like the anniversary dance, line dances, or even games to get everyone involved, such as a "Dance for Luck" where guests dance to win a chance to dance with the newlyweds.
The order of dances can be tailored to the couple's preferences, and it is a good idea to work with a planner or venue coordinator to create a timeline for the wedding day to ensure a smooth flow.
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Cake cutting
The wedding cake is a significant detail of the big day, with its own moment at the reception. Traditionally, the bride's family pays for the wedding cake, but there is nothing to say that the groom's family or the couple themselves cannot pay for it. Bakers frequently craft tiers that feature different cake and filling combinations to satisfy both halves of the couple and their guests.
There are standard times for cake cutting, but it all depends on your preference. It usually happens before the last dancing set begins and can sometimes be the final event that takes place before the wedding comes to an end. In the past, the cake cutting was the very last moment in the reception—signaling to guests that they were welcome to head home. Though it usually happens much earlier today, cutting the cake still serves that same purpose, especially for older guests. These days, the cake is usually cut toward the end of dinner, just before dancing begins, and is the last "official" event of the evening. Slicing on the earlier side will let older guests know they’re welcome to depart whenever they’re ready and will signal that they won’t miss any of the formalities if they choose to head home.
You may choose to have the cake-cutting ceremony before or after dinner depending on your schedule for the day and preference. One source recommends cutting the cake after dinner unless there are cultural or religious reasons to do otherwise. This allows time for all guests to enjoy dinner and mix and mingle a bit before the dance party starts. Cutting the cake before the toast may seem like a good idea, but it could give guests the impression that the wedding is coming to an end. That's because cake cutting is usually the last major event of the day that happens. To avoid people packing up and leaving during the toast, which should be an intimate moment, consider doing it before you cut the cake.
Some couples cut the cake immediately when they enter the reception. It can be displayed in the middle of the room for the cocktail hour so people will still get a good look. If you are serving cake in addition to a meal, you may treat the cake as a fourth course. In this case, the cake cutting would happen just before or after dessert is served.
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Grand finale
The grand finale of a wedding reception usually signifies that the party is over. The newlyweds may choose to stay until the end and make a grand exit, or sneak out for some alone time. This is the perfect time for guests to say their goodbyes to the couple.
There are many ways to end the reception, and it is ultimately up to the couple to decide what feels right for them. A popular option is to have the couple exit the reception after the wedding party, parents, and close family members. This can be a grand and dramatic moment, with the couple making their way through a tunnel of guests, or it can be a more low-key affair, with the couple sneaking out during a dance or while guests are occupied with food and drinks.
If the couple chooses to exit with their wedding party, the party should line up in the same order they entered, with the flower girl and ring bearer first, followed by the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and the maid of honor and best man bringing up the rear. The couple can then make their grand exit, often to the cheers and well-wishes of their guests.
Another option is to have a final dance for the couple, perhaps a slow and romantic number, or a fun and upbeat tune. The couple can then be escorted out by their wedding party, or they can lead their guests out of the venue, bringing the celebration to a close.
For a truly dramatic finale, the couple can exit in a vehicle, such as a vintage car or horse-drawn carriage, perhaps with a "Just Married" sign and tin cans tied to the back. This can be a memorable way to end the reception, with guests throwing confetti or waving sparklers as the couple makes their getaway.
Ultimately, the grand finale of a wedding reception should reflect the couple's personality and style. Whether it's a grand exit, a final dance, or a unique send-off, the moment should be tailored to the couple's wishes and leave a lasting impression on their guests.
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Frequently asked questions
The wedding party is traditionally announced in the following order: 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.
There is no definitive answer, but some sources suggest that the groom's family members go first as per the "proper" hierarchy in Chinese customs.
Yes, it is common to have the wedding party enter the reception in the same order as they walked down the aisle during the ceremony.
The order for the wedding party to be introduced during the ceremony can vary depending on culture and religion. In a Christian wedding, the more traditional route is to have the officiant and groom enter from the side of the venue. A more modern approach is for both the officiant and groom to walk down the aisle with the rest of the VIPs.
If there is a wedding planner, they are usually in charge of making sure everything runs smoothly. It is also common for the MC or DJ to direct your guests on what to do next.
