George Boyle
Walking into your wedding reception is a big deal. It's your moment to shine and make a grand entrance. Whether you want to keep it simple or go all out, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide if you want to be announced or just walk in like it's normal style. If you choose to be announced, you could pop some champagne and wave to your guests as you enter. You could also dance your way in, strike a pose, or share a quick kiss. If you're feeling extra playful, bring props like oversized sunglasses or sparklers. If you're more low-key, you might prefer to just walk in, grab a drink, and join your guests during cocktail hour.
Another thing to consider is the timeline and flow of your reception. If you're having a seated dinner, guests will likely retrieve their escort cards or look at a seating chart during cocktail hour. You can also choose when to have your first dance as a married couple—some couples do this right after their entrance, while others wait until after dinner. The wedding reception is also when you'll cut the cake, have parent dances, and include traditions like the bouquet toss. It's a time to let loose, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Entrance style | Walk in hand-in-hand, dance, walk arm-in-arm, or make a grand gesture |
| Props | Sparklers, glow sticks, oversized sunglasses, bottles of champagne |
| Announcement | Be announced by the DJ or band, or walk in without an announcement |
| Timeline | Enter the reception space after cocktail hour, before the first dance, dinner, and toasts |
| Activities | Games, magic shows, photo booths, bouncy castles, celebrity impersonators, drag performances |
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What You'll Learn
Be announced or walk in casually
If you're not a fan of being the centre of attention, you can skip the grand entrance and simply walk into your wedding reception casually. You can enter the room hand-in-hand with your new spouse, perhaps stopping to wave at your guests before taking your seat. This option is especially good if you're not a fan of anything 'silly' or flamboyant.
If you do want to be announced, the emcee, DJ or band can introduce you by name. You can enter the room to an upbeat song or tune, either on your own or with your wedding party. You might want to pop some champagne and wave the glasses at your guests as you're announced.
If you're not having a wedding party entrance, you can just do the traditional newlywed grand entrance, or try something a bit more unique. For example, you could have your first dance as you step out onto the floor after being announced. Alternatively, you can wait until the applause from your entrance dies down, and step out onto the floor to the music of a couple of favourites played by your DJ or band.
If you're having a more casual wedding, you might want to have a 'walking reception'. This is a more relaxed, less traditional style of reception where guests are encouraged to walk around and mingle. Food is served at different stations, which change throughout the evening, giving guests evolving food choices. However, this style of reception may not be for everyone, as guests may leave hungry or spend too much time trying to get food.
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Dance, stroll or make a grand gesture
Dancing is a great way to make your wedding reception entrance memorable. You could choreograph a short routine or have a spontaneous dance-off as you walk in. If you're feeling energetic, you could even dance your way through the entire reception! This is a fun and exciting way to get your guests involved and ready to party. It will also set the tone for a fun and lively evening. If you're not much of a dancer, you could simply stroll in, hand-in-hand with your partner, and wave to your guests. This option is perfect if you're not comfortable being the centre of attention.
If you want to make a grand gesture, consider something bold like entering through sparklers, a smoke machine, or even descending from a staircase. You could also arrive on horseback, by carriage, or in a vintage car. Adding a playful or confident gesture will make your entrance stand out and ensure your photos are as dynamic as the experience itself. Your entrance is all about you and your partner, so own it! Smile, laugh, and enjoy every second.
Choosing the right song is essential to setting the tone for your entrance. Select music that reflects your style and personality as a couple. Whether you're fun-loving and energetic or classic and elegant, the perfect song will make your entrance even more memorable. You could even have a light display or a slideshow playing in the background to enhance the atmosphere.
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Thank your guests for coming
Walking into your wedding reception is a big deal and an opportunity to thank your guests for coming. Here are some ideas for making your entrance memorable and expressing your gratitude:
- The Grand Entrance: Make a dramatic entrance by descending a staircase, walking through sparklers or a smoke machine, or even popping some champagne and waving to your guests as you're announced. This is your moment to shine, so own it with confidence and a big smile!
- Dance and Props: Choreograph a short dance routine or have a spontaneous dance-off as you walk in. You can also incorporate props like oversized sunglasses, sparklers, or glow sticks to add a playful touch. Get your bridal party involved with a themed routine to make it even more fun.
- Strike a Pose: Pausing briefly at the doorway can create a memorable moment. Share a quick kiss, strike a pose, or wave to the crowd as your photographer captures the perfect picture. This adds a playful and confident touch to your entrance.
- Thank Your Guests: After your grand entrance, take a moment to thank your guests for attending. This can be done by the newlyweds and/or their parents during the reception before the first dance or after dinner. It's a thoughtful way to express your gratitude and make your guests feel appreciated.
- Involve Your Guests: Instead of a traditional entrance, consider greeting your guests as they arrive at the reception. This breaks the ice and makes your guests feel welcomed. You can also involve your bridal party and family members in your entrance, creating a fun and inclusive atmosphere.
- Set the Tone: Your entrance helps set the tone for the evening. Whether you choose a playful, romantic, or dramatic entrance, it will be a memorable moment for you and your guests. Don't be afraid to add your own unique twist and make it an unforgettable celebration.
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Eat, drink and cut the cake
Eating, drinking, and cutting the cake are some of the most important and enjoyable aspects of a wedding reception. They are also some of the most memorable moments for the couple and their guests.
Eat
Eating is a central part of the wedding reception. The meal is usually a sit-down dinner, often referred to as a 'wedding breakfast'. This is typically a plated option or a buffet-style meal. The meal is a chance for guests to relax and socialise, and it is often the first opportunity for guests to chat with the couple and congratulate them.
Drink
Drinks are also a key part of the reception. Alcohol can help guests relax and encourage them to get on the dance floor. It is a good idea to offer a signature drink, which can be a great conversation starter. It is important to remember to drink in moderation, and non-alcoholic options should also be available.
Cut the Cake
Cutting the cake is a symbol of the couple providing for and taking care of one another. It is usually done towards the end of the dinner, just before the first dance, and it is the last "official" event of the evening. It is a great photo opportunity and a beautiful transition into the first dance. The cake can be served as dessert, or slices can be offered to guests in favour boxes to take home.
The cake-cutting is a significant moment in the reception and is often the signal for older guests to depart if they wish. It is also a chance for the couple to save the top tier to share on their first anniversary.
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Dance the night away with other activities
If you're looking for activities to keep your guests entertained during your wedding reception, here are some ideas to complement the dancing:
Interactive Food and Beverage Services
Food and drinks are always a good idea to enhance your wedding reception. Consider a "walking reception" where food stations change 3-4 times throughout the evening, offering evolving food choices and a more casual environment. Alternatively, hire servers to creatively pass out prosecco or set up a champagne wall. For a fun late-night snack, offer a gourmet cereal bar with a variety of cereals, milk, and fruit toppings. If you're looking for something more savoury, bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches, loaded french fries, and mozzarella sticks are sure to hit the spot.
Lawn and Yard Games
For outdoor weddings, lawn and yard games are a great way to keep guests entertained during cocktail hour. Games like corn hole, Bocce ball, giant Jenga, and scavenger hunts are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Photo Booths
Photo booths are always a popular activity at wedding receptions. Offer fun props and backdrops, and include a frame as a wedding favour so guests can take their photos home.
Performers
Hiring performers like singers, dancers, acrobats, contortionists, or even a drag queen can add a "wow" factor to your reception.
DIY Wedding Favours
Involve your guests in creating their own wedding favours. For example, set up a station for guests to make their own trail mix or plant their own succulent.
Other Ideas
- Hire a painter to capture the scene of your wedding throughout the evening.
- Rent a bouncy castle and decorate it to match your wedding colour palette.
- Set up a cigar bar.
- Create a donut wall with fun decorative signs.
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Frequently asked questions
It's important not to arrive too early, as this can disrupt the vendor team's preparations. However, you also don't want to arrive late and interrupt the processional or the bride's entrance.
While it is customary to bring a gift for the newlyweds, it is not necessary to bring it to the reception. Instead, you can send it directly to the couple's home and bring a card with a note about the gift.
You can usually determine the dress code from the invitation style and venue. If you're unsure, check the wedding website or reach out to the couple or other guests.
The couple wants you to enjoy the experiences they've planned. Join in on the activities they're doing, whether it's sitting by the fire, grabbing a drink at the bar, or dancing the night away. Introduce yourself to other guests, and don't forget to thank the hosts for their hospitality.
It is generally considered rude to leave a wedding early. Try to stay for all the key moments, such as dinner, speeches, first dances, and the cake-cutting. If you must leave early, wait until these main parts of the reception are over.
