
A grand entrance at a wedding reception is an opportunity for the newlyweds to kickstart the celebration and mark the transition from the ceremony to the party. It is usually done after the cocktail hour, when guests are seated, but before dinner is served. The couple can choose to be announced by a professional or a friend, and select songs in advance for their grand entrance. The grand entrance can be personalised with unique touches like a smoke machine, a pet, or a vintage car. It is a chance for the couple to set the tone for the evening and create an unforgettable moment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing | After guests are seated but before dinner/reception |
| Who is involved | Bride and groom, wedding party, parents, grandparents |
| Order | Wedding party first, then bride and groom |
| Music | Upbeat or heartfelt, chosen in advance |
| Announcer | DJ, MC, friend or loved one |
| Personal touches | Smoke machine, pet, unique mode of transportation |
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What You'll Learn
- Grand entrances are usually made after the cocktail hour
- The couple can be introduced by a DJ, band member or friend
- The wedding party can enter in pairs or separately
- Grand entrances can include unique touches like smoke machines or pets
- The grand entrance should happen after guests are seated but before dinner

Grand entrances are usually made after the cocktail hour
The grand entrance is often the first time the newlyweds are introduced as a couple, and they may also introduce their wedding party. It's a chance to let guests know that the party is about to begin. Usually, the DJ or a band member will make the announcement, but some couples may prefer to ask a friend or family member to do the honours.
The bridal party will be lined up outside the entrance to the reception space, so they can enter in the correct order, usually in pairs. The bride and groom should select songs in advance for the grand entrance, although it's worth noting that an overzealous playlist can disrupt the flow.
The grand entrance can be personalised with unique touches, such as a smoke machine, a pet, or a vintage car. It's a good idea to have your photographer and videographer on hand to capture the moment. Keep the entrance swift and entertaining, and most importantly, enjoy it!
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The couple can be introduced by a DJ, band member or friend
The grand entrance at a wedding reception is a chance for the couple to make a statement and set the tone for the evening. It is a transition from the ceremony to the celebration. While some couples prefer to skip it, it is a great opportunity to cut the cake, give a welcome speech, or have your first dance.
The couple can be introduced by a DJ, band member, or friend. If you opt for a DJ, they can also act as an emcee, seamlessly transitioning from one part of the evening to the next. They can keep the energy high and the event flowing smoothly. A DJ will also be able to expertly manage the crowd and read the room. They can help you choose an entrance song that reflects your style and introduce you as a couple. You can also give them a list of names and couples from the bridal party in the order they will enter, so they can announce them.
If you would prefer to have a band member make the introductions, you can coordinate with them in a similar way as you would with a DJ. Provide them with the names and order of the bridal party so they can make the announcements.
Having a friend act as the emcee can add a personal touch to the moment. However, you may want to consider that they may not have public speaking skills and could get nervous. If you do choose to go with a friend, it is a good idea to provide them with a list of names and the order of the bridal party.
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The wedding party can enter in pairs or separately
The grand entrance at a wedding reception is a chance for the couple to make a statement and set the tone for the evening. It is a transition from the solemnity of the ceremony to the joy and excitement of the party. The wedding party can enter in pairs or separately, depending on their preference and convenience.
If the wedding party enters in pairs, it is customary for the groomsmen and bridesmaids to walk in together, starting with those who will stand farthest from the couple. The best man and maid or matron of honour usually walk in last, entering alone after the other bridal party members. In some cases, the best man and maid of honour may walk in together. This can be a convenient option if the wedding party is large, as it may look awkward for one person to enter alone if their counterpart has a large group entering with them.
If the wedding party enters separately, the groomsmen and bridesmaids will walk in one by one, again usually starting with those who will stand farthest from the couple. The best man and maid or matron of honour will still enter last, as they will be closest to the couple. This option can be more flexible if the wedding party has an uneven number on each side or if they are not couples and it may feel awkward to pair them off.
Regardless of whether the wedding party enters in pairs or separately, it is important to ensure that everyone ends up where they are supposed to be. The grand entrance is also an opportunity to include other family members or wedding party members who may not be in the wedding party, such as grandparents, by having them stand at their seats or give a wave. The couple can also choose to personalise their grand entrance with unique touches, such as a smoke machine, a pet, or a vintage car.
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Grand entrances can include unique touches like smoke machines or pets
The grand entrance at a wedding reception is a chance for the newlyweds to make a statement and set the tone for the rest of the evening. It is a memorable moment that marks the transition from the ceremony to the celebration.
If you're a pet parent, you may want your furry friend to be part of your big day. Many couples include their pets in the ceremony and reception, with some even choosing to have their pets serve as ring bearers or walk beside the bridesmaids. You can dress your pet for the occasion, perhaps with a bowtie or a floral wreath. If your pet can't attend, you can still incorporate them with illustrations on your invitations or a replica cake topper.
Other ideas to make your grand entrance memorable include arriving in a vintage car, making a regal entrance down a grand staircase, or even surprising your guests with an outfit change. You can also involve your wedding party, with choreographed moves or a mini dance-off.
Remember, the grand entrance usually happens after all the guests are seated but before the meal is served. It's a chance to delight and wow your guests, so feel free to personalise it and make it authentically yours!
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The grand entrance should happen after guests are seated but before dinner
The grand entrance at a wedding reception is a chance to make a statement and set the tone for the evening. It marks the transition from the ceremony to the celebration. Typically, the grand entrance should happen after all the guests are seated but before dinner is served. This timing keeps the energy high and the event flowing smoothly.
To ensure a well-timed entrance, the wedding party should line up outside the entrance to the reception space, allowing them to enter in the correct order. The grand entrance can include the wedding party, parents, and grandparents, with each person walking in as pairs or with "your side" and "your partner's side" going in together. Some couples may prefer to keep it simple and be the only ones announced.
Before the grand entrance, the DJ or emcee should be provided with a list of names and couples in the order they will enter. The DJ can then announce each person or couple as they enter, keeping the transitions smooth and seamless. The music selected for the grand entrance is also crucial, as it reflects the couple's style and sets the mood for the reception.
During the grand entrance, the couple can incorporate unique touches, such as a smoke machine, a pet, or a vintage car for an indoor venue. These personal touches make the entrance memorable and entertaining for the guests. It is also essential to ensure that the wedding photographer and videographer are ready to capture this special moment.
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Frequently asked questions
The grand entrance usually happens after the cocktail hour, when all the guests are seated, but before dinner is served. This sets the tone for the evening and marks the transition from the ceremony to the party.
The grand entrance is usually for the newlywed couple, but many couples also include their wedding party, parents, and grandparents.
A professional, such as a DJ, band member, or emcee, should make the announcement. They will be able to expertly manage the crowd and create a smooth transition.
Personal touches can make the grand entrance memorable. Some couples use smoke machines, bring their pets, or arrive in unique modes of transportation.











































