Sample Wedding Reception Agenda

This is an example of the timeline that our MCs will help you put together before your wedding day. We have found over the years that doing the formalities in this order helps the evening flow with a nice smooth natural feel. Based on your wants and needs, we can customize this to fit YOUR reception.

If you are from up North or out West you may be used to a different order of events (for example: out West they do the First Dance AFTER dinner, whereas in this area of the country the First Dance is usually done before dinner. Another example is up North, the DJs are more interactive and use a TWO PERSON team (one DJ and one MC so they can intereact better with the crowd) where most people in this area of the country just prefer one person to do both jobs). So if you want to do the First Dance at a different time, if you would like a two person show, if you don't want to do one of the activities listed here, or even if you want to add something that is not listed here - it's all up to you - just let us know!

Whatever your vision for the day is we will make it happen for you. This is just a sample for you to look at. Your MC will go over YOUR timeline with you several weeks before your reception so that we are all on the same page.

If you have any questions about this, please give us a call at 877-893-2677

 

00:00 - Start Time
There are a few decisions to be made here: " How long will you allow out-of-town guests to cool their heels in a foreign land between the ceremony and reception? Early ceremonies might call for a brunch or early afternoon hors d'oeuvres at the reception site. Evening receptions should feature cocktails and jazz, classical, or light rock music in anticipation of the bridal party's arrival. " Balance the above with the fact that the wedding ceremony and post-ceremony photography session will take longer than you think. Ask your wedding director and photographer for honest, worst-case estimates.

00:30 - Bridal Party Introduction

00:31 - Bride and Groom First Dance
For this and the following "special dance" songs, you may wish to dance alone for the first half of the song, then have the emcee invite the full bridal party or all guests to join the couple on the dance floor.

00:35 - Grace/Blessing Before Dinner
This is an optional event, but an important detail for those who wish to involve their spiritual leader or devout family member in blessing the wedding reception.

00:36 - Dinner
Again, this is likely to take longer than you think. Allow about an hour for either a sit-down dinner or a buffet.

01:25 - Toast (Best Man or Father of The Groom Delivers A Toast)
This may be scheduled before, during or after dinner. In any case, the very best toasts come from the heart, recalling sentimental moments and offering best wishes for the future. In addition to the best man, many families and cultures offer toasts from other family members and friends.

01:30 - Cake Cutting
This can occur at any time after dinner, but it's a good idea to attend to the special ceremonies early in the agenda, opening more of the reception for dancing and mingling.

01:35 - Father and Bride Dance

01:40 - Mother and Groom Dance

01:45 - Open Guest Dancing

03:30 - Garter & Bouquet Toss
There are a lot of options here, and it's a good idea to discuss your preferences with your emcee. A fun option is to have the gentleman who caught the garter place it on the leg of the lady who caught the bouquet.

03:45 - Departure Dance
This is the time to share a final sentimental moment with your guests before departing on your honeymoon and new-shared life. Your emcee will offer best wishes from your guests and your appreciation to those sharing in your wedding day.

03:50 - Open Dancing
Again, the music mix allows guests to celebrate and engage in romantic moments on the dance floor.

XX:XX - Last Dance
Farewell and best wishes!



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