Get the Reception Started!

Well, the hard part (the ceremony) is over, now it is time for the fun part!  Get your reception off to a great start.

First, you want to pick a really good song to play as the bridal party and parents are introduced.  It should be something meaningful (and clean) and something that is just too fast to be your first dance.  Introduction order should happen in this order.

Parents of the Groom

Parents of the Bride

Flower Girls and Ring Bearers

Bridesmaids and Ushers (paired off)

Maid (Matron) of Honor and Best Man

Bride and Groom

All the members of the Bridal Party should go directly to their seats, so that the toasts can begin.  Please make sure with your coordinator that everyone has a glass of champagne prior to the introduction of the Bridal Party.  The suggested toast order is.

Father (Parents) of the Bride

Father (Parents) of the Groom

Best Man

Maid (Matron) of Honor  

Siblings - Other Bridal Party Members (if they wish to speak)

Others (Grandparents, Aunts/Uncles)

Bride and Groom

The Father of the Bride should welcome and thank the guests and the Bride and Groom should also end with thanking the guests.  After the toasts the Bride and Groom should move right to cutting the cake so that it can be served with dinner.  The cake should be wheeled (if possible) to the middle of the dance floor so that all the guests can view.  Right after the cake cutting, dinner should be served, starting with the Bride and Groom, Bridal Party, and then the families.

After dinner, the coordinator will let you know when, it's time to dance!!  The suggested order is.

Bride and Groom

Bride and Father - Groom with Mother

Bridal Party (including parents)

Couples Dance

Something fast to get everyone moving!

I love the idea of the couples dance, because it will bring a large number of guests to the dance floor.  If you then move into something fast more people are likely to stick around and really get things going.  I would wait for about an hour before doing the garter and bouquet toss, just to give alittle break.

Enjoy!

Happy Planning!

~Cyn