What usually happens at a Wedding Reception?

First Dance at a Wedding

If you have never been to a wedding, or just want to know what to expect at a wedding reception read below.

THE FIRST HOUR
The guests will already be at the wedding reception.  You will have appointed a person to act as your MC for the day.  This person is the timekeeper of the day and lets guests know the format of the wedding, i.e. what is happening and when.   They run the reception, providing information and introducing speeches.  The MC will make sure your day flows nicely and keeps to your time schedule.  The master of ceremonies (MC for short) for your wedding should know when the bridal party is due to arrive at the venue from taking their photos.  They announce that the bridal party has arrived and guests should be seated or ready if you’re having a stand up reception for the bridal party entrance.  The wedding party enter, usually the bridesmaids and groomsmen enter the reception and then lastly the bride and groom.  You should ensure that your sound set up is working, whether this is via an ipod or you hire a DJ for your wedding reception. 

THE SECOND HOUR
Usually drinks are underway by now and dinner starts to get served.  Depending on what you are having, either a sit down meal or canapes or food from a food cart will start to be served.  Usually the bridal party will be served their dinner first.

​THE THIRD HOUR
Speeches sometimes usually done in the gap between dinner and dessert, to let guests have the chance for their dinner to go down.  The cutting of the cake is usually done.
 
THE FOURTH OR FINAL HOURS
The final hour will be filled with the couples last dance.  Any DJ or band will then continue on and guests will start to get up and enjoy dancing. 
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Use our stress free wedding planning timeline to help you prepare your wedding reception and with your vendors.  Natalie Pasco Photography enjoys helping couples with a timeline of events at the initial planning stages and discussing your overall wedding day at your pre wedding consultation.