Weddings are filled with many exciting and
unforgettable moments. The commitment
ceremony is very special and is considered sacred by many. The reception is the celebration time. Since this celebration is likely to be one of
the biggest social events you will ever plan, Triniweddings wants to help you
make it truly memorable and we are sharing some guidelines to help you plan the
best reception ever.
If your reception is likely to last four
hours, you can schedule activities at a leisurely pace. Both your wedding planner and and/or the
reception site manager can help you plan the sequence of events exactly as you
wish them. If you don't know where to
start, here is an example of a well scheduled reception you may wish to
consider.
Usually there are photos taken between the
end of the ceremony and the start of the reception. Work with your photographer to try to
minimize the time spent with group shots.
The special effect photos that you want taken should be done before or a
few days after the ceremony whenever possible.
Ideally, the reception site would not be further than half an hour’s drive
from the ceremony. Since your guests are likely to go directly to the
reception from the ceremony and are likely to arrive before you and the wedding
party, be sure to have a reception host or hostess at the site ready to greet
your guests and direct them to whatever area you have chosen for cocktails. After the cocktails, and I am assuming here
that you are having a formal reception, your guests are ushered into the formal
area and are seated to await your arrival. If your entire reception is a cocktail one, as
is very fashionable these days, everything is done in the same space.
Once you and the bridal party have arrived,
the DJ or master of ceremonies should introduce you and your wedding party. This is the appropriate time for a few toasts
and cake cutting. However, more and more couples are choosing to have dinner
served before the toasts depending on how much time has elapsed between the
ceremony and the reception and your choice of cocktails. You and the groom can start greeting guests if
you have finished your dinner before your guests. It is very important that you
greet your guests.
Triniweddings always prefers to use the
first dance as the prelude to the dance party as it is natural for guests to
start dancing after the couple and the parents dance. Once the party has started and the guests are
no longer inhibited the bride can toss her bouquet and the garter can be
removed, if she so chooses. The tradition of the bride and groom departing
the ceremony to signal its end is fast dying and couples are partying until the
last guest leaves
For more advice and ideas on staging the
reception of a lifetime, call 868 628-9333 or email mwilt@triniweddings.com to arrange
your consultation appointment.
