So you’re planning your wedding reception, but are not quite sure how it should be planned. The following is based on a four or five hour wedding reception. It is meant purely for suggestions. We hope it helps.
When we entertain at any event, we arrive an hour or two before guests arrive, for equipment setup and sound check.
The newlyweds and their photographer are often the first to leave the wedding ceremony, heading off for pictures together, before arriving at the reception hall.
As family, friends, and guests arrive at the reception hall, if you like, Our attendant/helper can greet your guests. Our attendants/helpers are: Brenda who has many years of experience in public relations, and adds a special touch by greeting everyone with a personal approach, making them feel comfortable. Brenda also works in our office with clients and other business activities. Gilles is Toms long time partner and sidekick who has worked with Tom for over 15 years. Gilles is largely responsible for equipment, music, setup and general organization, he is talented in his own right with a wide music knowledge and technical abilities. If anyone comes up to our sound system with requests or questions one of them are always there to assist, as Tom may be busy mixing music, getting ready for upcoming special events, etc. But in between, he is always happy to talk to anyone.
Newlyweds and Bridal Party Arrival:
As your family, friends, and guests are getting settled in at the reception hall, our attendant/helper gathers the Newlyweds and Wedding Party together outside of the reception hall entrance, and then arranges them in the order they will be introduced and proceed into the reception hall. Our attedant/helper makes sure all the wedding party's names are correct and in order on our wedding party announcement list, in the event there was any last minute change to your wedding party that we are unaware of. Once the wedding party is in order, Our attendant/helper will give the announcement list to Tom. He then begins the introduction of the wedding party. Generally, both sets of parents and the wedding party are introduced, followed by the announcement of the couple for the second time as Newlyweds. In many cases, the newlywed first dance will begin as you step into the reception hall and out onto the dance floor after being announced. Alternately, your first dance can wait until after the first course of the meal is served, or when the meal is over.
Cocktails and Dinner:
Cocktails will kick off your reception and will last for at least an hour. During this time, stationary or passed appetizers and drinks are served. This gets people mingling and in the mood. Before dinner you might want to take the opportunity to thank everyone for taking part in your wedding. A family member, often a parent of the newlyweds will say a blessing (depending on the families' faiths). Often a mother and father of the newlyweds will thank guests for attending and invite everyone to enjoy the celebratory meal. Any toasts given to the newlyweds should occur over the course of the celebratory meal. If you're having a seated meal, Tom will play subdued, conversation-friendly background music as the wait staff makes the rounds. If you're having a buffet, your coordinator or Tom will dictate how the rotation will work by calling each table when it's time to head to the front of the line. The Newlyweds need to do everything possible to take their seats and eat!
Party Time:
After dinner, the Newlyweds should be announced onto the dance floor for their first dance, if this hasn't already taken place upon their entrance into the reception hall. It is also a good idea for the newlyweds to be the first ones on the dance floor, so people know it's time to start partying. Everyone follows the lead of the newlyweds. Throughout the dancing, the music will stop for activities (events) you've planned, such as the father & daughter dance, the mother & son dance, the couples dance, the bouquet toss, the garter toss, the money dance, centerpiece giveaways, or anything else you may think of.
Cake Cutting:
The cake cutting takes place about an hour before the reception ends. The cake cutting often signals to guests it is okay to leave soon thereafter. Be sure not to cut the cake too early, so your guests don't leave before you're ready to wrap up the day’s festivities. Once the cake is cut, the dancing should resume.
Newlyweds Farewell:
It's time to say goodbye. Here are suggestions on ways to say a final farewell.
Your coordinator or Tom will direct everyone into the foyer or outdoors so that you can make your grand exit from the reception. Family, friends and guest can throw rice, flower pedals or blow bubbles as you leave.
The Farewell Circle is a charming way to end the reception and festivities. A Farewell Circle is formed at the end of the reception. All wedding guests gather in a circle on the dance floor around the Newlyweds.
The music played is a nice selection of slower ballads and easy listening music. The mood should be gentle and loving.
After the guests encircle the wedding couple, the newlyweds each begin working their way around the circle in opposite directions, saying good-bye to each of their guests, and exchanging embraces with these friends and relatives. At one point, the newlyweds cross each other’s paths as they work their way around the circle, and then meet up again where they began, so that both of them get the chance to say good-bye to each guest in the circle.
The Newlywed Archway can be a quick exit for the Couple. The Newlywed Arch is created by the guests standing opposite each other in two rows and holding both arms outwards as the Newlyweds run through. This is a great way to exit for the Newlyweds, especially if they have many guests.
Whichever form of farewell you choose, your guests will appreciate the opportunity to send the Newlyweds into the future with a proper good-bye and best wishes for their future.
We hope these suggestions help. We appreciate your business.
Tom Spencer
"Music For All Of You" Mobile DJ Service
When we entertain at any event, we arrive an hour or two before guests arrive, for equipment setup and sound check.
The newlyweds and their photographer are often the first to leave the wedding ceremony, heading off for pictures together, before arriving at the reception hall.
As family, friends, and guests arrive at the reception hall, if you like, Our attendant/helper can greet your guests. Our attendants/helpers are: Brenda who has many years of experience in public relations, and adds a special touch by greeting everyone with a personal approach, making them feel comfortable. Brenda also works in our office with clients and other business activities. Gilles is Toms long time partner and sidekick who has worked with Tom for over 15 years. Gilles is largely responsible for equipment, music, setup and general organization, he is talented in his own right with a wide music knowledge and technical abilities. If anyone comes up to our sound system with requests or questions one of them are always there to assist, as Tom may be busy mixing music, getting ready for upcoming special events, etc. But in between, he is always happy to talk to anyone.
Newlyweds and Bridal Party Arrival:
As your family, friends, and guests are getting settled in at the reception hall, our attendant/helper gathers the Newlyweds and Wedding Party together outside of the reception hall entrance, and then arranges them in the order they will be introduced and proceed into the reception hall. Our attedant/helper makes sure all the wedding party's names are correct and in order on our wedding party announcement list, in the event there was any last minute change to your wedding party that we are unaware of. Once the wedding party is in order, Our attendant/helper will give the announcement list to Tom. He then begins the introduction of the wedding party. Generally, both sets of parents and the wedding party are introduced, followed by the announcement of the couple for the second time as Newlyweds. In many cases, the newlywed first dance will begin as you step into the reception hall and out onto the dance floor after being announced. Alternately, your first dance can wait until after the first course of the meal is served, or when the meal is over.
Cocktails and Dinner:
Cocktails will kick off your reception and will last for at least an hour. During this time, stationary or passed appetizers and drinks are served. This gets people mingling and in the mood. Before dinner you might want to take the opportunity to thank everyone for taking part in your wedding. A family member, often a parent of the newlyweds will say a blessing (depending on the families' faiths). Often a mother and father of the newlyweds will thank guests for attending and invite everyone to enjoy the celebratory meal. Any toasts given to the newlyweds should occur over the course of the celebratory meal. If you're having a seated meal, Tom will play subdued, conversation-friendly background music as the wait staff makes the rounds. If you're having a buffet, your coordinator or Tom will dictate how the rotation will work by calling each table when it's time to head to the front of the line. The Newlyweds need to do everything possible to take their seats and eat!
Party Time:
After dinner, the Newlyweds should be announced onto the dance floor for their first dance, if this hasn't already taken place upon their entrance into the reception hall. It is also a good idea for the newlyweds to be the first ones on the dance floor, so people know it's time to start partying. Everyone follows the lead of the newlyweds. Throughout the dancing, the music will stop for activities (events) you've planned, such as the father & daughter dance, the mother & son dance, the couples dance, the bouquet toss, the garter toss, the money dance, centerpiece giveaways, or anything else you may think of.
Cake Cutting:
The cake cutting takes place about an hour before the reception ends. The cake cutting often signals to guests it is okay to leave soon thereafter. Be sure not to cut the cake too early, so your guests don't leave before you're ready to wrap up the day’s festivities. Once the cake is cut, the dancing should resume.
Newlyweds Farewell:
It's time to say goodbye. Here are suggestions on ways to say a final farewell.
Your coordinator or Tom will direct everyone into the foyer or outdoors so that you can make your grand exit from the reception. Family, friends and guest can throw rice, flower pedals or blow bubbles as you leave.
The Farewell Circle is a charming way to end the reception and festivities. A Farewell Circle is formed at the end of the reception. All wedding guests gather in a circle on the dance floor around the Newlyweds.
The music played is a nice selection of slower ballads and easy listening music. The mood should be gentle and loving.
After the guests encircle the wedding couple, the newlyweds each begin working their way around the circle in opposite directions, saying good-bye to each of their guests, and exchanging embraces with these friends and relatives. At one point, the newlyweds cross each other’s paths as they work their way around the circle, and then meet up again where they began, so that both of them get the chance to say good-bye to each guest in the circle.
The Newlywed Archway can be a quick exit for the Couple. The Newlywed Arch is created by the guests standing opposite each other in two rows and holding both arms outwards as the Newlyweds run through. This is a great way to exit for the Newlyweds, especially if they have many guests.
Whichever form of farewell you choose, your guests will appreciate the opportunity to send the Newlyweds into the future with a proper good-bye and best wishes for their future.
We hope these suggestions help. We appreciate your business.
Tom Spencer
"Music For All Of You" Mobile DJ Service
"Music For All Of You" Media 2010
Design & Content By Tom Spencer 2009*
All Rights Reserved
Design & Content By Tom Spencer 2009*
All Rights Reserved