Reception - Formalities
A well-organised wedding reception can make your special day even more memorable for you and your guests. From the formalities to the fun activities, every detail contributes to the overall experience. Here are some tips and tricks to help you plan a seamless and unforgettable wedding reception, including key formalities, cake cutting, games, exiting, speeches, different dinner styles, and the role of the Master of Ceremonies (MC).
Plan the Key Formalities
Incorporating traditional wedding formalities can add structure and special moments to your reception:
Grand Entrance: Have your MC introduce the wedding party and then the newlyweds as they make their grand entrance into the reception venue.
Cake Cutting: Your cake cutting is a sweet and symbolic moment. Typically, the cake cutting happens after dinner and before dancing begins. Coordinate with your photographer to ensure this moment is captured.
Fun Games: Games can add an element of fun and keep guests entertained for example:
Shoe Game: The bride and groom sit back-to-back, each holding one of their own shoes and one of their partner's. The MC asks questions like "Who is the better cook?" and they raise the corresponding shoe to answer.
Couple Trivia: Create a trivia game about the bride and groom. Guests can answer questions, and the winners receive small prizes.
Dance-Off: Organise a dance competition for guests of all ages. This can be a fun and energetic way to get everyone on the dance floor.
Role of the MC
Having an MC during your reception ensures that your flows smoothly and sticks to the pre determined timeline of the evening:
Introduction: The MC introduces key events and helps transitions between different formalities, keeping the schedule on track during the reception.
Announcements: Your MC should make important announcements, such as when Venue rules, bathroom directions, when dinner is served, the start of speeches, the cake cutting and first dance.
Entertainment: The MC can also introduce games, coordinate music transitions, and engage with the guests to keep the energy high. Ensuring your guest have a great, fun and memorable experience at your reception.
Speeches
Speeches are a chance for loved ones to share their thoughts and well wishes:
Order of Speeches: The typically order of speeches given is both sides of the Newly Wed’s parents, followed by the Bridal Party/ Maid of Honour and Best man.
Preparation: Encourage the people who are giving speeches to prepare their speeches in advance and keep them to a reasonable length (roughly 4-7 minutes is a great guide).
Toast: An amazing way to end off the speeches is with a toast from the newlyweds saying thank you to all their guest/ vender
Dinner Styles
Set Menu: A formal option where guests are served individually plated meals. This allows for elegant presentation and precise portion control.
Buffet: A more casual and flexible option where guests can choose from a variety of dishes. It encourages mingling and movement.
Shared: Platters of food are placed on each table, and guests serve themselves. This creates a communal and intimate dining experience.
Food Stations: Various stations offer different types of cuisine, allowing guests to sample a variety of dishes. This can add an interactive and dynamic element to the meal.
First Dances
First Dance: Typically the first dance of the evening is between the Newly Weds. This is a beautiful moment and often a highlight of the reception as until this point of the reception all the formalities are done and you’re able to continue celebrating with your family and friends.
Father-Daughter and Mother-Son Dances: After the First Dance from the couple and amazing way to show recognition and honour towards their parents as well as their up bringing is to share a dance. Typically between the Bride and her Father and the Groom and his Mother. These dances honour the special bond and roles they have shared over their lifetime.
Reception Exit
Planning your the exit of your reception allows there to be a proper conclusion to your wedding and all the celebration that were shared:
Sparklers: Create 2 rows of guest that have been provided sparklers creates a fun, joyful and engaging moment. The Newly Weds walk/ run through the aisle, sharing a kiss 3/4 down as the final moment of the day.
Confetti or Bubbles: Creating 2 rows of guest that have been given a handful of confetti can create a beautiful moment as the Newly Weds depart from their reception. The trick for these is to throw or aim above the couple so as the confetti/ bubbles fall the couple walk through them, enhancing the moment.
Car Departure: Planning on arranging a special car to arrive at the end of your reception can be a very stylish and personal touch as you leave. Great examples are classic cars, limousines, or even a decorated golf cart. The possibilities are endless!
Organising your wedding reception can take time to plan carefully, paying attention to small details and transitions to ensure it’s a memorable experience for you and all your guests. With these tips and tricks above, your wedding reception will be a celebration to remember for years to come in all the best ways!
