The vows are over, and you are now officially married… CONGRATULATIONS!

It is now time for the most important part of the day…your wedding reception.

You want to ensure that your guests have a seamless and enjoyable experience, while also being able to enjoy your own party.

LinkMy.Wedding understands all the endless hours of planning, stress, and expense of trying to throw the “perfect reception.” This is why we have come up with a guideline to help the transition from saying “I Do,” to getting out on the dance floor!

1. Cocktail Hour

• Once the ceremony itself is over, guests should transition into a cocktail hour while the couple takes post-ceremony pictures.
• Appetizers and beverages will keep the guests entertained.

2. The Grand Entrance

• This is when the reception officially begins…with the entrance of the wedding party and the newlyweds.
• Make sure to choose an upbeat song to set the celebratory mood for everyone.

3. Official First Dance and Parent Dances

• This is the newlywed’s first dance as a married couple and should be a magical and memorable moment.
• Traditional Father-Daughter, Mother-Son or whoever is important in your life that you want to dance with, generally follow the couple’s first dance.

4. Time To Eat!

• Your guests should be seated as dinner service begins, with soft background music playing in the background to help enhance the ambiance.
• This is a great time for the couple to visit tables and mingle.

5. Speeches and Toasts

• The Best Man and Maid of Honor traditionally give the first speeches.
• Parents or other family members also share a few words but remember to keep your speech concise to keep everyone focused on the moment.

6. Cut the Cake

• This is a tradition where the couple cuts the wedding cake together, symbolizing their unity.
• Cake is then served to the guests so everyone can enjoy.

7. Open up the Dance Floor

• The Band or DJ now kicks off the dancing portion of the reception.
• This is when the real party begins, so be sure to play a nice mix of upbeat music to get and keep the guests on their feet.

8. Bouquet and Garter Toss

• This is always a fun tradition that helps to energize the party.

9. Grand Exit

• End your fantastic day with a memorable sendoff…confetti, sparklers, pom-poms, rice, bubbles, paper airplanes…. whatever makes you happy!
• Guests can say their goodbyes and well-wishes, and the couple departs in their getaway car to begin their new life together.

A well-organized and structured reception will help to ensure that every moment is enjoyable and that nothing gets overlooked.

LinkMy.Wedding will help make your wedding reception as stress-free as possible. Text “Wedding” to 36943, fill out our contact form, email me at mdaudfar@foxie.com, or if you prefer to speak with a human call me at 866-BE-ENGAGED (866-233-6424).