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THE WEDDING RECEPTION
ORDER OF EVENTS

Below is a basic outline of the order of events for a wedding reception.  Please keep in mind that the order and timing of the events can vary depending upon your specific wedding style, your wedding reception timeline and your specific wants or needs.  You should list your desired order of events and determine the approximate start and end times for each.  Also include as much detail as possible in your list to minimize question and confusion during the wedding reception.  A copy of your event list should be given to those involved in the wedding (key wedding party members and your family, facility and event coordinators, cake decorator, caterer, D.J. or band, etc.) who will need to know the what and when and where of your wedding reception.

- Guests Arrive (The Receiving Line may be at the reception location or wedding location)
- Cocktail Period Starts
- Photographs of Bride and Groom

- Introduction of  Parents and Wedding Party
- Grand Entrance and Introduction of Bride and Groom
- First Dance - Bride and Groom (Option 1)
  *The above option eliminates a long break in the reception activities. Also, since guests are not
  supposed to dance until after the Bride and Groom have had their first dance this can prompt earlier
  dancing
- Toast(s)
- Blessing before Dinner - if desired
- Dinner is Served

- Cake Cutting
- First Dance - Bride and Groom (Option 2)
- Special Dances - Bride with Father, Groom with Mother, etc.
- Main Dance

- Bouquet Toss
- Garter Toss
- Dollar Dance - if desired
- More Dancing
- Last Dance - Bride and Groom

- Exit - Bride and Groom
- End of Reception

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Wedding Reception Beverages and Bar Service
Wedding Cakes - How To Shop For A Wedding Cake
Wedding Catering - How To Select A Wedding Caterer
Wedding Ceremony Locations - How To Select A Wedding Ceremony Location
Diamonds and Wedding Rings - How To Shop
Wedding Dresses - How to Shop For a Wedding Gown or Wedding Dress
Wedding Entertainment- How To Select Wedding Entertainment
Wedding Floral and Florists- How To Select A Wedding Florist
Wedding Invitations - Guidelines
Wedding Insurance
Wedding Party Transportation -Limousines
Money Saving Wedding Planning Tips and Tricks
Wedding Photographers - Selecting a Wedding Photographer
Wedding Photographs - Must Have Photos List
Wedding Planners- Selecting a Wedding Planner
The Wedding Party - The Receiving Line
The Wedding Reception - Order of Events
Wedding Reception Seating
Wedding Reception Facilities - How To Select A Reception Facility
State Wedding / Marriage Requirements
Tents for The Wedding Day - Different Tent Styles and Selection Guide
Wedding Toasts and Speeches
Wedding Videographers - How To Select A Wedding Videographer
The Wedding Party - Who Does What?
Wedding Expenses - Who Pays for What?

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