Wedding Reception: Run of Show

We’ve all seen those moments on social media where the wedding party gets introduced and someone does a leapfrog and rips their pants in the process. Whatever you choose for your wedding party entrance, this is that moment. See below for some options to consider when planning. 

If you have a DJ or lead singer of the band, they can always take the lead on introducing the wedding party. We recommend providing a paper with the names of all of the wedding party and who will be walking out with who in advance. You can also give your wedding party the heads up so they plan an entrance in advance.

That’s completely okay. Staged introductions are sometimes awkward and no one really wants to see someone slip or fall on their face, so it’s okay to just have your wedding party head to their seats and skip this altogether.

Another fun way to introduce your wedding party is to have a friend you are close with take the mic and introduce everyone. This is normally someone who has a relationship with the newlyweds and can share a fun moment or memory about each of the bridesmaids and groomsmen. This is another great way for your wedding guests to get to know your wedding party. 

Normally, the married couple is introduced following the wedding party. Once again, this is completely up to you. Normally the newlyweds chose to walk out to a favorite song or a song that has played a significant role in their relationship. Just make sure you keep your band or DJ in the loop!

 Following the newlyweds entrance, they begin their first dance as a married couple. This dance is to a special song chosen by the couple and can be as long or as short as they wish. This is a no-brainer for your photographer to capture!

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to dance for the full 2-3 minute song, it’s okay to cut it short. Sometimes the short moments are just as sweet as the longer ones! Let your DJ know and he will find the perfect spot to fade out the music. Also, if there’s a special second you want to end with a twirl or dip, let them know that up front!

Some people say this is their favorite part of a wedding, and we see their point! These are the moments where the closest people in the couple's lives get to share their most memorable stories. Normally, there are three speeches: one from the Father of the Bride, one from the Maid of Honor, and one from the Best Man. But remember, you can have as many speeches as you want! Just make sure your photographer is ready to capture all these moments.

Pro Tip: To keep your guests engaged and listening, we recommend having them at the beginning of the reception and having your food and beverages served simultaneously or in between the special moments. It is also important to let your caterer know if you are or aren't okay with service during a speech. A pro of doing this is the food service will help the timeline move along and get to the party moments quicker. A con is that it is distracting and could cause clunking noise and visual obstructions in photo/video.

See below for a sample schedule for speeches and moments:. 

These special dances are for both the newlyweds and their close family members. There are traditions you can look to, but overall, we say dance with whichever family members you want to! Sometimes, even grandparents and other significant family members are included in these moments.

Pro Tip: This is another moment where you do not need to dance for the full song! It’s okay to make these shorter or longer as you wish.

Pro Tip: Sometimes parents and their children like to plan a rehearsed dance. This is your opportunity to choose what you want to do with the one you love - no pressure!

Cue Beyonce’s ‘All The Single Ladies’! This is the moment where the bride tosses her bouquet into a crowd of ‘single ladies’ or individuals who are hoping to one day be married. It’s a very old-school tradition, and some couples opt out of this celebration altogether. Still, if it’s something you want to do it can be a fun way to bring your wedding guests together!

Pro Tip: Take stock of how many single ladies and gentlemen are coming to your wedding. Nothing is more awkward than throwing a bouquet to the only 2 single people in the room. If that’s the case, we suggest you opt out of this tradition. 

Similar to the Bouquet Toss, this is an old-school tradition where the bride sits in the middle of the dance floor on a chair and the groom goes under her dress to take off the garter that's positioned on her upper thigh. Once the garter is removed (by hand, mouth, whatever), the groom then tosses it into the crowd of ‘eligible bachelors’ who are on the dance one. Sometimes couples opt out of this old-school tradition but, again, it’s completely up to you!

Pro Tip: If this is something you and your partner would like to do, make sure one of you is wearing a garter! They aren’t very common these days and you’ll need to add one to your shopping list. 

Whether you chose to have a cake or some churros, make sure you capture this dessert moment with your photographer and videographer.