Time

Event

Cocktail period: This will give the bridal couple a chance to take the necessary photographs. All the guests will mingle with one another.

Receiving line: This allows the guests to speak to the bride and groom as they come into the reception. Sometimes this is done at the church and therefore needs not to be repeated here at the reception. It is a nice idea to form an arch as the bride and groom enter into the reception

Introduction of the wedding party: Once all the guests and the bridal party are within the reception area, the emcee will introduce the wedding party and himself.

Toasts: The order is as follows – the best man, the maid-of-honor, the father of the groom and the father of the bride. The bridal couple will then thank the guests for coming and will thank the parents for all that they did in making the day a success.

Food is served: During this time the bridal couple can informally make rounds to the various tables to speak to their guests.

Dancing: The bridal couple will dance their first dance.

Cake cutting

Bouquet and garter toss

More dancing

Departure of the bridal couple

Departure of the guests