Ceremony/Reception Agenda

(Continued) Reception order (traditional, I know you can change things)

-What traditionally comes first, dancing, cake-cutting/toast, or the formal dining thing? (This will not be formal for us since we are having a casual buffet-style meal and there won't really be a set time just for that I'm just wondering when to start)

-What is the normal order of the "big" dances ("our" song, father/daughter, what are the other popular ones)?

-Are there any other reception traditions aside from the bouquet/garter toss? We aren't religious so I don't know much about things like unity candles, etc.

Is there anything important I am missing?

Thanks a ton, I know there are about 40 questions.

Do you have a church or ceremony coordinator for your event? The coordinator is a great person to pick the brain of for this... they do it every weekend and know the best order to follow, they also work with your vendors to make sure everything happens in a timely fashion. It also depends on your church's traditions on how things should go. Typically guests arrive you should have some nice soft prelude music at this time. Then The grandparents & parents are seated, then the processional starts, you can have bridesmaids and groomsmen walk together or separately and have them walk down the aisle or come in from the side. Then the ring bearers and flower girls, then the music should change right before the bride and father walk down. Then the officiant asks something like who gives this woman to be wed? The parents answer hug and sit down. If it is a short ceremony the bridal party & couple getting married stay up at the alter... if it is long such...

Such as a Catholic mass... then there will be times when the wedding party and event he couple are asked to sit down... there might be some readings from guests or a someone sings a song... during this time the couple can do a candle lighting ceremony or pour sand together or something of that nature... then the officiant announces you man & wife.... and sends you back down the aisle with another song playing... the bridal party follows. If you are going to do a receiving line (I don't suggest them at large weddings as it cuts into photo time) then you should do it now... line up with your parents & then wedding party and greet guests as they exit the ceremony, a lot of times this is why you have ushers so they can dismiss rows of guests or your officiant can make an announcement. I've even seen it done where the officiant asks the guests to remain seated while the bride & groom come around and dismiss guests so they can greet everyone. There is no right or wrong way to do it.

If you are skipping the receiving line have your officiant tell guests to continue on to the reception and the wedding party will greet you there after photos. After your photos you go to the reception... have transportation lined up beforehand whether it be a friend driving you or a limo etc. I once gave a couple a ride because a guest accidentally took their keys! Then your DJ meets you before you go in and usually announces you to your guests. You will get served your food first, sit down eat, relax a minute... you will be done first so this is the perfect opportunity to go around and greet your guests while everyone is finishing up their meals. Your DJ should be knowledgeable about the order of events after that and will work with the catering staff to make sure all goes according to plan. Hope this helps!

Ceremony

guests arrive and are seated

Right before the ceremony begins:

Grooms Granparents

Grooms Parents

Brides Grand Parent

Brides Mother with our without escort

Grrom and Officiant, Best Man?

Groomsmen

Brides Maids

Matron of Honor

Flower girl and ring bearer

bride and father

If you don't have any of the list above then just go down the line.

A day coordinator is lovely and very helpful if you can afford one.

If your are getting mrried at a hotel/resort or hall the caterer or corordinater from that facility is usully trainded to assist you. There may be a small fee for them helping you line up.

Your DJ or band can also help with line ups and timelines onve the reception kicks off. Just remember we are in a modern age and it's your day. Do what feels good to you and your groom....unless it's a church wedding...then they have some rules

Good luck and have fun