After the wedding ceremony, a reception usually follows. This is the time to party with family and friends, to celebrate with food, drinks and entertainment, and to receive guests.

Back in the day, weddings are celebrated with wedding breakfast or balls, depending on the time of the day.  Now, a wedding reception can be held at any time of the day, and can be composed of almost anything depending on the newly weds’ tastes and on their cultures.

Basically, a wedding reception may include a receiving line, music, toasts or speeches, a meal, dances, tossing of garter and bouquet, gifts, favors, a wedding cake, and a groom’s cake. A wedding reception program can look like any of these:

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Sample 1

Arrival of Guests
Cocktails and Socialization
Request guests to be seated
Entrance of the Bridal Party and the Couple
Welcome Speech
Dinner is served
Wedding Toast
Speech
Couple’s First Dance
Dance floor open to all
Cutting of the wedding cake
Garter Toss
Bouquet toss
Cake & tea are served
Last Dance
Sending off of Newlyweds

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Sample 2

Guests arrive
Introduction of wedding party
Introduction of bride and groom
Blessing
Dinner is served
Cake Cutting
Wedding Toasts
Bride & Groom’s First Dance
Father & Daughter’s Dance
Mother & Groom’s Dance
Special Dances
Bouquet Toss
Garter Toss
Open Dancing

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Sample 3

Cocktail Hour
Dinner Announcement
Introduction of Bridal Party
Introduction of the Newlyweds
Welcome by the Bride’s Father
First Course served
Toast by Best Man
Toast by Maid of Honor
Main Course served
First Dance by the Newlyweds
Open Dancing
Cake cutting
Message of Thanks from the Newlyweds
Father and Bride dance
Mother and Groom dance
Open Dancing
Bouquet Toss
Garter Toss
Last Dance
Farewell

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Sample 4

Arrival of Guests
Introduction of Newlyweds
Food is served
Couple’s First Dance
Best Man’s Toast
Cutting of Cake
Bouquet Toss
Garter Toss
Departure of Newlyweds

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Whatever program structure you choose, the most important thing is that you enjoy the celebration and that your guests have a good time too.

Here are more ideas for your wedding reception:

Bridal Bouquet Toss

Favors

Meaning of Flowers

Reception Activities