Wise Wedding Reception Tips

A few tips and reminders to ensure that you reception runs smoothly:

The line up

It often depends on the venue, but typically the bridal party line up at the entrance to the reception room to greet all their guests as they enter.

The Entrance

The Master of Ceremonies will typically introduce the bride and groom to guests who may be asked to stand. This may fall to the best man.   

Grace

Once everyone is seated some couples opt for Grace to be said. This role often falls to the best man or master of ceremonies. This can simply be 'for what we are about to receive may The Lord make us truly thankful' or could include other references to the couple and the day. 

Wedding Breakfast

This can be a traditional and time-honoured menu or perhaps a more contemporary theme.  A specialist wedding caterer such as Wise Weddings will be able to advise on the many option available.

Speeches

Speeches typically follow the wedding breakfast, although it is becoming increasingly popular for these to be made before the meal. This is down to personal choice, but the decision needs to be made in advance so that the caterers can time their food preparation. There is also an increasing trend for the bride to make a speech, but it
isn’t traditional.

Cutting the Cake

The bride and groom traditionally cut the cake, but you may decide to have caterers do this for you.

Preparing for the Evening

Once the wedding breakfast and speeches are over you may be required to vacate the room so that it can be prepared for the evening reception or at some venues you may be moved to another function room.

First Dance

Traditionally, the Bride & Grooms first dance together as husband and wife is normally followed by a second song for the Bridal Party (Top table).  Make sure you’ve told the DJ the songs you want in advance.

Evening Buffet

If your wedding breakfast is early or if you are inviting additional evening guests you may want to include a buffet.  Options include a finger buffet, cold buffet or hot fork buffet. Take advice from a professional caterer like Wise Weddings.