Wedding reception – order of service
Like a snowflake or a fingerprint, no two weddings are the same. That’s what makes them so special. A wedding and reception are a reflection of the couple at the heart of it all: the unique story, their personalities and style, as well as the people they celebrate it with. Although each wedding has its own style, the wedding reception order of service sticks to a pretty specific recipe.
From the moment guests arrive to the final farewell, the reception sets the tone for joy, connection, and unforgettable memories. While every couple brings their own flair to the day, most receptions follow a loose order of events – from heartfelt speeches and the all-important first dance to cake cutting and dancefloor chaos. Whether planning a traditional sit-down dinner, a cocktail-style celebration, or something completely out of the box, understanding the typical reception flow can help you shape a celebration that feels effortlessly you.
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From cake cutting to bouquet tossing, what goes where in the run of things? Source: Ovolo Woolloomooloo.
What is a wedding reception order of service?
It’s the order in which the wedding is run, to help ease the crowds, keep people invested and just makes sense. You wouldn’t cut the cake before you’d eaten your entrees, would you? Well – maybe you would! But this is what makes logical sense.
From your grand entrance to the bridal waltz, you might not know what fits where. And although weddings are a long day, the reception is only a few hours, and there’s a lot to get done!
Plan your day from morning to night – we’ve got the wedding day timeline that you’ve been looking for! Find it here.
When’s it time to hit the dancefloor? We explore! Source: The Commons Collective.
Wedding reception: order of service
- The guests are served canapes and drinks, as they gather at the reception.
- As the bride, groom and bridal party arrive at the reception they are served or canapes and drinks separately while the guests are seated.
- The bridal party enter the reception and are announced to the guests. The bride and groom should be the last seated.
- Entree and Main courses are served.
- Toasts are given.
- Telegrams are read aloud by the best man.
- The bride and groom cut the cake.
- The bride and groom perform the bridal waltz.
- The parents and bridal party join the bride and groom on the dancefloor.
- After this, all other guests are welcome to join the dancing.
- Dessert is served.
- Bride throws her bouquet.
- The bride and groom change into their travelling clothes (optional).
- The bride and groom return to the reception to say their final goodbyes.
Cake cutting or speeches? Which comes first? Source: The Trust.
A well timed wedding is a well-oiled machine. Source: The Trust.
Frequently asked questions about the wedding reception: order of service
Q: Do we have to follow a set order?
A: Not at all! This is your wedding. This is a basic guideline, and much like a recipe – you can add or take away what you want and what suits your taste.
Q: When should speeches happen during the reception?
A: Most couples schedule speeches between courses or all at once before dessert. This keeps energy flowing and allows guests to enjoy food while still engaged.
Q: Do you need an MC to manage the order of service?
A: It’s not a must-have, but it is highly recommended. It can be a friend, family member or a professional, but an MC will keep things running smoothly and make sure nothing (and no one) is missed.
Q: Can we skip the cat cutting or bouquet toss?
A: Absolutely. Modern weddings are more flexible than ever. If certain traditions don’t suit you, feel free to leave them out or replace them with more meaningful moments.
Q: How long does a wedding reception last?
A: Most receptions run for around 5–6 hours, including dinner, speeches, and dancing. Timing can vary based on your venue, number of guests, and type of reception
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