Receptions are generally 4 hours long.
Hour 1 (The bride, groom and wedding party are occupied w/wedding pics)
Give your guests nonalcoholic drinks (tea, lemonade, water) and a cheese tray with some veggies or fruit. Ask the youngest of the brothers, sister and cousins to act as waiters (no need for a table set-up). The bride’s older brothers, sisters and cousins should teach an ethnic dance for ½ hour, then it’s the groom’s brothers, sisters and cousins turn to teach one of their ethnic dances. If ethnic isn't felt, then teach line dances. Those not able to dance can play board games like dominos with the oldest of the brothers, sisters and cousins. One of the brothers, sisters and cousins should be designated to overlook those under 5, those 5 – 9, those 10 – 17. Anyone 18 and older should be able to participate with the “grown-ups”.
Hour 2
10 minutes -- When the waiters/nannies arrive to make fun for the under 5, those 5 – 9, those 10 – 17 , it’s time for the grand entrance of the Bride, Groom and wedding party!
15 minutes -- Afterward, the Host will ask all to sit down. Waiters will pass out the toasting glass of champagne! If the bride's father pays for the wedding, it is his job as host to welcome everyone and thank them for coming. Hopefully, he's already shared the sentimental stuff at the rehearsal dinner so that this toast can be just a brief welcoming statement. However, if it was a joint effort to pay for the wedding, all of the parents may stand together as one of them gives a welcome on behalf of them all. If the couple has paid for the wedding entirely, then they can give this speech, but should omit any toasting. After that, the best man and maid-of-honor should say a short something and toast. While only those invited are giving a blessing/toasting, the buffet is getting set-up.
15 minutes - Buffet is open and so is alcohol (idea: serve beer and/or wine with chosen buffet choices!) Watch the slideshow presentation! Sample
20 minutes - cake cutting/eating/watching performances. The bride then the groom guests, who learned the ethnic dances, will perform for the couple of the day. The winning team could get "special seating!"
Hour 3 – the DJ arrives to manage the Special Dance Hour!
Bride/Groom
Father/Daughter
Mother/Son
Romantic Couples dances
Wedding Party Dance
Money Dances
Garter Removal and Toss (this leads into the "fun" part of the reception - the dancing!)
Bouquet Toss (let the song finish out after the bouquet is caught.....the girls are already on the floor, and will start dancing. This helps get people out on the floor and excited for the dancing portion)
Garter/Bouquet Snowball Dance - get everyone up dancing!
Hour 4
Open Dancing - DJ leaves - play your pre-recorded music!
waiters will walk around and serve hors d'oeuvres in shot glasses
Last Dance - make it fun and upbeat - maybe like this - you will start the dance alone, then others will join when you ask
Grand Exit
Grand Exit
Nice Ideas - thanks for the timing ideas!
Grace
Rating:
9 out of
10
