Reception

Let the Celebration Begin! Top Tips for an Unforgettable Wedding Reception

Your wedding reception is your party — the time to kick back, celebrate, and have a blast with your favourite people. Just like your ceremony, there are no hard and fast rules here. Whether you stick to classic traditions or put your own twist on things, the reception should be a true reflection of your personalities, full of laughter, joy, and unforgettable moments.

Common Reception Traditions (But Totally Optional!)

Most weddings follow a similar flow for the big night, with these key moments usually happening in this order:

• Bridal party introduction
• Cutting of the cake
• Daddy-daughter or parent-child dance
• First dance as a married couple
• Speeches and toasts
• Bouquet and/or garter toss
• Grand exit or send-off

But remember, you don’t have to tick every box!

The Best Part — Letting Loose and Having Fun!

Once the formalities are wrapped up, it’s time to relax, hit the dance floor, and soak up the party vibes. You shouldn’t have to worry about keeping everything on schedule — that’s exactly why your DJ and wedding coordinator are there. With a little forward planning, your reception will flow seamlessly, so you can be fully present to enjoy the night with your guests.

Tips and Tricks to Make Your Reception Run Smoothly

• Start with Formalities Early

One of our top tips is to get all the formal parts done early in the evening. This way, you and your guests can focus on having fun for the rest of the night. Here’s what many couples do:

Get announced and head straight into the cake cutting

Schedule speeches and toasts between the entrée and main course

Save the first dance for after the main meal

This approach keeps the energy high and gets people onto the dance floor sooner — trust us, that’s where the real magic happens!

• Make It Your Own

Want to share a special dance with your grandparents? Absolutely!
Thinking about skipping speeches? No problem at all.
Prefer a casual entry without the formal announcements? Go for it!

Your reception is about celebrating you. Don’t feel pressured to follow traditions unless they genuinely resonate with you. The most memorable receptions are the ones that feel personal, relaxed, and authentically yours.

• Reception Photography Coverage — Don’t Miss the Dancing!

If you want to capture those energetic, joyful dance floor moments (and we highly recommend it!), make sure your timeline includes at least 20 minutes of dancing while your photographer is still there. These photos are often some of the most fun and heartfelt images from your day — full of genuine smiles, laughter, and life.