Much like the ceremony, you have the freedom to make your reception your own! It’s your party, it should be exactly how you want it to be! Here is a list of some key events that happen often at receptions, usually with this order:

• bridal party introduction
• cutting of the cake
• daddy-daughter dance
• first dance
• speeches
• bouquet/garter toss
• exit

The fun has begun! It’s time to relax, dance and celebrate!! Your reception should be a BLAST! The last thing you need to be worrying about is your timeline. Your coordinator and DJ should take care of making sure that everything stays on schedule so that you can enjoy your night. Here are some helpful tips that will help your reception flow smoothly.

– FORMALITIES FIRST : This is a massive tip we like to give to ALL our couples. Get the formalities done as soon as possible so that you can enjoy the night! Most of our couples get announced and go straight to the cake cutting. Between entree and main they get all the speeches done so that after main there’s only the first dance left. Believe me, your guests will want to get onto that dance floor as much as you will! The more party, the better!

– MAKE IT YOUR OWN : If you want to have a special dance with your grandparents, do it! If you want to ditch speeches, do it! If you want to join the guests without a formal introduction, do it! You get the idea. Make your reception a reflection of who you are and don’t feel tied to traditions.

– RECEPTION COVERAGE : I recommend planning your timeline so that you can have at least 20 minutes of dancing photographed. Dancing images are so much fun!