Best Order for the Reception

sde546

I have been back and forth on what order to do things for the reception. There's so much to do from the first dance, to toasts, to the bouquet toss, and cake cutting. What is the best way to do all of these? We were thinking of doing dinner, toasts, cake cutting, first dance, parent's dance, bouquet toss and garter belt, and then the dollar dance ( we like to dance). I just didn't know what the traditional order is or what might make things flow a lot more smoothly. Any thoughts??

sarahroslansky

Yeah I'm having no luck making this decision either. I found a couple things online (though I'm sure you've probably tried the google method already), hope this helps!

http://www.theamericanwedding.com/blog/2009/traditional-order-of-events-for-the-reception/

http://www.scenicsprings.com/texas-outdoor-weddings-near-san-santonio-and-austin/additional-information/26-order-of-events.html

http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/reception-order-of-events/af6c8b0bb2d40d5c.html

brielleinlove

Please do not do a dollar dance.  They are very rude.  Guests should never have to open their wallets at your wedding.

I like it when brides and grooms do all the spotlight dances (first dance, mother/son, father/daughter) at the beginning of the evening, followed by dinner, then toasts and cake.  If you wish to do a bouquet toss, I'd save it until after cake.

erinlin25

our ceremony is at 6, so with the late start to the reception after cocktail hour, our venue has us entering and going right into the toast as dinner is being served so we do not make our guests wait too long to eat. After dinner are the spotlight dances; followed by cake and then the dance floor opens up.  Bouquet and Garter toss will be mixed up in the "dance time."  There is no right and wrong way to do it.