Lunch reception timeline

minko1986 · April 2013

Hi ladies---

Now I'm sort of getting sick worrying over this... We're having a lunch reception (as the same place as the ceremony, just in a different room), and here are my questions that literally makes me nauseated..

1. We're not a grand entrance type of couple. I also don't really think that a grand entrance is so fitting for a lunch reception at a church and we're not even having a DJ/emcee. How do I "make" the entrance? Just go in and sit down...?

2. Are speeches absolutely necessary? Both of our fathers don't speak much English, and I don't want to put them through it. Would I need any type of speech at all?

3. How do I signal people that they can start eating? Would the caterer start dismissing people?

4. I was thinking about playing some classic music in the background. How does that sound..?

5. How do I "exit"? I'm going to take pictures after the reception, so I need to get out from the reception at a decent time. Can I just sort of sneak out..? Would anyone side-eye me?

AddieCake · April 2013

We did a lunch reception and had a string trio for music. We did not do a grand entrance. We didn't even enter the room at the same time b/c we were busy tending to things and people coming up to us and pulling us in different directions!

Speeches are not necessary and are only given if people offer them. My dad is the only one who made a speech, and it was about 2 sentences. Our groomswoman wanted to, but one of our friends caused drama that prevented her from doing so. If your fathers are uncomfortable, they certainly don't have to give one.

Our venue staff told people it was time to eat.

We didn't leave until the end b/c we had to clean up some things and get the gifts together, so I don't know about leaving early.

Maggie0829 · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_lunch-reception-timeline-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:bd69db51-a415-4d31-b794-89db03b51ddfPost:3bc96206-5b02-47ba-8eb6-ebc14481c2a0">Lunch reception timeline</a>:
[QUOTE]Hi ladies--- Now I'm sort of getting sick worrying over this... We're having a lunch reception (as the same place as the ceremony, just in a different room), and here are my questions that literally makes me nauseated.. 1. We're not a grand entrance type of couple. I also don't really think that a grand entrance is so fitting for a lunch reception at a church and we're not even having a DJ/emcee. How do I "make" the entrance? Just go in and sit down...? 2. Are speeches absolutely necessary? Both of our fathers don't speak much English, and I don't want to put them through it. Would I need any type of speech at all? 3. How do I signal people that they can start eating? Would the caterer start dismissing people? 4. I was thinking about playing some classic music in the background. How does that sound..? 5. How do I "exit"? I'm going to take pictures after the reception, so I need to get out from the reception at a decent time. Can I just sort of sneak out..? Would anyone side-eye me?
Posted by minko1986[/QUOTE]

1) Some couples don't do "grand entrances". Some couples, once their pictures are taken after the ceremony just walk in and join their guests for the rest of cocktail hour or at the beginning of the reception. Don't worry to much about this. You don't need someone announcing your names for you to be noticed at the reception.

2) Speeches are completely voluntary. H and I did not have any speeches at our wedding because both the best man and MOH do not like speaking in public and neither set of parents wanted to say anything. I don't think our guests missed it and neither did we.

3) Typically the caterer will allow the wedding party and then VIP guests (parents and such) to go up to the buffet first and then they will start dismissing the other tables one by one so as not to overwhelm the buffet with people.

4) I would definitely have some music playing at all times. It just makes for a nicer atmosphere. I think soft classical music will be nice.

5) I think the best way of handling the exit would be to have a "send off". It doesn't need to be big or elaborate but something so that each of your guests can see you and your FI one last time before you leave for the rest of your pictures would be nice. And by doing this will help to signify the end of your reception to your guests.

minko1986 · April 2013

Thanks ladies! I feel a little better - should've thought about all these way earlier than a week before the wedding.

Maggie, can you give me some ideas on the simple "send off"? Other than having guests line up as we exit, I can't think of anything else..

lovesclimbing · April 2013

1. The pastor just said something like "here's mr and mrs so and so" 2. Not necessary. There were no speeches at our wedding. 4. Sounds lovely! I really couldn't say about your other questions.

ashleyep · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_lunch-reception-timeline-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:bd69db51-a415-4d31-b794-89db03b51ddfPost:f9798c5d-0f2b-4687-90df-43e8b8b8e547">Re: Lunch reception timeline</a>:
[QUOTE]4) I would definitely have some music playing at all times. It just makes for a nicer atmosphere. I think soft classical music will be nice
Posted by Maggie0829[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I usually don't notice music during dinner, but one wedding I went to had a playlist during the meal with a lot of Jason Mraz/Jack Johnson type music and I thought it was nice. It's light enough but I liked the vocals with it.

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Maggie0829 · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_lunch-reception-timeline-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:bd69db51-a415-4d31-b794-89db03b51ddfPost:b3702a33-30d6-4ef0-8f4e-cf4258c5e7a6">Re: Lunch reception timeline</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Lunch reception timeline : I usually don't notice music during dinner, but one wedding I went to had a playlist during the meal with a lot of Jason Mraz/Jack Johnson type music and I thought it was nice. It's light enough but I liked the vocals with it.
Posted by ashleyep[/QUOTE]

You would be surprised how you may not really notice the music playing in the background but if it weren't playing how much you would notice the void in noise.

I know that we had music playing in the background at our wedding for dinner, but I couldn't tell you what songs played or what type of music it was but I sure would have known if music wasn't playing at all.

ashleyep · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_lunch-reception-timeline-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:bd69db51-a415-4d31-b794-89db03b51ddfPost:2a7b33a0-4b3f-4a8a-a720-12b54ae2d592">Re: Lunch reception timeline</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Lunch reception timeline : You would be surprised how you may not really notice the music playing in the background but if it weren't playing how much you would notice the void in noise. I know that we had music playing in the background at our wedding for dinner, but I couldn't tell you what songs played or what type of music it was but I sure would have known if music wasn't playing at all.
Posted by Maggie0829[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Oh yeah, sorry, that's what I meant. I would definitely notice it if wasn't there. I just happened to notice the songs during that dinner because I remember thinking "wow I really like what this DJ is playing right now" so I thought I'd share the type of music he played.

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