What Should the Order of Reception Events Be

Reception Order of Events: Weddings are a significant investment, and I truly want you to get the most out of your photography and video coverage. With that in mind, I always recommend this thoughtful order of events to ensure every special moment is beautifully captured while making the best use of your time and resources.

• Grand Entrance:

  • The couple, bridal party, and/or parents are introduced and make a celebratory entrance.straight into first dance

• First Dance

  • The newlyweds share their first dance as a married couple. Alternatively, this can happen later in the evening.

• Thank you/Welcome speech:

  • A short speech from the host (often a parent or the couple) thanking guests for attending

•  Dinner served (Your vendors should eat at the same time you do, trust me.)

  • Guests enjoy the meal, whether it's plated, buffet, or family-style.

  • Soft background music plays during dinnerT

•  Toasts/speeches (It's ok if guests are still eating or being served)

  • Typically given by the best man, maid/matron of honor, and possibly parents or close family

•   Special dances with parents:

  • Father-daughter dance

  • Mother-son dance

• Cake cutting/Dessert served:

  • The couple cuts the cake, symbolizing their first act of sharing as newlyweds. 

•   Any other activities (bouquet/garter toss/ money dance etc.)

• Get everyone on the dance floor for a group photo

• Then ask your DJ to start open dancing with a well-known song while everyone's already on the floor!

  • Your photo/video team only needs 10-15min of open dancing to get what they need. So make sure your Dj knows to start out with 2-3 songs that will get everyone dancing after that group photo.

This way, there is no awkward lull between events where guests aren't sure what to do.

Putting random periods of open dancing between these events can result in an awkwardly empty dance floor AND guests who don't care to dance will start to leave early. Going through all the events right away ensures your photo and video team get all the important stuff, and a few prime shots of the dance party at its peak.