And finally... part 3! We have already covered the planning and the ceremony, so today WhereBridesGo.com will focus on the final part of your wedding day celebration - the reception. Many couples decide to also have a cocktail hour to take place after the ceremony but before the reception. We will go over a few wedding planning ideas for both.
This is a great place to feature a signature wedding cocktail. It can be your favorite drink, or a beverage that ties into the wedding colors or theme. If you don't feel like coming up with a clever name, simply call the bride's drink "The Mrs." and the groom's "The Mr." Serve enough appetizers to soak up the alcohol being enjoyed, but not so much that everyone is too full for dinner at the reception.
Remember to plan for some light, conversational music during the cocktail hour. Also, make sure that someone is in charge of bringing your guest book from the ceremony spot to the cocktail hour and reception for anyone that did not have a chance to sign. Escort cards with your guest's table assignments can be placed at the exit of the cocktail hour or at the entrance to the reception room.
Hopefully this quick trip through the different parts of a wedding has inspired you to roll up your sleeves and get your wedding planning started. No matter which part you are focusing on right now, WhereBridesGo.com is sure to have something in our online wedding accessories store that will work perfectly for you. Best of luck with all of your plans, and have a wonderful wedding day!
~ The WhereBridesGo.com Team
Post by Deanna Powell, Certified Bridal Consultant
Cocktail Hour
The main purpose for a cocktail hour after the ceremony is to keep guests entertained while the bride and groom are busy taking their final wedding photos. Even if most of your pictures were taken before the ceremony, there will be at least a few left to take after you are officially husband and wife.Remember to plan for some light, conversational music during the cocktail hour. Also, make sure that someone is in charge of bringing your guest book from the ceremony spot to the cocktail hour and reception for anyone that did not have a chance to sign. Escort cards with your guest's table assignments can be placed at the exit of the cocktail hour or at the entrance to the reception room.
Reception Decor
The theme, colors, or feeling that you wish for your wedding to convey can be your guide for choosing table decorations and wedding centerpieces. The table itself is a wonderful place to get creative; centerpieces, favors, place cards, table runners, and more.
Reception Traditions
Decide which wedding traditions that you would like to include at your reception. These generally start after dinner with the cake cutting and toasts. Putting a limit on the amount of time each person may speak, as well as the amount of people that will give a toast, will make this part go much smoother. A couple's first dance together will open up the dance floor for the evening, and many choose to throw the bridal bouquet and garter at some point after that.
Party Time!
After dinner and toasts are out of the way, it's time for everyone to get on the dance floor and party the rest of the evening away. You will want to make sure that your wedding DJ or band know which songs they should definitely play, and it's also wise to give them a list of songs that should never be played, no matter who asks. Some people love the "Chicken Dance," but it's not for everyone!Hopefully this quick trip through the different parts of a wedding has inspired you to roll up your sleeves and get your wedding planning started. No matter which part you are focusing on right now, WhereBridesGo.com is sure to have something in our online wedding accessories store that will work perfectly for you. Best of luck with all of your plans, and have a wonderful wedding day!
Where Brides Go®
...for What Brides Love!
~ The WhereBridesGo.com Team
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