Standard Wedding Reception Program
A wedding is one of the most memorable events ever and preparations are extensive from the minutest details to the big ones and the day comes where ceremony’s done and now to the reception proper.
Being an expert when it comes to weddings I put importance for the final stage where a program is set as approved by the couple to be delivered and here I’ll stage a standard program and it’s up to the host to run the show with these very special guidelines as tested.
Of course, after the ceremony the guests arrive and they are received. If there is a seat plan then it has to be followed. If not, guests find seats where they feel comfortable with as assisted, if possible if they have coordinators hired or relatives or friends assigned.
Second, see to it that the principal sponsors and parents are seated at the presidential table.
Third, when almost everybody are settled request the members of the entourage except the principal sponsors and parents to assemble at the receiving area or foyer depending on the venue for the presentation of the entourage. And it has to be in accordance. The first to be called will be the flower girls followed by the bearers then the secondary sponsors and followed by the groomsmen with the bridesmaids as partners and the best man together with the maid of honor or matron of honor.
Fourth, is the grand entrance of the couple with effects like bubble and fog and confetti to put drama and color as they proceed to their seats at the presidential table with much accord.
Fifth, is the proper acknowledgement of parents and principal sponsors and letting them stand or a wave of hand as introduced.
Sixth, is one of the most important parts of the program to be done and requests the couple to proceed to the cake area to perform the first ritual of the celebration, the cake cutting ceremony and followed by the champagne toast and finally, the release of doves. These rituals are symbolic.
Seventh, is the thanksgiving prayer where the maid of honor does the prayer before meal letting everyone to stand in reverence for a simple prayer.
Eight, is the meal proper where guests are called for the pictorial with the couple and after which they can now proceed to the buffet table just to avoid congestion and to run things smoothly on the handle. As the souvenir shots are ongoing music is played.
Ninth, when everybody is seated coming from the buffet table a guest performer, if any is called to do his number. That’s the fit time for some performances. And if there’s something to be shown or an audio-visual presentation, that’s the next part of the program.
Tenth, is when the best man is called for the grand toast, so to speak where all guests are requested to rise and help out with the toast.
Eleventh, is when well wishers are called for some messages to the couple. Not too many of them to avoid boredom, please. And the final messages must come from the very special persons who have raised the couple into what they are now as individuals and professionals, perhaps.
Then, the next stage is one of the highlights of the celebration where the father of the bride dances with his daughter then finally turning over to the groom for the couple’s traditional dance. Optionally, they can perform the prosperity dance or money dance as we do here in the Philippines. It is symbolic, anyway.
And the climax will be the bouquet ceremony where single ladies are called to participate for a game as devised to find out who will be the next bride to be in the future. And to be fair we’ll do the garter ceremony by performing a game as devised, too to find a partner for the luckiest lady.
To end the show the couple are called for their special message of thanks and the host’s parting words.
What’s next? Dance! Dance! Dance!