Let's Get Started with the Basics! A Comprehensive Guide to the Standard Itinerary of Wedding Receptions＊

2020.07.14 published

What is the typical flow of a wedding reception?

Deciding the flow is arguably the most important part of the wedding reception. How the limited time of the reception is spent will change based on the program.

However, not many people can easily explain what the typical flow of a wedding reception is.

Especially if you have only attended one or two weddings, or if you are the first one in your friend group to get married, it's hard to visualize the basic flow of a reception.

@kana.u_u.7

Moreover, there are so many performance options for the reception that it can be confusing figuring out which to include...!

So in this article, we will first introduce the 【classic flow】 of a wedding reception that you should know.

After understanding the standard program, you can add or remove your favorite performances to create a flow that suits you.

@shi0riri

Now, let’s introduce the flow step by step from before the entrance of the bride and groom!♡

First, I want to learn the basics! Classic wedding reception flow ① Opening Movie

It is standard for an opening movie to play before the entrance of the main characters, the bride and groom. ♡

You can convey a message of "Have fun today!" while raising the guests' spirits with visuals and music. ♩

Many movies seem to be edited with pre-wedding photos and memorable pictures accompanied by messages from the bride and groom.

@wedding_ichi_hawaii

At Marry, we have also created a simple and stylish opening movie that includes a lot of photos. ♡

➡ Click here for details＊

First, I want to learn the basics! Classic wedding reception flow ② Entrance of the Bride and Groom

Once the opening movie has finished, it is time for the entrance of the bride and groom! The guests welcome the couple with applause.

Some brides enjoy a mini outfit change by changing their hair ornaments or earrings from the ceremony. ♡

First, I want to learn the basics! Classic wedding reception flow ③ Welcome Speech

After the couple arrives at the main table, the groom gives a welcome speech.

He should express gratitude to the guests who gathered, share his aspirations for their married life, and explain how he wants everyone to enjoy the day... let’s have him deliver it all in a cool way.

During the groom's speech, the bride should also be mindful to sit up straight and face forward. ♡

@tonko_wedding_miavia

First, I want to learn the basics! Classic wedding reception flow ④ Guest Speeches

Next are speeches from the guests. There may be speeches from both the groom's and bride's sides, or only one side may speak.

The bride and groom should turn their bodies and gaze toward the guest who is speaking during the speeches.

@tonko_wedding_miavia

First, I want to learn the basics! Classic wedding reception flow ⑤ Profile Introduction

After the guest speeches are over, the host will introduce the profiles of the bride and groom.

Decide with the host whether to keep it brief or to incorporate stories and details based on your preference.

During the profile introduction time, staff will be pouring champagne for toasts at the guest tables. ♩

@haruelwedding0407

First, I want to learn the basics! Classic wedding reception flow ⑥ Toast

Once champagne has been distributed to everyone, it’s finally time for the toast! ♡ Usually, the toast is led by a guest, a friend of the groom, or the groom himself.

Don't forget to ask the photographer to capture the shots of your clinking glasses! ♡

@mame_san0

First, I want to learn the basics! Classic wedding reception flow ⑦ Meal Start

After the toast, it’s time for everyone to enjoy some conversation.

Dishes are served simultaneously at the guest tables, and the wedding reception venue fills with a lively atmosphere. ♡

@nagisa_marry

Many guests will come to the main table to raise their glasses and toast, saying "Congratulations!"

The couple should stay put at the main table to receive the guests' congratulations and take photos. ♡

@echaaan429

First, I want to learn the basics! Classic wedding reception flow ⑧ Presentation of Congratulatory Messages

During the conversation time, the host will read out the congratulatory messages that the couple has received. There is no set rule to read all the messages due to time constraints, so this part can sometimes be omitted.

Be sure to discuss this with the host in advance.

@mikiting_wd

First, I want to learn the basics! Classic wedding reception flow ⑨ Cake Cutting

After the conversation time settles down, it’s time for the cake cutting! ♡

The wedding cake appears, and the couple performs the cake cutting and the first bite together.

Recently, many new performances related to the wedding cake have emerged, so feel free to incorporate unique ideas. ♩

➡ How many do you know? ♡ Here are 9 ideas for performances related to wedding cake you want to try at your wedding reception＊

@a.e3.pre87

First, I want to learn the basics! Classic wedding reception flow ⑩ Bride’s Departure

After the cake cutting, the bride will go for a color change.

Instead of just departing, it’s standard to appoint an escort from among the guests.

Surprise nominations of family or close friends may bring tears of joy.

Having the host share a memorable episode can deepen the emotion even further.

@nao_0111_0422

First, I want to learn the basics! Classic wedding reception flow ⑪ Groom’s Departure

About 10 to 15 minutes after the bride leaves, the groom will also depart for his change of attire. He should also appoint an escort.

Some grooms may even select their parents and read a "groom's letter." ♡

@chihiro_wedding1022

First, I want to learn the basics! Classic wedding reception flow ⑫ Profile Movie

While the main characters are away for their outfit change, there will be some ongoing conversation time at the reception venue.

Then, when the couple's preparations are almost finished, it is standard to play a profile movie. ♡

This popular performance communicates the couple's upbringing, their meeting, and their journey to marriage to the guests through photos and videos.

First, I want to learn the basics! Classic wedding reception flow ⑬ Entrance After Outfit Change

After the profile movie ends, the couple makes their entrance in their new outfits. ♡

Unlike the first entrance through the venue doors, couples often make a surprising entrance from places like stairs or the garden.

There are many ideas for surprise performances, such as launching giant crackers or popping balloons for a high entertainment value.

➡【All 14 options】 Which one will you choose? A summary of entrance performance ideas after outfit change at the reception

@wedding____25

First, I want to learn the basics! Classic wedding reception flow ⑭ Table Round

After showcasing their traditional or colored dress, they proceed to greet each table while moving towards the main table. At each table, they can take group photos. ♩

This is a precious time to exchange greetings with each guest. Be sure to express your gratitude for their presence.

There are various performance ideas to enhance the table round, so consider which one will suit you best.

➡ 10 types of table rounds that allow you to thank all your guests! Enjoyable performances to incorporate at the reception

@wedding____25

First, I want to learn the basics! Classic wedding reception flow ⑮ Entertainment

The timing for entertainment varies, but it is usually after the table rounds are complete.

Fun performances like dance, song, or video from friends can raise the energy of the reception to its peak. ♡

On the other hand, there has been an increase in receptions without entertainment, emphasizing time for guests to talk and take photos instead. *

➡ Satisfaction guaranteed without entertainment! A roundup of ideas to incorporate for a wedding reception without entertainment

@mame_san0

After enjoying the entertainment, some more conversation time will follow. Many guests will come to the main table to take pictures with the couple in their new outfits. ♡

First, I want to learn the basics! Classic wedding reception flow ⑯ Bride's Letter

After the final conversation time, the atmosphere transitions to a more subdued one as the reception nears its end.

With an emotional BGM playing, the bride reads the "Bride's Letter" addressed to her parents. This is often the moment that brings the most tears from the guests.

However, if reading in front of a large crowd feels embarrassing, there are alternative performances available, so don’t worry. ◎

➡ No need to do it if you don't want to! 5 alternative performances for when you don't want to read the "Bride's Letter"

@a.bride9

First, I want to learn the basics! Classic wedding reception flow ⑰ Presentation of Flowers and Commemorative Gifts

After expressing gratitude to the family with the bride’s letter, the bride and groom present flowers and commemorative gifts to both families.

Directly express words of thanks to your fathers and mothers, and share a warm hug after a long time.

@ay0401w

First, I want to learn the basics! Classic wedding reception flow ⑱ Groom's Father or Groom's Speech

Finally, the groom's father or the groom gives a speech. Since this is the closing of the reception, it is a speech that will leave an impression on the guests.

If the groom is going to give a speech, it's advisable for both to prepare the content thoroughly in advance.

➡ Teach him! Points for delivering a smart and emotional 【Groom’s Speech】 summarized♡

@nagisa_marry

First, I want to learn the basics! Classic wedding reception flow ⑲ Exit of the Bride and Groom

Finally, both families bow and exit the venue.

After exiting, prepare small gifts outside the venue to hand to the guests as they leave, expressing your gratitude. ♡

@konomi_wedding0902

This is the standard flow of the reception.

Although it is a classic program, it still includes quite a lot! *

Take your time to think about how much time you want to dedicate to each performance. ♩

Let's create a satisfying reception flow! ♡

We have introduced the classic program for weddings. Even if you have no image yet, you can use this as a basic framework and then add details later. ♩

Create a wonderful program that you will be excited to welcome on your special day! ♡

@tonko_wedding_miavia