"The Ultimate Guide: A Complete Explanation of the Basic Flow and Performances from Entrance to Farewell at a Wedding Reception!"

2020.12.24 published

殿堂記事

Wedding reception, I don't really know what to do...!

There are many performances at a wedding reception! There are various activities such as cake cutting, entertainment, and letters from the bride. However, many prospective brides may not have a clear understanding of the flow of the wedding reception in the first place.

@ayumimimi__wd

It’s natural to not know the basic flow of the reception, as guests don’t receive a program at weddings.

In this article, we will explain the basic proceedings (schedule) of the reception and points to note. By reading this, you might quickly understand the flow of the reception and find what you want to do…♡

Flow of the wedding reception ① Entrance of the bride and groom [2 minutes]

The reception begins with the entrance of the bride and groom. However, some people play an "opening movie" before the entrance. The opening movie is a video played at the beginning of the wedding to hype up the start of the reception.

Many often include a message of thanks to the guests and enthusiasm for this reception. Using plenty of pre-wedding photos is quite popular.

⇒ Here are ideas for opening movies＊

@s.notredame.wedding

At marry, we created an elegant and simple opening movie that holds plenty of photos.♡

➡️ Details of the collaboration opening movie "marry" are here＊

Flow of the wedding reception ② Entrance of the bride and groom [3 minutes]

This is the start of the reception, the entrance of the bride and groom. When the door opens, enter with a lovely smile♡ Walk slowly following the staff leading you to the main table◎

Once you reach the main table, bow in response to the host's speech. Having the groom match the angle of the bow is beautiful!

@udaeri0328

Flow of the wedding reception ③ Welcome speech / Guest speeches / Profile introduction [10 minutes]

After the entrance, we proceed to the welcome speech, guest speeches, and profile introduction.

During these proceedings, the staff will pour drinks into the guests' glasses.

First is the welcome speech. The groom, or both the bride and groom together, will say a few words of greeting to the guests. Speaking in front of a large crowd can be a bit nerve-wracking, but it’s a perfect opportunity to ease the guests' mood♡

@tonko_wedding_miavia

Next is the guest speech. A representative from the guests will give a congratulatory message, typically from the groom's or bride’s supervisor or mentor.

The order usually goes: groom's supervisor ⇒ bride's supervisor ⇒ groom's supervisor ⇒ bride's supervisor… and continues on.

If there are no company-related guests or if you want a more relaxed ceremony, you can skip this part◎

@tonko_wedding_miavia

Proceeding to the profile introduction. The host will briefly introduce the upbringing of the bride and groom and talk about them.

Some even have guests introduce the profiles instead of the host♡

⇒ It’s okay if it’s not from the host! Here’s how to introduce the bride and groom's profiles in a slightly different way♡

@a.e3.pre87

Flow of the wedding reception ④ Toast [3 minutes]

Once everyone’s glass is filled with drinks, it’s finally toast time!

The toast can be made by anyone, such as the groom’s or bride's supervisors, friends, or family members. Please ask them for a brief speech along with the toast.

This is a crucial scene in the reception, so it’s reassuring if someone who is used to speaking in front of crowds does it♡

Flow of the wedding reception ⑤ Start of the meal [20 minutes]

After the toast, food will be served, marking the time for conversation♡ From this point on, the bride and groom can decide freely.

You can take photos at the “high table” with guests, receive speeches from friends, or have flower presentations from child guests… Enjoy the unique and fun time the two of you share.

The free time here lasts about 20 minutes♩

Flow of the wedding reception ⑥ Cake cutting [10 minutes]

As the mood of the reception warms up, it's time for the cake cutting. Recently, the colored drip performance, where sauce is poured onto the cake, has also become popular.

After the cake cutting, you may want to do a first bite, thanks bite, or demonstration bite. This is a scene surrounded by many guests taking photos♡

➡ Here are 10 wedding performance ideas related to wedding cakes

@kh_wedding0224

Flow of the wedding reception ⑦ Bride's break [5 minutes]

About 30 minutes after the toast, the bride will take a break for a change of outfit. For the escort during the break, ask someone important, such as a beloved grandmother, a close sibling, or a friend who feels like family.

You can also ask the escort to make a speech before the break.

If the groom takes longer to change as well, both the bride and groom may take a break together◎

@yco_wed

Flow of the wedding reception ⑧ Groom's break [5 minutes]

After the bride’s break, a short while later, the groom will also take a break for a change of outfit. As with the bride, choose an escort♡ Sometimes friends may create a carry-off battle for the break…!

Flow of the wedding reception ⑨ During the bride and groom's break [20 minutes]

While the bride and groom are on break, guests will have a conversation time. However, since continuous chatting can become boring, many choose to screen profile videos during this time♡

You might ask a professional magician for entertainment or do a color dress guessing quiz. It's important to incorporate performances that keep guests entertained◎

⇒ Here are profile video ideas from this link＊

@hamu.wed

Flow of the wedding reception ⑩ Re-entry [5 minutes]

After changing into a colored dress or traditional attire, it’s time to re-enter.

Some couples come up with ideas for re-entry, such as on a lovely spiral staircase or holding balloons... Let’s incorporate wonderful performances◎

➡ Here’s a comprehensive article of re-entry performance ideas

@wd_ey_

Flow of the wedding reception ⑪ Free time [30-40 minutes]

After the re-entry, it’s also a free time. You can take photos while rounding tables, have a candle service, announce the results of the color dress guessing quiz, ask guests for performances, and enjoy a dessert buffet, among many other activities♡

Enjoy a wonderful time unique to the two of you◎ The available time here is about 30 to 40 minutes＊

⇒ Here are ideas to liven up the reception♡

@mi.8877

Flow of the wedding reception ⑫ Presentation of congratulatory messages, bride's letter [10 minutes]

After the free time for entertainment, we will reach the climax of the wedding reception. If there are congratulatory messages, the host will introduce them, followed by a letter from the bride.

This is the most emotional scene in the wedding. To avoid tearing up and being unable to speak, read the letter with heartfelt thoughts◎

⇒ Here are emotional scenes for the wedding reception. Find ideas for the bride's letter here＊

@nao_0111_0422

Flow of the wedding reception ⑬ Presentation of flowers and commemorative gifts from the bride [5 minutes]

After the bride's letter, there will be a presentation of flowers and commemorative gifts to the parents. Gifts for the parents should convey gratitude for raising you up until now. It would be lovely to present something wonderful.

⇒ Here are wonderful gifts to express gratitude to your parents＊

@nishi_wd

Flow of the wedding reception ⑭ Groom's father and groom's acknowledgments [5 minutes]

The groom's father and the groom will give a speech on behalf of both families. You might fall in love with the groom again as he expresses gratitude in front of a large audience…♡

Flow of the wedding reception ⑮ Departure [2 minutes]

The wedding reception concludes with the groom’s acknowledgments! The families will depart together, getting ready to say goodbye◎ It can be a bit challenging, but when you bow with your parents and partner, coordinating everyone's depth and duration of the bow is very beautiful.♡

An end roll can also be screened before or after the departure＊ Popular options are a highlight video of the wedding called "same-day end roll" or "shooting out,” allowing you to reflect on the wonderful day once again, evoking emotions…♡

⇒ Here are ideas for a lovely wedding conclusion, and find out more about end rolls here＊

@himawari___wedding

Flow of the wedding reception ⑮ Farewell [15 minutes]

After exiting the reception venue, wait near the exit for the guests to come out, and express your thanks to each person while handing out little gifts.

A precious time to meet each guest’s eyes and converse.

Popular gifts include candies and drinks♡

@tuu.tomo_wd_0526

Understand the basic flow of the reception and then decide on the performances ♩

This is the basic flow of the reception＊ Once you have this basic flow in mind, you are really free to do what you want♡ You want all your guests to enjoy this wonderful day◎

A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime and the most wonderful day in your life. Let’s prepare thoroughly for the wedding so that there are no regrets＊

➡ Here’s a list of articles on wedding preparations＊