Weddings can be formal or informal but most will follow some sort of convention.
Guests and family often expect a certain format or that certain key things will happen during the reception.
Of course it is up to the bride and groom what actually happens at the wedding reception and it depends what type of venue you have - a pub reception will probably be different to one for a more formal castle wedding.
This is a guide to the more traditional format.
The bridal party will line up at the entrance to the room to greet all of their guests as they pass through to be seated.
The bride and groom are usually last in the queue for greeting.
Guests can see where they are to be seated from the seating plan which is often positioned at the room entrance.
The tables will also have corresponding names or numbers and name tags so that everyone knows where to go.
When everyone is seated, the master of ceremonies will announce the couple and the bride and groom then make their entrance into the room to a standing ovation.
They will then make their way to the top table to sit with the rest of the bridal party.
After the meal has been served, it is traditional to have the speeches.
The father of the bride will usually speak, as will the best man.
The bridal party will usually be thanked too and given gifts.
Champagne will be poured out for everyone to toast the happy couple.
The cake cutting is a good opportunity for more photos.
The bride and groom will hold the knife together and make the first cut into the cake.
The cake will then be taken away to be cut and served to the guests.
When everyone for the evening party is present, the bride and groom will take the first dance.
This is often a slow song but sometimes couples will plan a dance routine.
During the evening dancing, if it hasn't been done earlier in the day, the bride may want to throw her bouquet.
This is usually thrown in the direction of all the single girls.
These traditions can all be used or you can just take the ones that suit you.
Whatever you do on your wedding day, make sure that you choose something meaningful to you, whether traditional or not.
Guests and family often expect a certain format or that certain key things will happen during the reception.
Of course it is up to the bride and groom what actually happens at the wedding reception and it depends what type of venue you have - a pub reception will probably be different to one for a more formal castle wedding.
This is a guide to the more traditional format.
The bridal party will line up at the entrance to the room to greet all of their guests as they pass through to be seated.
The bride and groom are usually last in the queue for greeting.
Guests can see where they are to be seated from the seating plan which is often positioned at the room entrance.
The tables will also have corresponding names or numbers and name tags so that everyone knows where to go.
When everyone is seated, the master of ceremonies will announce the couple and the bride and groom then make their entrance into the room to a standing ovation.
They will then make their way to the top table to sit with the rest of the bridal party.
After the meal has been served, it is traditional to have the speeches.
The father of the bride will usually speak, as will the best man.
The bridal party will usually be thanked too and given gifts.
Champagne will be poured out for everyone to toast the happy couple.
The cake cutting is a good opportunity for more photos.
The bride and groom will hold the knife together and make the first cut into the cake.
The cake will then be taken away to be cut and served to the guests.
When everyone for the evening party is present, the bride and groom will take the first dance.
This is often a slow song but sometimes couples will plan a dance routine.
During the evening dancing, if it hasn't been done earlier in the day, the bride may want to throw her bouquet.
This is usually thrown in the direction of all the single girls.
These traditions can all be used or you can just take the ones that suit you.
Whatever you do on your wedding day, make sure that you choose something meaningful to you, whether traditional or not.
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