Wedding Reception Order of Events

When our DJs meet with the couples before their BIG DAY, they are often asked what the typical order of events is. Of course, the couple determines how their day goes. After all, it is THEIR day! We’ve gathered the ‘typical’ Wedding Reception Order of Events to help ease your mind. Pick and choose what you want to include. Not all of these items are necessary but Definitely optional and okay!

Wedding Reception Order of Events

1. Guests Arrive

The DJ will typically play background music quietly during this time.

2. Introductions

This is the Most Exciting way to start the night! The bridal party is typically super pumped up for the wedding couple, which in turn, excites the wedding guests. Everyone is hollering and clapping, celebrating the newlyweds. The bridal party is typically introduced in the same order the walked in the ceremony. The wedding couple is the last to be introduced with the bridal party being their biggest cheerleaders.

3. Dinner

The Wedding Couple is always first to get dinner, following the bridal party. Either the event staff or coordinator or the DJ will release tables. Family first, then the rest of the wedding guests. If there is a plated dinner, there is no need to worry about the order for dinner.

4. Toasts

Toasts are made after the newlyweds and the bridal party has finished dinner, while the wedding guests are still sitting and eating.

5. Cake Cutting

Some fun songs for the cake cutting are “Sugar Sugar”, “Cake by the Ocean”, “Hit Me with Your Best Shot”, “Pour Some Sugar On Me’, and practically ANYthing having to do with sweets or throwing cake at each other.

6. Formal Dances

In order of typical formal dances:

• First Dance
• Father Daughter – can invite all fathers and daughters to the dance floor after the Father of the Bride and Bride have danced for a moment.
• Mother Son – can invite all mothers and sons to the dance floor after the Mother of the Groom and Groom have danced for a moment.

7. Couple Games/Activities

Options for typical events:

• Bouquet Toss
• Garter Toss
• Shoe Game

8. Ice Breakers

Popular Ice Breakers:

• Anniversary Dance
• Ice breaker songs, such as Wobble, Copperhead Road, Electric Slide, & More

9. Party

This is the time where all are welcome to the dance floor and have a blast! The DJ typically takes song requests, based on the preferences of the newlyweds.

10. Wedding Couple Exit

Not all couples have a wedding exit, but many do. Some people use sparklers, bubbles, or glow sticks, to happily send the couple on their way! Some tend to do a mock exit due to the time constraints of the videographer and photographer.

This can be moved around in many different orders, but most things tend to stay static. The following events are good options to be nimble with First Dance, Cake Cutting, Bouquet & Garter Toss, and the Mock Exit.