MAKE YOUR WEDDING GRAND FOR LESS • BOOK 5 SERVICES FOR $7K

Rapid City, SD
605.348.8869
Planning a Wedding Reception: Order of Events

Planning a Wedding Reception: Order of Events

1.29.24

The Complete Weddings + Events of the Black Hills blog serves as your trusted source for wedding planning insights! In this post, we’re excited to share our expert guidance on crafting the perfect wedding reception plan to ensure your celebration is memorable and seamless. Our team, known for exceptional DJ, photography, videography, coordination, and photo booth services, is here to help create a day that flows effortlessly while capturing every precious moment. Dive into this detailed guide featuring a typical wedding reception timeline filled with joyous and unforgettable events.

Planning a Wedding Reception: Order of Events

1. Cocktail Hour

Kick off your celebration with a cocktail hour. This is a time for wedding party members and guests to mingle and enjoy appetizers. Incorporating a cocktail hour in your wedding reception plan sets a relaxed and welcoming tone. Consider themed drinks or a signature cocktail for added charm. This is also the perfect time for your wedding photographer to capture candid moments.

2. Grand Entrance

The DJ announces the arrival of the newlyweds and the wedding party as they enter the reception. This marks the official start of the wedding reception. Choose a lively song for the bridal party to enter to set the tone.

3. First Dance

After the grand entrance, the couple takes the dance floor for their first dance. This intimate moment is a highlight for many guests and an essential part of your wedding reception plan. Coordinate with your DJ to ensure the music complements this special moment.

4. Welcome Speech

Typically, the host or a close family member gives a welcome speech. This short address thanks guests for attending.

5. Dinner Service

The meal is served, whether it’s a buffet, plated dinner, or family-style. During this time, our team captures beautiful, unobtrusive photos.

6. Toasts

Toasts usually occur during or after dinner. Key figures, like the best man and maid of honor, share heartfelt messages.

7. Parent Dances

The couple shares special dances with their parents. The father-daughter dance and mother-son dance are full of emotion and make for timeless photos and videos.

8. Open Dance Floor

The DJ opens the dance floor to all guests. Our Rapid City DJs know how to keep the energy high and the dance floor full.

9. Wedding Cake Cutting

A sweet tradition, cutting the cake is a playful and photogenic moment on your big day. It often signals the dessert service.

10. Bouquet and Garter Toss

These fun, optional traditions add a playful element. They’re always great for candid shots!

11. Last Dance

The couple shares a final dance, a beautiful end to the night. This moment often becomes a cherished memory.

12. Grand Exit

End your night with a grand exit. Sparklers, confetti, or a classic car send-off make for a dramatic conclusion.

Your Wedding Reception Plan Checklist

To help you stay organized, here’s a simple checklist to guide your planning:

  1. Cocktail Hour
  2. Grand Entrance
  3. First Dance
  4. Welcome Speech
  5. Dinner Service
  6. Toasts
  7. Parent Dances
  8. Open Dance Floor
  9. Cake Cutting
  10. Bouquet and Garter Toss
  11. Last Dance
  12. Grand Exit

Plan Your Wedding Reception with Us

At Complete Weddings + Events Rapid City, we’re committed to making your wedding day perfect. Our experienced team seamlessly integrates with your schedule, capturing every moment. Contact us to learn how we can enhance your wedding reception!

Complete Weddings + Events Rapid City

Now that you have started planning your wedding reception, let us help you and answer your most important wedding-related questions! Book your FREE consultation at www.completerapidcity.com

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for more real South Dakota weddings, ideas, and inspiration.

Complete Weddings + Events, Rapid City’s leading provider of event and wedding photography, videography, lighting, coordination, DJ services & photo booth rental.

Request Pricing & Availability