Receiving Line vs. Bridal Party Introductions.

Traditionally, newlyweds have followed their wedding ceremony with a time consuming "receiving line." Today, the majority of Brides and Grooms are choosing to allow their Disc Jockey from Charlie Fox Sound & Lights to introduce the entire Bridal Party (including parents of the newlyweds) as they first enter the banquet room.

This practice often frees up more time for fun later during dancing.

Disposable Cameras An increasing number of newlyweds are now having one disposable camera placed on each banquet table.

This practice allows audience members to become interactive participants, and provides Brides and Grooms with informal pictures that their professional photographer might not capture on film.

Assigned Seating

Why do newlyweds agree to assigned seating for guests at their wedding reception? Although this idea may sound good in theory and provides some control over their guests, it's not always popular! Additionally, some newlyweds and party planners sometimes spend hours and hours trying to figure out the perfect seating arrangement only to face the ire of disappointed adults who prefer to make their own decisions.

At some wedding receptions and other social events, a small number of guests sometimes ignore assigned seating instructions and instead sit next to friends or relatives whom they have not seen in years.

Other guests who have been assigned seats in the left field bleachers sometimes ignore their seating instructions and quietly move to a closer table occupied with people they know.

This can cause problems for some people who are unable to sit at their assigned tables because all the chairs are occupied, and for other couples who eat alone because everyone assigned to their table has moved to other locations! It is usually best to just reserve one or two tables for immediate family.

It's Time for Toasts! What would a wedding reception be without a sweating Best Man trying to decide at the last minute what he is going to say during his toast to the newlyweds? At many receptions, these remarks are followed by additional toasts from the Maid/Matron of Honor, Parents of the Bride and/or Groom, and sometimes by the newlyweds themselves.

After the meal (before the First Dance), additional speeches and/or live entertainment by special guests (singers, dancers, etc.) may follow.

After Meal/Before First Dance After the newlyweds finish their meal, they usually go table to table to visit their guests.

Once the dancing starts, it is very difficult to get to speak with every guest, because everybody is up moving around.

This post-meal time is also sometimes used by their professional photographer to capture a few additional formal pictures prior to the start of dancing

First Dance The Bride and Groom always select a slow song for their first dance.

Although customarily the bride and groom dance the entire song alone on the dance floor, some newlyweds instruct the disc jockey to invite their parents or the rest of the Bridal Party to join them on the dance floor halfway through this song.

After the last dance is finished, the reception is assumed to be over except for last minute congratulations.