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THE WEDDING RECEPTION
The wedding reception is the fun part of your wedding. It also accounts for approximately 40% of the total wedding expenses. Your budget and the number of guests you decide to invite will determine the type of reception you decide on. Receptions range from simple cake and punch get together's to elaborate dinners and dances. They can be held in many different types of venues from outdoor garden settings and back yards, to the poshest banquet facilities. Other places to consider are church halls, private clubs, restaurants, historical mansions, and aboard ship. Let your imagination roam free and you are bound to come up with the perfect setting for your dream reception.
It is important to consider the time of day your reception will be held when choosing the food and setting your budget. Mid-morning receptions are usually breakfast, light lunch, or brunch. Receptions held form 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. serve sandwiches and finger foods or coffee/tea and desserts. Cocktail receptions with hors d'oeuvres are becoming quite popular, for mid-afternoon to early evening and also late evening receptions. Complete dinners and buffets are still the main choice for early to late evening receptions. Regardless of the time of day, wedding cakes are traditional at the reception.
There is usually a receiving line at formal receptions; at less formal affairs the bride and groom forgo the receiving line and mingle among the guests. In the absence of a receiving line, handing out individually wrapped pieces of cake, potpourri, or wedding candy favors offers the bride and groom an opportunity to speak with and thank each guest. Placing these keepsakes in a basket decorated in the wedding colors adds an elegant and creative touch.
The wedding cake is cut immediately after the dinner ends. Following the cake cutting, the head table is introduced and the toasts are made. Champagne is traditional for the wedding toasts, but more and more often we are seeing non-alcoholic beverages being served. The first toast is to the bride. After the toasts are finished, the wedding dance begins. The bride and groom dance first to a special song, then are joined by their parents and next the attendants and other quests. Shortly before they leave the reception, the bridge throws her bouquet to the bridesmaids and unmarried girls, and the groom removes the brides garter and throws it to the ushers. The lucky girl who catches the bride's bouquet is said to be the next to marry.
After the bouquet and garter are thrown, the bride and groom change into their going away attire, a last dance is announced, and then farewells are said. The bride and groom leave often amidst a shower of rice or rose petals. Many couples are now choosing to stay and enjoy their reception. If the couple chooses to do so, an announcement should be made by the groom or master of ceremonies, so that guest will feel comfortable about leaving once the cake it cut.
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