When couples think about their wedding reception, they usually picture dancing, speeches, and dinner. What often gets overlooked are the dozens of smaller decisions that shape the flow of the night. These choices might not seem huge, but together they create the guest experience, keep your vendors on track, and allow you to enjoy your own celebration without stress.
Cocktail Hour or Straight to Dinner?
Cocktail hour is usually a free-flowing time for guests to grab a snack, get a drink, and mingle. Traditionally, this time was designed so couples could sneak away for photos.
But now that “first looks” are popular, you’ll want to ask yourself:
- Do you want to take all your photos before the ceremony so you can enjoy cocktail hour?
- Or would you rather spend a slower morning getting ready and take photos during cocktail hour?
There’s no right or wrong answer. Just talk to your photographer and make a plan that works for you.
The Grand Entrance
How do you want to make your big entrance? A few options to consider:
- Will parents be introduced or simply take their seats and wave?
- Will the bridal party walk in as couples or as one big group?
- Do you want a formal entrance, a choreographed dance, or something fun and unexpected?
- Do you go straight into dinner, straight into first dances, or give a short welcome speech?
Also, think about your music choices. You can choose one song for your parents and bridal party, then a separate one just for you.
Dinner and Toasts
When it comes to dinner, timing is everything. Some key choices:
- Will toasts happen at the beginning, the end, or be split up?
- Do you want to walk around and greet tables during dinner?
- Do you want sunset photos while dinner is being served?
- Do you want your photographer to capture table photos of your guests or candids of your guests laughing throughout the night?
Important tip: your photographer needs to eat when you’re eating. That way they don’t miss anything important once dinner wraps up.
First Dances and Parent Dances
A few things to consider:
- Do you want your parent dances right after your first dance or spread out later in the night?
- How long do you want each dance to last? (Trust me, one minute feels long enough!)
- Do you want to include other family members or special dances?
- Do you want to invite your guests onto the dance floor right away?
You could also consider fun extras like an anniversary dance, a shoe game, or a photo dash to get everyone involved.
Cake or Dessert Cutting
Cake cutting doesn’t have to mean cake. Maybe you’re serving pie, donuts, or gelato. Decide:
- Do you want the moment to be intimate with just your photographer?
- Or do you want to invite everyone in to build energy on the dance floor?
- When in the night do you want this to happen?
Even if you choose a “private” cake cutting, know that it’s rarely completely private unless you tuck yourselves away in another space. Guests love to hover and watch.
Dance Floor Extras
Think about what else you’d like to happen once the dance floor opens:
- Do glow sticks or props need to come out at a certain time?
- Are late-night snacks being served?
- Do you need to make an announcement about shuttle transportation?
- How are you and your significant other getting home or to your accomodation?
- Are you going out for direct flash photos between dance floor moments?
These little details help your night flow seamlessly.
Wrapping Up the Night
Do you want a grand finale or a natural ending? Options include:
- A private last dance with just the two of you
- A sparkler exit, confetti toss, or another send-off
- Letting the night wind down organically without a formal “ending”
Be honest with yourself here. By the end of the night, many couples are tired, ready to relax, or simply “photoed out.” Choose what feels right for your energy level and priorities.
The Cleanup Strategy
Last but not least, who’s responsible for cleanup?
- Can everything stay overnight and be picked up the next morning?
- Does it all need to be out that night?
- What time do vendors need to be fully cleared out?
- Who’s taking your presents, and cake out?
- If you are having your dogs at your wedding who is taking them home/back?
Having a clear plan avoids end-of-night stress for you, your family, and your vendors.
When it comes to your reception, every detail adds up to shape the atmosphere and flow of the night. By making these decisions ahead of time, you’ll set yourself up for a stress-free celebration that feels intentional, fun, and completely your own.
Keep Reading: Part Two
Your reception decisions are only the beginning. In Part Two, we’ll dive into event choices that add personality and atmosphere to your celebration, from entertainment to guest experiences and everything in between.
