COCKTAILS After the ceremony, guests will want to arrive at the reception hall before the festivities begin. Generally, the DJ provides background music setting the mood in anticipation of the arrival of the bride and groom while the guests have cocktails and mingle.
BRIDAL PARTY INTRODUCTIONS The Master of Ceremonies announces the entrance of the Bridal Party. The DJ plays grand or upbeat music to animate the occasion, raising the volume upon an introduction, and lowering the volume as the Master of Ceremonies prepares for the next introduction. Typically, the grandparents and parents of both the bride and groom are announced, followed by the bridesmaids and groomsmen, the flower girl and the ring bearer, the maid/matron of honor and the best man. These introductions can be done any number of ways, especially if the wedding is smaller and intimate, where it would be appropriate to introduce just the parents and the maid/matron of honor and best man.
NEWLYWEDS INTRODUCTIONS The Master of Ceremonies announces the bride and groom, the first time they are introduced as husband and wife to friends and family.
MEAL The DJ plays dinner music at a lower volume while your guests enjoy the meal.
TOAST The best man and maid/matron of honor generally step up to toast the bride and groom. The toast can be done before the meal is served, right after the introductions of the bridal party and the newlyweds. The toast may be done before, during or at the end of the meal. Others may also want to make a speech.
FIRST DANCE After the meal and toast and speeches, the Master of Ceremonies gathers everyone's attention for that one very special, romantic dance. The song selected conveys special meaning for both the newlyweds and becomes the theme of your wedding celebration.
FAMILY DANCES Following the first dance, the family and bridal party may join in. Traditionally, the bride and her father will dance to a pre-selected song, as will the groom and his mother. There are a number of ways to do the dances, as there are many relatives to consider, such as step-parents, grandparents, or uncles and aunts. The family could dance to one song, or select various songs.
DANCE PARTY After the Family Dances, the Master of Ceremonies culminates by introducing the DJ and asking everyone to join in the party. (Usually 1 to 2 hours)
BOUQUET AND GARTER TOSSES About an hour into the dance party, while the cake is being prepared to be served, the Master of Ceremonies announces the bouquet toss for the ladies, followed by the garter toss for the gentlemen.
CAKE CUTTING Following the tosses, the Master of Ceremonies announces the cake cutting ceremony. DANCE PARTY CONTINUES Guest continue to dance. (About 1 additional hour)
LAST DANCE The Master of Ceremonies announces the finale, the end of the reception. The DJ might replay the First Dance, a nice touch, making the song the theme of the reception, or any other love song of choice.
