Here are a few hints:
? Put your schedule in writing and give it to all of your wedding vendors. Also, give this schedule to your wedding attendants and immediate family members so they know where they are suppose to be and when (i.e. for picture taking, formal announcements, or special dances).
? Be as detailed as possible when preparing your wedding reception itinerary. Include names, times, specific locations and song titles of special dances.
? When putting together your schedule, don't get too hung up on the exact times. The times on your schedule should act only as a guide and to keep things moving in the right direction and make sure that everything gets done.
Use the items in the sample itinerary as a checklist so that you don't forget anything and as a guide to help you plan your wedding reception just the way you want it.
The order of events is up to you - but should be firmly established ahead of time. For example, some brides prefer to do their first dance with their husband before dinner is served. Others prefer to do it after dinner.
In case you don't forget or confuse anything, you can keep to the following order of a wedding reception.
First Hour: Cocktail hour (the guests are served champagne and hors d?oeuvres) and formal photograph's are taken.
Second Hour: Announcement of the wedding party are made, then comes the bride and groom's first dance and after that dinner is served.
The third hour includes the cutting of the wedding cake and dancing.
Fourth Hour: Bouquet toss, garter toss, last dance of Bride and Groom, and grand exit.
These are the main tips for a wedding reception, though the styles of a wedding reception vary, and you are welcome to choose any you think fits your particular wedding. But before choosing, carefully consider all the advantages and disadvantages. These may be the following:
Breakfast or lunch. The reception usually begins at 10 or 11 AM. Guests are served fruits, bread and other breakfast foodstuff. This type of wedding reception is inexpensive and allows you to leave for your honeymoon immediately.
Luncheon. This one usually follows late-morning weddings. You are helped with sandwiches, salads, pasta and fruits (also not expensive).
Tea reception. Held between 2p.m. and 5p.m. Finger sandwiches, nuts, chocolate and cake is what you are treated with. A wedding reception, great for a large guest list and a small budget. Though you are used to have a full dinner, the sandwiches will not satisfy your hunger.
Cocktail reception. Hot and cold appetizers are passed around or on buffet tables. Wedding reception of this type is usually held between 4-7p.m. It can be either formal or informal.
Dinner reception. Food is served as a sit-down meal. Meals vary, usually several dishes are offered, and a cocktail hour precedes the formal reception. These wedding receptions begin anywhere from 6 to 9p.m. This is the most expensive and formal wedding reception.