Here at Accent on Events, we assist our brides with all aspects of their wedding plans. One of our
continuing requests is for help in managing the time between the ceremony and the
reception.

One of our first suggestions is that the travel time for guests moving from the location of the
ceremony to the start of the reception be minimized. Take it into account when booking the
reception venue. Guests shouldn’t have to drive more that 20-30 minutes.

We urge our brides to take as many of their photographs as possible prior to the ceremony
and to minimize the number to be taken after the ceremony. Insure that guests who arrive
at the reception site before the wedding party, are greeted by the official host and hostess of
the reception. The names of these hosts should be listed in the program.
While awaiting the arrival of the wedding group, the guests should be served beverages and
appetizers. Music should be playing when the guests arrive. Be sure that a coat check is
available, that the gift table is in plain sight with a person assigned to manage the table. Do
have someone available to help with seating plans.

Once the bridal entourage arrives at the reception site, the bandleader or maitre d’ or
reception host should ask the seated guests to stand while he/she introduces the party.
Since the bride and groom are the evening’s stars, they should be introduced last.
Introductions and entrances flow in this order: first the parents of the bride, then the
parents of the groom, followed by the “little people” (depending on their ages), bridesmaids
and groomsmen, and the maid of honor and best man. Once the bridal party is in place,
then the bride and groom are introduced and make their grand entrance.

Make sure that the names are double checked for pronunciation and that information is
passed on to the person in charge or reception host.