A wedding reception is a celebration of a new marriage. This can be a small gathering or a grand affair. It usually follows the ceremony. The reception will feature music and food. Guests are expected to take a break from their celebrations to eat, drink and be merry. They may also be asked to make a toast.

When planning a wedding, there are several important decisions to make. You should consider your wedding style, the size of your guest list, and the type of reception you wish to hold. There are many options to choose from, including a traditional, cocktail, and dinner reception. All of these are a lot of fun and are less expensive than a full service wedding reception.

After the ceremony and photo session, the couple heads to the reception venue. There will be a wedding coordinator present to get the guests seated. At the reception, the bridal party and other wedding party members will be introduced. One or two special announcements will be made during this time.

During the meal, the bride and groom should dance the first dance as husband and wife. The best man and maid of honor will give heartfelt speeches about the newlyweds. While the speech should be brief, it is important to make sure that it makes a lasting impression.

If your wedding reception is a cocktail, the best bet is to have a small band or DJ play some mellow songs during the meal. Music should be played at a moderate volume so that guests can enjoy each course without getting too sweaty.

You can add some flair to the wedding reception by setting up a table with a multi-tiered cake and a few decorative pieces. A cake cutting ceremony should take place at least an hour before the end of the reception. This lets the guests know that the party is about to come to a close.

Another way to impress the guests is to offer them a fun photo op. Take a few pictures in a unique location. For instance, Pittsburgh celebrates the cookie table.

An alternative to a traditional wedding reception is to have an after-party. Usually, the after-party takes place immediately after the reception. In some cases, you can have the after-party at the reception venue. Other locations will require extra planning. However, an after-party is the perfect opportunity to thank your guests for coming and congratulate them on their achievements.

The wedding reception is a time to enjoy the company of your friends and family. Often, the wedding entourage consists of family members, clients, co-workers, and other friends. Make it a point to thank each person for attending your wedding, whether it’s a friend or a relative.

Some cultures prohibit alcohol at the event. If you do not wish to serve liquor, try having a few non-alcoholic drinks at the bar. Be sure to check with your wedding coordinator to determine the correct time to do so.