Wedding Reception Etiquette 2Page summary: etiquette at a wedding reception, etiquette wedding reception toasts, wedding reception ideas, wedding reception checklist, proper wedding etiquette Wedding Reception EtiquetteRemember Your Guests Waiting seems like the common activity at weddings. Wedding Reception EtiquetteThe Fake StartDue to the common problem of being late at weddings, I ordinarily find that when the invite says that it has a start at 7pm, it really means a 8pm start. While that ensures a commencement of the joyous occasion for the full attendance, I just can't help feeling a little sorry for those who arrived at 6 pm for "cocktails" and those who made an effort to arrive on time. Late coming is somewhat like a social disease not easily eradicated. Perhaps we can all urge ourselves to not be those whom this fake start was planned in mind. I myself try to get there about 15 minutes before the 'start time', which allows myself to settle in, possibly catch up with an old friend or excuse myself to freshen up in the ladies. I would also like to urge people to come at least 15 minutes before the "Start" simply because some ceremonies do start on the dot, and you'll definitely need time to find your seat. As for everyone using the "Fake Start" method, perhaps, reduce the waiting time to half hour or forty five minutes and add in the little reminder, 'Prompt arrivals are greatly appreciated', Wedding Reception EtiquetteThe Long Wait
On occasion, the guests are waiting for the bride and groom instead. Maybe they are having their wedding photos taken, or taking extra time to get dressed because the couple decided to take a little nap. In some cases, they went for a spin in their hired limo. Many guests complain that they have had waited 2-3 hours at the reception for the bride and groom to appear. If this is the case, even if it is your day, do not neglect your guests lest they go home before you arrive in retaliation. This is as bad as late comers strolling in when the ceremony has started. Traditionally, photos were taken a week in advance so that delays were avoid. Whatever you can do, avoid keep everyone waiting. Wedding Reception EtiquetteThe Receiving LineA common question is whether a receiving line at the wedding ceremony or reception necessary? Is it mandatory?  A receiving line sounds quite stiff and formal but keep in mind that you do want to greet everyone personally who made the effort to come, and perhaps even share a word or two. They as well would like the personal attention of at least a few seconds. So even if you don't have a receiving line, maybe some of your hosts - in this case, your parents and his parents might wait at the door as people enter or leave to say hello or goodbye, you will find that you have already created your receiving line even though you might want to call it something else. Too Many Hosts At Your Receiving lineBrides and grooms from less than perfect families may find that they have more than a few mothers and fathers in their lives. So this raises the question to who should stand in the receiving line with you? In what order?  This occurs when bride and groom's parents are divorced and are in serious relationships. Some of these relationships mean more to you because your step mother had a greater part in your life when growing up than your own mother and both are as important to you. Avoid trying to place them in an order of importance as you will learn to do so below. To minimize any offenses or be the object of the audience's speculation. Have an honest talk with both sets of parents or in some cases, four sets or more, and let them know the situation that should they be in the receiving line, they would not be standing next to their current half. It need not be formal where pairs are placed in an order but rather a mix and match halfs where all the audiences see are one big family instead of a cluster of couples. Wedding Reception EtiquetteThe Toast
Rehearsal dinner Rehearsal dinners have become more important and elaborate that they used to be, practically speaking, to smooth out any possible event hiccups. Many people wonder if it is necessary to give the toasts, since it does all seem a little fake. Nevertheless, money and effort is spent throwing the rehearsal dinner party so if the bridegroom's parents are hosting the rehearsal dinner, his father or mother should welcome the guests with the first toast,. The bride's father should then return it, and after which anybody who have that passion in their heart for that moment, may follow to give their toasts. Wedding Reception EtiquetteEntertainment Question: How loud should the music be? What happens when it becomes impossible to hear what the person next to you is saying? Should we tell the bride and groom or the parents? Answer: Never send a request for the music to be softer. It is not your place, you cannot step in and manage it. If you are the host, you can request for the music to be progressively louder as you party into the night and the older guests take their leave. Note: Business at Weddings As tempting as it may be, never use a wedding to hand out flyers, business cards, or solicit or make sales pitches. Never offer your business card but if you really must, schedule a catch up session instead. I never liked printing out sponsors or wedding vendors as well on wedding websites, programs etc. It makes a very special day all too commercial or mercenary. It seems that you want people forget the momentous occasion but rather be preoccupied with who your wedding dress designer is, your celebrity photographer, which famous band you got etc, and basically, your perceived wealth evidenced by how much you have shelled for your wedding.  You might also be interested in: Wedding Manners Return to the top of Wedding reception etiquette
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