Suggested Sequence of Events For A Wedding Reception

Guests arrive at the venue to welcome drinks.

DJ plays background music from when the first guests arrive.

Bridal party has photographs taken whilst guests mingle at the reception venue.

MC is to signal the DJ when THE BRIDE & GROOM are ready to enter the room so that he can play your ENTRANCE SONG.

MC to say the WELCOMING SPEECH and explain the house rules (ie. Bar setup, toilets, smoking area and important announcements.)

MC to announce that STARTERS are served.

Main SPEECHES to take place after starters (once everyone has had a chance to eat and get comfortable.)

Wait  5 to 10 minutes for the waiters to pour the champagne before starting speeches.

Please ask all the speakers from the bridal party to stand close to the microphone so that everyone can hear them.

When the speakers make the toast remind them that once everyone is standing to state who the toast is intended for  e.g. "The Bridesmaids".

MC introduces the father of the bride or 1st speaker who toasts THE BRIDE & GROOM.

MC introduces the best man who toasts the bridesmaids.

MC introduces the groom who toasts the parents & the bride.

MC introduces the groomsman to read faxes & toast absent friends.

MC closes (unless the bride has a speech).

MC Announces when the MAIN COURSE will be served. If the meal is a buffet ask that the main table goes first followed by the guests, table-by-table starting at table number 1.

After the MAIN COURSE, the CUTTING OF THE CAKE takes place. 

This is then directly followed by the THROWING OF THE BOUQUET & GARTER.

MC to announce that the DESSERT is to be served, which will be followed by the FIRST DANCE.

Wait for everyone to have desert before starting the dancing. If there is an interruption during the dancing, the guests tend to sit down and don't always get back up to dance.

After desert, the MC is to announce the FIRST DANCE of THE BRIDE & GROOM.  The first dance does not necessarily have to be a waltz but is more romantic if it is a special song that means something to the both of you.

The MC can then announce the FATHER & DAUGHTER DANCE and then open the dance floor to the guests, who can party uninterrupted for the remainder of the night.

As the DJ is paid by the hour, most people work out their budget and set a time limit accordingly. This is not always a good idea; rather end your wedding on a high note than drag it out. Not only will you always remember it as very festive occasions, but your guests will also.  A lot of guests tend to sit and wait for the bride and groom to leave and don't want to dance.  It is also nicer for THE BRIDE & GROOM to be able to thank all your guests when they form a tunnel rather than only having a few people left to wish you on your way.