Wedding traditions happen for a reason. While many couples are tempted to do away with particular customs when they are planning their wedding reception, they often find that changing things up just to be different can be a mistake. That’s why it makes sense to understand the reasons behind some of these traditions before doing away with them all together.
Following the ceremony and prior to the dinner reception, there will normally be what is known as a cocktail hour. While it might be tempting to do away with this tradition, it actually exists for a very good reason. Typically, right after the wedding ceremony has taken place, this is when the bride and groom, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and their families will get their pictures taken.
This important event can’t happen before the ceremony, because it’s considered bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the bride walks down the aisle. And if you wait too long, it will be impossible to get all these people together in one location. Many people will want to change out of their formal clothes as well.
The cocktail hour is the perfect way to keep your guests entertained while the pictures are being taken. It also allows time for a change of venue, if the reception and the ceremony are in two different places. A DJ will be able to play upbeat background music for the guests while they mingle, snack on appetizers, and refresh themselves at the bar.
The number of guests is also a critical factor in the type of sound system you’ll need. Without one, it’s likely that even people four or five rows back won’t be able to hear everything, and the back row will probably be left out completely. There’s nothing worse than your guests turning to each other during the ceremony wondering what was just said.
You might think your guest list is small at 75, but that’s a large crowd when it comes to sound. If you don’t want to shout during the ceremony so everyone can hear, make sure you have an adequate sound set up with enough mics.
Your food selection and timing are essential considerations for your wedding day. And it’s not just a consideration for your many guests. They may have had an opportunity to graze on appetizers while drinking cocktails during the cocktail hour, but the bride & groom and the entire wedding party may not have eaten for several hours.
Providing a schedule to your entertainer beforehand can help facilitate the process. You should also direct when you want the venue to begin serving dinner to the reception guests and bridal party. Venues take great pride in their food preparation and friendly service during receptions.
Keep in mind a reception dinner lasts about 60 minutes. As newlyweds, take your time eating and socializing. You are the primary focus for friends and family approaching you for pictures, hugs, and a lot of congratulations. To preserve energy to handle the next 4-5 hours of mingling, eat!!
This important event can’t happen before the ceremony, because it’s considered bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the bride walks down the aisle. And if you wait too long, it will be impossible to get all these people together in one location. Many people will want to change out of their formal clothes as well.
The cocktail hour is the perfect way to keep your guests entertained while the pictures are being taken. It also allows time for a change of venue, if the reception and the ceremony are in two different places. A DJ will be able to play upbeat background music for the guests while they mingle, snack on appetizers, and refresh themselves at the bar.
After dinner is over, the DJ will announce the beginning of wedding toasts. Grab those drinks! This is an important tradition, and you’ll want to put some thought into where and when this will occur, and what kind of sound equipment you need to ensure all your guests can hear. While it’s not always the case, generally it will be smart to do the toasts while most of your guests are still seated for dinner.
The best man and maid/matron of honor will each toast the bride and groom. Parents of the bride and groom will propose a toast for their children wishing them the best in their new lives together. Next comes your remaining bridal party. Let them get creative with their speeches. Allow them to speak from the heart and share the memories they hold dear.
Your food selection and timing are essential considerations for your wedding day. And it’s not just a consideration for your many guests. They may have had an opportunity to graze on appetizers while drinking cocktails during the cocktail hour, but the bride & groom and the entire wedding party may not have eaten for several hours.
Providing a schedule to your entertainer beforehand can help facilitate the process. You should also direct when you want the venue to begin serving dinner to the reception guests and bridal party. Venues take great pride in their food preparation and friendly service during receptions.
Keep in mind a reception dinner lasts about 60 minutes. As newlyweds, take your time eating and socializing. You are the primary focus for friends and family approaching you for pictures, hugs, and a lot of congratulations. To preserve energy to handle the next 4-5 hours of mingling, eat!!
This important event can’t happen before the ceremony, because it’s considered bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the bride walks down the aisle. And if you wait too long, it will be impossible to get all these people together in one location. Many people will want to change out of their formal clothes as well.
The cocktail hour is the perfect way to keep your guests entertained while the pictures are being taken. It also allows time for a change of venue, if the reception and the ceremony are in two different places. A DJ will be able to play upbeat background music for the guests while they mingle, snack on appetizers, and refresh themselves at the bar.
After dinner is over, the DJ will announce the beginning of wedding toasts. Grab those drinks! This is an important tradition, and you’ll want to put some thought into where and when this will occur, and what kind of sound equipment you need to ensure all your guests can hear. While it’s not always the case, generally it will be smart to do the toasts while most of your guests are still seated for dinner.
The best man and maid/matron of honor will each toast the bride and groom. Parents of the bride and groom will propose a toast for their children wishing them the best in their new lives together. Next comes your remaining bridal party. Let them get creative with their speeches. Allow them to speak from the heart and share the memories they hold dear.
No wedding would be complete without the dance party at the end. The purpose of open dancing is to allow the guests to celebrate with the newlyweds. A key piece of advice we as DJs can offer newlyweds is to create a successful dance music playlist for the guests to jam out to with you on the dance floor.
Remember that you are the nucleus of the party. Wherever you are is where your guests will be. Our DJs give you the option to pick as many songs as you desire for your dance party. If you are unable to decide or don’t have time, we can select songs we know as professionals will work. Often, it’s enough to provide a theme or certain styles of music that you want the DJ to follow.
Finally, rather than a full set list, you can provide the DJ with a list of a few songs that you definitely want played, along with a do not play list.
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Hiring the right entertainment can help alleviate that stress. The professionals at DJ Cutt Entertainment can do more than just play music. We can provide full lighting and sound equipment, videography, and more to make sure your special day is truly special.
See how we use our online planning tools to help. Contact us today to learn more.
We are a full-service entertainment company in Portland that provides its clients with top-quality service and leaves them feeling like they made the right decision in choosing us. With our wide range of services, we strive to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. We have extensive experience in DJing, videography, and live streaming, as well as other aspects of live events such as lighting design, sound engineering, and more!
.avif)
