The Order of an Orderly Reception, Formal Version
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Whether your reception is formal or informal, following an order of events will keep the affair orderly and running smoothly. Oftentimes the caterer, maitre d' or master of ceremonies will assist you in keeping the show on schedule, so it's wise to review the order of the day (or evening), in advance, with your point person. Consider the following as a suggested guide which you can tailor to your particular needs.

1. Guests arrive and pass through the receiving/reception line. The reception line should be arranged so that the bride stands to the right of the groom. The line then follows this order: bride's mother, bride's father, groom's mother, groom's father, bride, groom, maid-of-honor, bridesmaids. Although the fathers need not "officially" be in line, it is a nice twist to tradition for them to do so. If they choose not to, they can instead mingle with the guests.
2. An announcement is made by the Master of Ceremonies announcing the arrival of the newly married couple.
3. The bride and groom lead a procession of the bridal party to the dais (or the bridal party enters and goes to their individual table assignments). If there is a dais or bride's table it should be arranged as follows:
6, 5, 6, 5, 4, 1, 2, 3, 6, 5, 6, 5,
(1.bride, 2. groom, 3.maid-of-honor, 4.best man, 5. bridesmaids, 6.ushers)
4. The bride and groom then take their places. The bridal party is seated and then all the other guests are seated.
5. The first course is served and the toasts are made.
6. Any telegrams are read aloud by the best man or the Master of Ceremonies.
7. The main course is served and completed.
8. The bride cuts the cake. Traditionally the bride takes the knife in her right hand. The groom places his right hand on her right hand. The bride shares the first piece of cake with the groom. Then the remainder of the cake is cut by one of the catering staff and each guest gets a piece.
9. The bride and groom dance the first dance.
10. Next, the bride then dances with her father, the best man, her father-in-law, the ushers, and, then again, the groom. After that, any guest may dance with her.
11. The groom dances with his mother-in-law, the maid-of-honor, his own mother, the bridesmaids, and, again, with the bride. After that he is free to dance with any other guest.
12. The bride and groom leave the reception to change into their traveling clothes.
13. The bride returns in her honeymoon clothes and throws her bouquet to the single women guests.
14. The bride and groom say their goodbyes and leave.

Keep in mind that none of these guidelines are hard and fast rules. You should pay attention to personalizing your wedding reception schedule so it works for you and your guests. That is, after all, what is most important.

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