The Most Common Wedding Reception Traditions And How To Make Them Uniquely You

Wedding reception traditions are as important to the guests as they are to the bride and groom. So if you're anything like me and decide to skip some of them make sure you're prepared for the wrath of the traditionalists!

When I started to write this page I was actually surprised at the number of reception traditions. If you look at tradition of every culture there can be almost as many reception traditions as there are ideas for wedding decorations. Here are some of the most popular.

1} Welcoming of the Bride, Groom, and Their Team

Photo by Whitmeyer Photography

This is one of those really fun moments at a reception. The music starts and in walks the maids and groomsmen. This is usually to some funky, fun song. Then....the bride and groom and enter and are introduced, for the first time as husband and wife. And that's when all the goosebumps start!

You'll start thinking about this part of the wedding when you start planning your wedding reception playlist. Up there with your first dance as husband and wife, will be the entrance songs for you and your new spouse as well as your team. Make sure to pick something fun and appopriate.

2} Kiss'es During the Reception Meal

Photo by Maria Angela Photography

Alot of time and effort goes into finding wedding menu ideas. But did you know that alot of brides put just as much (or more!) effort into this beloved wedding ceremony tradition?

This is actually one of my favorite wedding reception traditions. It just made such a big impact on me as a young child attending weddings - the clinking of the glasses was such an event!

The "kiss" has come a long way from the clinking of the glasses. It's still pretty common but alot of couples make their guests work for a kiss! Check out our wedding reception activities for some good ideas.

3} The Speeches & Toasts

Photo by Whitmeyer Photography

Now here's a tradition Adrian and I didn't scrimp on. We had (hands down!) the best wedding toasts and speeches in history!

And for all of the fun and games surrounding all of the wedding reception traditions (including this one) I think it's one of the most important.

Why?

Photo by Whitmeyer Photography

Well... amidst all of the laughs it's a time for your closest friends and family to tell your guests how thrilled they are to see you guys married. And, it's also a time for them to tell everyone how honored they have been to part of your life

...and how great it will be now that there are two of you!

BUT, that doesn't mean we weren't scared. I got stage fright. And Adrian who is normally excellent at these types of things was so emotional about the speeches that he couldn't be his normal witty self. He nearly cried in his efforts to thank everyone and express how honored he was that they so many people came to be with us.

Now don't get me wrong - it was touching and sincere. But, if you want to be extra prepared check out Wedding Speech 4 You.

4} The First Dance

Photo by Megan Dailor Photography

I see the first dance as a time for the bride and groom to connect (even if it is with a room full of people staring at you). It's also one more way to show people what your love and relationship is all about.

For some people that means that they do funky little dances (check out my YouTube page for some fun first dance videos) and for others it's a little more laid back.

Seriously though... I had no idea what a rebel I was - I should have called this site "The Rebellious Bride" (haha!). We didn't skip this one BUT we did TWO first dances.

Why not right? The first song was romantic. We had our special moment. The second was a bit of a parody on the "relationships". After 7 years together it's not like we didn't know what we were getting into.

AND... for those of you who will be horrified that I didn't dance with my dad AT ALL... I did. Our mums and dads cut in on the third song we played.

5} The Father Daughter Dance

Photo by Laura Witherow Photography

Traditionally, the father-daughter dance is when the father relinquishes his daughter to her husband.

Yep...I skipped this one too. Not because I don't like my dad but because it seemed silly. Not only had I lived with my groom 7 years before getting married, but NO ONE "gives" me away...sorry, I see no sentimentality in that notion.

Besides, how many times is a dad supposed to "give" his daughter away...isn't that what the walk down the aisle is about?

If you can get past the meaning of this wedding reception tradition then I can really see it being a special moment between father and daughter.

6} The Cake Cutting Ceremony

Photo by Emily Takes Photos

Here's another wedding tradition somwhat questionable roots.

Historically a piece of cake was broken over the brides head to symbolize her virginity. But first, her groom got to eat a slice. Ya...I don't get it either?!

Seems like a bit of a bad deal for the bride. Or a bad omen! Seriously - who wants to start out a marriage with a groom ruining your hair and making you all crumby while he gets to mow down on a yummy piece of cake?

But oh no no no.... That is NOT what the cake cutting ceremony is all about today.

Photo by Brooke Christl Photography

What makes the cake-cutting ceremony important today is the fact that it's the first task that a couple performs jointly, as "husband and wife".

Kind of a sweet tradition that can be done with a traditional cake or even cupake wedding cakes!

A lot of couples have a whole lot of fun with it too. It's one more way to let your personality shine and is a reflection of how the couple works together.

That being said...if a bride and groom can get through planning a wedding "together" (as in NOT the bride doing the whole thing) then they're in pretty good shape.

7} The Garter Toss

Photo by Gideon Photography

Interestingly, the garter toss is one of the oldest wedding reception traditions. And like a lot of the other wedding traditions its roots were a little icky.

The garter toss was born in France (not surprisingly) in the 1500's and was originally related to the consummation of a marriage.

After the bride and groom "accomplished the deed" the groom would wear a piece of the brides clothing for good luck - the garter that held up her stockings. The groomsmen who retrieved it would wear it for the rest of the night.

Photo by Memory Makers Photography & Garter by Garter Girl

I was far to shy for this tradition, but still really like the playfulness of today's wedding garter toss.

In addition to being plain old fun, the garter is a keep sake, a fashion statement, and yes...still good luck to the groomsman that catches it.

I talked to Julianne Smith, better known as the "Garter Girl" and got some great insight into the garter. Her section on Wedding Garter 101 is particularly interesting.'

8} The Bouquet Toss

Photo by Memory Makers Photography

The bride spends a great deal of effort searching for wedding flower ideas for the perfect bouquet. Then what does she do with it - throws it at her single girl friends admist a lot of hooping and hollaring!

If a bouquet had feelings it would probably feel pretty special. BUT, this is probably one of the most despised wedding reception traditions of the single woman.

It didn't always have such a depressing image for the single gal though. Back when women felt really lucky to have found a man to marry it was actually much anticipated. The bride wanted to share her good fortune with all of her single friends. And, all her single friends wanted to catch a little bit of that good fortune.

No wonder they'd fight over it! :)

9} The Departure of the Bride and Groom

Photo by Hendrickson Photography

After your bouquet has been tossed and you've been stripped (ha!) of your garter it's time for the send off.

Everyone does this a little bit differently. Some people like to sneak out without their guests even knowing, while others make a big too-do of it.

If you're having an afternoon wedding you can skip the wedding bubbles or confetti after the ceremony and use it instead for your reception send off.

If you're getting married at night sparklers have got to be the best idea of the century. They're inexpensive, add to the excitement of the whole event, AND they look fabulous in photographs.

More Wedding Ideas To Help You Plan Your Wedding Reception

• Wedding Reception Games
• Unique Wedding Reception Ideas
• Wedding Table Centerpiece Ideas
• Wedding Reception Decoration Ideas
• Wedding Reception Tent Decorations

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