Cocktails: First event - as guests arrive. Guests are known to arrive right after the ceremony regardless of your official time on the invitation. This can affect the DJ start time depending on the location of cocktails relative to the DJ setup. Note: Often, cocktails are held in a separate area than dinner & dancing and will require a separate speaker setup.
Introductions: Announced after cocktails and before dinner. DJ will line up those who need to be introduced and announce each couple into the dining area. If you would like to introduce parents who are divorced, here are some typical options: 1) Introduce "Father/Mother of [Bride or Groom] and his wife/husband, Mr & Mrs...", 2) Introduce "Mother of [Bride or Groom]" and "Father of [Bride or Groom]" separately without their respective spouses or 3) Do not introduce them at all
Should you use music for introductions? Yes, music is a great way to raise the level of enthusiasm if you don't have an upbeat crowd, or even to fill in the "lulls" that come between clapping and between couples being introduced. Ideally, choose a song that is limited in vocals/primarily instrumental. It can be very confusing as to what is being announced when lyrics are heard by the audience while your DJ is making an announcement. This can be especially true if your event is being videotaped.
Blessing: Made before dinner. Sometimes this is replaced by a welcome speech.
Toast: Before dinner OR with cake cutting. Usually done by the Best Man and/or Maid of Honor
First Dance: Can be done immediately after introductions, then go into blessing, toast and meal OR after the meal with 2nd and 3rd dances. Typical combinations are: Bride & Groom; Bride & Groom then bridal party midway through song or Bride & Groom, then open dance floor midway through song.
Second Dance: Can be done after the 1st dance OR after the meal to smoothly transition into open dancing. Typical combinations are: Bride & Father; Bride & Father/Groom & Mother midway through song; Bride & Father- then open dance floor midway; Groom-Mother entire song; Bridal Party then open dance floor to all guests midway.
NOTE: Once you open the dance floor to all guests, it is a good idea to keep them there - do NOT go into another dance or special event or you will lose the momentum of dancing.
Cake Cutting: Cut roughly 1 hour after dinner
Bouquet Toss: Immediately after cake cutting (while cake is being cut). Don't wait 10-15 minutes later, or you may lose the momentum of dancing.
Garter Removal: Immediately after bouquet toss
Garter Replacement: Immediately after garter removal
Alternative Events: Some bride & grooms to not want to do the traditional events listed above, or have certain situations which require a different set of events. In that case, speak with our office or your DJ regarding the following alternatives:
Centerpiece Giveaway
Anniversary Dance
Snowball Dance
