Guests should pass through the receiving line from left to right into the
refreshment area. The bride's mother stands first in line. The groom's mother stands next
to her. The bride's father and the groom's father may stand in line or mingle with the
guests. The maid/matron of honor and bridesmaids stand with the bride and groom, at his
left. The best man and ushers are never part of the line. Members of the receiving line
repeat the name of each guest distinctly to the person next to them in line.
The bride's table is usually limited to members of the wedding party. The place card
arrangement is as follows: bride in the center, on the groom's right. On her right is the
best man, a bridesmaid, usher, and so on, in alternating order. The parents' table: the
bride's mother, with groom's father on her right, clergy on her left. The bride's father,
across from his wife, with the groom's mother on his right, and clergy's spouse on his
left. Grandparents and other close relatives may also sit here. Guests' table numbers can
be listed on a master sheet at the entrance to the reception area or written on cards to
pick up as they enter. Usually, guests choose their own seat at the assigned table.
When the musicians strike up the newlyweds' favorite song, the couple come forward for the
first dance. The floor is kept clear of all other guests for the entire dance. The bride
then dances with her father, the groom's father, and the best man, in that order. The
groom dances with the bride's mother first, followed by his own mother, and the honor
attendant(s). These traditional dances are usually completed before the guests join in.
During the remainder of the dancing, the ushers should all have a turn with the bride, and
the groom with each of the bridemaids. Ushers usually dance with the bridesmaids and also
with both mothers.
After the meal has been cleared and about one hour before the official end of the
reception, musicians indicate time for the cake-cutting ceremony. Everyone gathers around
the bride and groom as, hand over hand, they cut a piece from the bottom layer. First the
bride feeds the groom, then he reciprocates--a custom symbolizing the couple's desire to
share their future. Dancing resumes while cake and dessert are served.
After another half hour passes, the bridesmaids pass the word to all single women to
gather at a strategic spot. Traditionally, the bride turns and tosses the bouquest over
her shoulder. Then the groom removes the blue satin garter from the bride's leg and throws
it over his shoulder to the single ushers and bachelors.
Once the bouquet and garter have been tossed, bride and groom leave the reception to
change into going-away clothes. Do not disappoint your friends by making a secret escape.
Let them enjoy showering you with rice along with their good wishes as you run to your car
message
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