Wedding Reception Planner This worksheet is for your use in planning your wedding reception. Your DJ will call you before your wedding to have a thorough conversation about every detail of your wedding reception. Please consider 7citiesVDJays Productions as your partner in the success of your wedding reception. If you have ANY questions, or if you need suggestions, ideas or advice, please call us at (757) 288-8549. We find great joy in participating in your wedding plans. Your wedding day is YOUR wedding day! We are experts at customizing wedding receptions for each of our couples. Simply use this worksheet as a guide, and remember, we ll do whatever it takes to make your night perfect. SAMPLE Wedding Reception Order of Events This information sheet is intended to guide you through the entire timeline process. Please note all times indicated on this sheet are merely estimates and the exact timing of events at your Wedding Reception may vary based on many factors. COCKTAIL MUSIC (allow 15-45 minutes for all your guests to arrive) While the guests arrive, we are playing either a light, popular jazz or classical, or a light, rock-soul and oldies mix. We keep the music level low because we realize that your guests are spending this time talking with family and friends. BRIDAL PARTY INTRODUCTIONS (allow 10 minutes) About a month prior to your reception, you will have the opportunity to speak with our Events Manager to discuss the proper name pronunciation of your bridal party attendants, and the proper placement of these attendants within the order of introduction. Parents/Grandparents can be included in the introductions. Once the bridal party is at the head table the MC will ask everyone to rise and will officially announce the bride and groom as "Mr. & Mrs." as everyone cheers and applauds. FIRST DANCE (allow 5 minutes) The bride and groom select their first dance song prior to their wedding date. This song should be well thought out, and define something special about the two of you. We strongly recommend, the introduction moves directly into your first dance and it is in this case you should allow for more time. We recommend following this order of events as it guarantees your first dance takes place while you and your bridal party are still looking great! CAKE CUTTING (allow 5 to 10 minutes) This usually takes place after the Wedding Party Dance but we recommend cutting of the cake takes place following your first dance and before dinner. This ensures the opportunity for your guests to enjoy your cake before they get caught up in the fun of your wedding reception. It also allows the wait staff to cut and serve the cake directly after the meal has been served. We will make sure that the photographer and the bride and groom are ready, then we will make an announcement for people to gather around the cake. We usually play background music for the cake cutting. TOAST(S) (allow 5 to 10 minutes for these events) This is usually given by the best man and maid/matron of honor (can also be done during/after the meal). We will coordinate this with the caterers to make sure that everyone has a full glass. BLESSING & MEAL (allow anywhere from 60 minutes to several hours - details below) The MC will ask a guest (someone selected prior to the reception - minister, parents, friend, etc.) by name to say the blessing. A wireless microphone will be provided. Depending on the number of guests you have and depending on whether it is a sit-down or buffet please allow at least one hour for the meal. During the meal, we play a light, easy-to-talk-over music.
PARENT DANCES (Father/Daughter & Mother/Son) (allow 5 to 10 minutes for these events) After the bride and groom have danced their first dance as husband and wife, they may want to dance with their parents. If these dances are occurring the bride will first dance with her father, and then the groom will follow by escorting his mother to the dance floor for their special dance together. At times there have been instances where someone else has danced in place of either parent. WEDDING PARTY DANCE (allow 5 minutes) Once the parent's dance has been completed, the bride and groom may want to have entire wedding party come to the dance floor for the wedding party dance. This dance can also take place during the bride and groom's first dance, where the bride and groom's first dance will be split 50/50, and the wedding party will be asked to join our bride and groom on the dance floor. OPEN DANCING After the cake cutting has been completed, we will invite everyone to join in on the dance floor. In the beginning of the reception, we usually play a lot of very upbeat popular music to get everyone involved in the dancing. BOUQUET & GARTER TOSS (allow 10 to 15 minutes) The MC will ask for the bride and groom to make their way to the dance floor for the Bouquet & Garter Toss. First, the groom will remove the garter and then we will invite single ladies to gather on the dance floor for the bouquet toss. After, the bouquet, it's the guy's turn with the garter toss. Afterwards, the photographer will ask the recipient's to take a picture with the bride and groom. MONEY/DOLLAR DANCE (allow 20 to 30 minutes) The basic premise is to allow gentlemen to dance with the new bride, and ladies to dance with the new groom, for a fee. This dance usually lasts anywhere from 3-5 songs (depending on number of guests). We suggest a bridesmaid and/or groomsman collect the money rather than trying to "pin" the money on the bride and groom. The DJ will generally select appropriate music. ADDITIONAL CELEBRATORY DANCE(S) (allow 5 minutes) As an option, you may wish to include special songs to celebrate certain guests' engagements, recent marriages, anniversaries, birthdays, new births or other important observances. BACK TO DANCING The MC will invite everyone back to the dance floor for more dancing. The music mix will continue to allow guests to celebrate and engage in romantic moments on the dance floor. LAST DANCE (allow 5 minutes) About five minutes before the reception ends, we will ask the bride and groom to make their way to the dance floor for their final dance. EXAMPLE OF A WEDDING RECEPTION TIMELINE This is a simple example of a Wedding Reception Timeline which will give you an idea as to the amount of time each event may take. Remember, this is only a sample and is not how you have organized your Wedding Reception. We are dedicated to making your Wedding, the most special day of your lives, and will be happy to accommodate any modifications you wish to make, to any part of this planner and order of events. 1. 3:00pm Guests arrive and background Cocktail Music begin playing 2. 3:30pm Bridal Party arrives for introduction and first dance 3. 3:45pm Cake Cutting Ceremony 4. 3:55pm Best Man Toast/ Blessing for the meal 5. 4:00pm Dinner is served 6. 5:00pm Father/Daughter & Mother/Son Dances 7. 5:10pm Bouquet/Garter Toss 8. 5:20pm Dollar Dance 9. 5:40pm Additional Celebratory Dance 10. 5:45pm Everyone have fun and Celebrate!!!!! Thank you for taking the time to read this form. It will help us create a highly organized atmosphere at your Wedding Reception. Have a great time planning your Wedding Reception and feel free to call us with any questions that you may have regarding this planner or any part of your special day!
Wedding Reception Itinerary WEDDING RECEPTION TIMELINE Using numbers to the left, please indicate the exact order of events. Write N/A if not applicable. These times will vary according to your event, and are never carved in stone if you wish to change them after your initial decision. Order of events Time of Event Events Guests arrive at your Wedding Reception and Cocktail music begins Bridal Party Introductions Bride and Groom s First Dance Cake Cutting Toast Blessing & Meal If there is a buffet being served, the MC will announce the order in which the tables will be served starting with the head table. Wedding Party s Dance Bride and Father s First Dance Groom and Mother s First Dance Throwing the Bouquet Garter Removal and Toss Money/Dollar Dance Additional Celebratory Dance Everyone Dance and have a GREAT TIME Notes or Comments: If this order of events meets with your approval, please fill out, sign and return. Any changes can be made either on this wedding planner or send a separate cover letter. Approved by: Date:
PART I General Details of Your Wedding Reception Date of Wedding Location of Hall (address, cross streets and phone number) How many guests are you expecting? Name of photographer Name of videographer Emergency Numbers we can reach you on your wedding day FYI: It would be a very rare instance that we would need to contact you on your wedding day. However, it is a good idea for us to have as many emergency contacts numbers as possible. Also, be sure to have our phone number with you, in case you need to contact us on your wedding day. What time does the reception begin? FYI: Your DJ will arrive at the hall ab out 1 ½ hours prior to the start of the party. Before your first guest arrives, your DJ will have all equipment neatly set up, cocktail music playing, and will be ready. What time will the bride & groom arrive at the hall? NOTE: When you arrive at the hall, please send in a groomsman to inform the DJ that you are there. At this point, your DJ will coordinate the introductions into the room with you and your bridal party. What time is dinner scheduled to be served? Will dinner be served: Buffet style? Family style? Individual plates? What time will the event end? NOTE: Some banquet facilities will require the music to stop half an hour before the end of the evening. Please ask your hall coordinator what time the music should stop. Will there be a receiving line at the hall? YES NO NOTE: Most receiving lines take place immediately following the ceremony. Many couples will opt to greet guests by visiting each table individually after dinner. If you elect to have a receiving line at the reception, allow yourself at least an hour of time; and plan on being ready to receive guests immediately as the doors open. Keep these ideas in mind for you and your guests, so that everyone has an enjoyable reception. 1. If you have assigned seating for dinner, seat your younger guests closer to the sound system. 2. If you have a large Bridal Party, consider dedicating a special dance to them. This will allow plenty of time for your photographer to get candid shots of the bridal party!!! 3. If you have any questions, whatever they may be, don't hesitate to call me. I will do my best to answer your concerns. 4. If there have been any changes to your starting time since our initial meeting, please contact me, so that I can make the appropriate arrangements. Thank you!! Approved by: Date:
Part II Introductions Below you will find the usual order for introductions of the Bridal Party. Please list the names in the order of their introduction. Please print or type a phonetic pronunciation where applicable. Thank you. The Introduction Line 1: Parents of the Bride: Father: Mother: Or Mother of the Bride & escort: Mother: Escort: Or Father of the Bride & escort: Father: Escort: 2: Parents of the Groom: Father: Mother: Or Mother of the Groom & escort: Mother: Escort: Or Father of the Groom & escort: Father: Escort: 3: Flower Girl: 4: Ring Bearer: 5: Bridesmaids: Groomsmen: 6: Maid/Matron of Honor: 7: Best Man: 8: Bride & Groom (as you would like to be announced) Is The Bride & Grooms first dance following your introduction? Yes ( ) No ( ) Toast by: Toast by: Grace by: Any Special Introductions? (Grandparents, Godparents, Etc.) This is a great opportunity to recognize special guests, particularly Grandparents. This announcement will usually be done just before the bridal dances begin and after dinner. The people being recognized will simply need to stand up or wave or whatever. Approved by: Date:
Part III Bridal and Special Dances NOTE: Your DJ can help you with each of these selections Bride & Groom First Dance: Song Title: Artist: Father/Daughter: Song Title: Artist: Wedding Party Dance: Song Title Artist: Mother/Son Dance: Song Title: Artist: Will you cut your cake: Before Dinner (Recommended) After Dinner Not at all Is there a specific song you d like played during the cake cutting ceremony? Song Title: Artist: Part IV Miscellaneous Activities Bouquet & Garter Toss? Yes No FYI: About one in three couples will elect to have a bouquet and garter toss. If you choose to, it is HIGHLY recommended that it is reserved for guests over 18 years old. If you elect to include the bouquet and garter toss in your wedding reception plans, you may also choose the music. While the bride throws the bouquet Song Title: Artist: While the groom takes off the garter Song Title: Artist: While the groom throws the garter Song Title: Artist: While the catchers put the garter on Song Title: Artist: Dollar Dance? Yes No FYI: About one in ten couples will elect to have a dollar dance. While the dollar dance is a great opportunity to dance with each of your guests, it can take a long time (If you dance just 20 seconds with 100 guests, it could take over half an hour!) Anniversary Dance: Yes No FYI: The Anniversary Dance works well ONLY if you have a lot of guests who have been married for a long time. It works like this: Your DJ will invite all married couples to the dance floor to share a dance with the newlyweds. Once the dance floor is full, your DJ will then politely ask couples (with the exception of the bride & groom) who ve been married less than 1 year... then 5 years..then 10 years, 20 years, etc. to please leave the dance floor. You will be left dancing with the Couple that has been married the longest (usually grandparents). Your DJ will get a round of applause for them and then ask them if they have any advice for you (since they ve got more experience than anyone else in the room). Check as many as you like Electric Slide ( ) Macarena ( ) Locomotion ( ) Chicken Dance ( ) Hokey Pokey ( ) Limbo ( ) Stroll ( ) Cha Cha Slide ( ) The Twist ( ) Grease ( ) Other: (please specify) Approved by: Date:
Part V Music The music played at your reception will help set the mood for the entire night. Your 7citiesVDJays Productions DJ is extremely knowledgeable and well rounded when it comes to music. Additionally, he has many years of experience in getting people on the dance floor and in making sure that all of your guests are happy and enjoying the music. While you are free to choose as much music as you d like for your wedding reception, it is HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED that you trust your DJ. At 7citiesVDJays Productions, you ve hired a professional, experienced wedding DJ that is an expert at keeping the party going. It is almost impossible to tell in advance what songs your guests will dance to. For example, just because Footloose was a blast at your friend s wedding, doesn t guarantee it will go over big at yours. Therefore, we strongly suggest you allow your DJ to mix some of your suggestions, with your guest s requests and other selections to create a fun-filled night that is uniquely yours and that all of your guests will enjoy. Style of music to be played during cocktail hour FYI: Most couples opt for a mix of Jazz, Crooners (Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet, etc), Blues, etc. Style of music to be played during dinner FYI: Smooth Jazz without vocals works best, because it allows guests to have dinner conversation without having to strain to hear one another. Are there any songs that you DO NOT want played? FYI: When choosing songs you DO NOT want played, try not to choose songs that are hugely popular. Certain wedding songs are popular because people love to dance to them. 1. Song Title: Artist: 2. Song Title: Artist: 3. Song Title: Artist: 4. Song Title: Artist: 5. Song Title: Artist: Please list some songs that you d like to hear, but only if people dance to them. 1. Song Title: Artist: 2. Song Title: Artist: 3. Song Title: Artist: 4. Song Title: Artist: 5. Song Title: Artist: 6. Song Title: Artist: 7. Song Title: Artist: 8. Song Title: Artist: 9. Song Title: Artist: 10. Song Title: Artist: Please check the types of dance music you believe your guests would enjoy during your event. Current/Top 40 ( ) Adult Contemporary ( ) Rock & Roll ( ) Classic Rock ( ) Oldies (50-60's) ( ) Motown ( ) Alternative/New Rock ( ) Big Band/Swing ( ) Country ( ) Disco/Retro ( ) Urban/Rap ( ) Slow Dance ( ) Salsa/ Meringue ( ) A good mix of all of the above as our party develops ( ) What radio station(s) do you listen to? Approved by: Date:
Top Requested Wedding Songs The following is a list of the most popular wedding songs played at ceremonies and receptions, compiled from mobile DJ surveys. We broke down each section of a traditional wedding, in order, from the ceremony to the reception. Prelude music: Played prior to the ceremony, while guests are arriving. * Moonlight Sonata (Beethoven) * Isn't It Romantic (Glenn Miller) * Water Music (Handel) * Ave Maria (Schubert / Gounod) * The Four Seasons (Vivaldi) * Greensleeves (Traditional) * Rhapsody In Blue (Gershwin) * God Only Knows (The Beach Boys) * As Time Goes By (A Kiss Is Just A Kiss) (Tony Bennett) * Arioso (Bach) * Ode To Joy (Beethoven) * Brandenburg Concerto #2 (Bach) * Gloria (Vivaldi) * Unchained Melody (Righteous Brothers) Processional & Bridal music: Played during the time the family, wedding party, and the bride walk down the aisle. * Bridal Chorus (Here Comes The Bride) from "Lohengrin" (Wagner) * Trumpet Voluntary in D (The Prince of Denmark's March) (Clarke or Purcell) * Canon in D (Pachelbel) * The Four Seasons (Handel) * Water Music (Handel) * What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong) * Unforgettable (Nat King Cole) * I Can't Help Falling In Love (Elvis Presley) * When A Man Loves A Woman (Percy Sledge) * In My Life (The Beatles) * March From Lohengrin (Wagner) Interlude music (optional): The songs played during the ceremony. * Ave Maria (Schubert) * Amazing Grace (Traditional) * La Traviata (Verdi) * Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach) * And I Love Her (The Beatles) * Primavera: First Movement, Allegro (Vivaldi) * Love Me Tender (Elvis Presley) * Für Elise (Beethoven) * We've Only Just Begun (The Carpenters) * Have I Told You Lately (Van Morrison) Recessional music: Music played as the new husband and wife walk up the aisle together. * Wedding March (from "A Midsummer Night's Dream") (Mendelssohn) * Ode To Joy (from The Ninth Symphony) (Beethoven) * Hallelujah Chorus (from "The Messiah") (Handel) * Trumpet Tune (Purcell) * Magnificat In D (Bach) * The Long And Winding Road (The Beatles) * I Got You (I Feel Good) (James Brown) * How Sweet It Is (James Taylor) * Then He Kissed Me (The Crystals) * I Got You Babe (Sonny and Cher)
Reception music: First Dance music: First dance as husband and wife. * Unforgettable (Nat King Cole) * Can't Help Falling In Love (Elvis Presley) * Can I Have This Dance? (Ann Murray) * The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra) * It Had To Be You (Harry Connick, Jr.) * What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong) * Endless Love (Diana Ross and Lionel Richie) * I Cross My Heart (George Strait) * I Swear (John M. Montgomery or All 4 One) * A Whole New World (Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle) * As Time Goes By (A Kiss Is Just A Kiss) (Michael Feinstein) * When You Say Nothing At All (Allison Krauss) * Faithfully (Journey) * No Ordinary Love (Sade) * Here And Now (Luther Vandross) * I Can Love you Like That (John M. Montgomery) * Power Of Love (Celine Dion) * Tonight I Celebrate My Love (Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson) * Everything I Do {I Do For You} (Bryan Adams) * When A Man Loves A Woman (Percy Sledge or Michael Bolton) * All My Life (Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville) * I'll Be There (Mariah Carey) * On Bended Knee (Boyz II Men) * At Last (Etta James) * Don't Know Much (Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville) * From This Moment On (Shania Twain) * Our Love Is Here To Stay (Harry Connick, Jr.) * Unchained Melody (The Righteous Brothers) *These are the most requested songs, but there are many others. Ask your DJ. Father/Daughter music: The dance between the new bride and her father. * My Girl (The Temptations) * Thank Heaven For Little Girls (Gigi) * Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel) * Unforgettable (Nat King Cole / Natalie Cole) * The Wind Beneath My Wings (Bette Midler) * My Dad (Paul Petersen) * Hero (Mariah Carey) * Butterfly Kisses (Bob Carlisle) * Times of Your Life (Paul Anka) * A Song For My Daughter (Steve Moser, Mikki Viereck, Ray Allaire) * Can You Feel The Love Tonight (Elton John) * The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra) * Have I Told You Lately (Rod Stewart) * Because You Loved Me (Celine Dion) * My Heart Will Go On (Celine Dion) * Have I Told You Lately (Van Morrison) * What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong) * Through The Years (Kenny Rogers) * Daddy's Hand (Holly Dunn) * Daddy's little Girl (Kippi Brannon) * Daddy's Girl (Peter Cetera) * Sunrise, Sunset (Fiddler On The Roof - Sndtrk) * Lullabye (Billy Joel) * A Whole New World (Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle) * How Do You Fall In Love (Alabama) * Isn't She Lovely (Stevie Wonder) * Landslide (Fleetwood Mac) * Thank Heaven For Little Girls (Gigi) * Father's Eyes (Amy Grant) * Friends (Elton John) * In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel)
Mother/Son music: The dance between the husband and his mother. * Don't Know Much (Linda Rondstadt and Aaron Neville) * Butterfly Kisses (Bob Carlisle) * I.O.U (Jimmy Dean) * Moon River (Andy Williams) * Moon Dance (Van Morrison) * 'Til The End Of Time (Perry Como) * Through The Years (Kenny Rogers) * Have I Told You Lately (Rod Stewart) * Because You Loved Me (Celine Dion) * Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel) * Unforgettable (Nat King Cole / Natalie Cole) * What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstong) * In This Life (Bette Midler) * You're The Inspiration (Chicago) * Wind Beneath My Wings (Bette Midler) * Friends (Elton John) * Wishing Tree (Sonia Dada) * Blessed (Elton John) * Hero (Mariah Carey) * In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel) * A Song For My Son (Steve Moser, Mikki Viereck, Ray Allaire) * Sunrise, Sunset (Fiddler On The Roof - Sndtrk) * In My Life (The Beatles) * Ever I Saw Your face (Roberta Flasck) * Greatest Love Of All (Whitney Houston) * I Wish You Love (Natalie Cole) * Thanks Again (Ricky Skaggs) * Stand By Me (Ben E. King) Bridal Party Dances music: The dance including the Bride & Groom, Bridesmaids & Groomsmen, and family members. * That's What Friends Are For (Dionne & Friends: Elton John, Gladys Knight & Stevie Wonder) * Can You Feel The Love Tonight (Elton John) * Friends In Low Places (Garth Brooks) * We Are Family (Sister Sledge) * Friends (Elton John) * Heroes and Friends (Randy Travis) * In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel) * Celebration (Kool & The Gang) Cutting The Cake music: Played while the Bride & Groom cut the cake. * Cut the Cake (Average White Band) * I Wanna Grow Old With You (Adam Sandler) * How Sweet It Is (James Taylor) * Sugar, Sugar (The Archies) * Hit me With Your Best Shot (Pat Benatar) * When I'm 64 (The Beatles) * Recipe For Love (Harry Connick Jr.) * That's Amore' (Dean Martin) * Happy Together (The Turtles) * Pour Some Sugar On Me (Def Leppard) * I Got You Babe (Sunny & Cher) * Love & Marriage (Frank Sinatra) * Oh Yeah! (Yello) * Axel F (Harold Faltermeyer) * Peter Gunn Theme
Money/Dollar (Honeymoon) Dance music (Optional) Played during the time the Bride & Groom dance with guests while the Best man and Maid of Honor collect the money for their honeymoon. * See music list above: "Bridal Party Music" * Ask your DJ for suggestions Garter and Bouquet Toss music: Played during the bouquet toss and garter toss. * The Stripper (David Rose) * Legs (ZZ Top) * You Sexy Thing (Hot Chocolate) * Oh Yeah! (Yello) * Macho Man (Village People) * Theme From Mission Impossible (Danny Elfman) * Wild Thing (The Troggs or Tone Loc) * Let's Get It On (Marvin Gaye) * Bad Boys (Inner Circle) * Another One Bites The Dust (Queen) * Curly Shuffle (Jump n' The Saddle) * Kiss (Prince) * Do Ya Think I'm Sexy (Rod Stewart) * Gimme All Your Lovin' (ZZ Top) * Pretty Woman (Roy Orbison) * Freak Me (Silk) * Hungry Eyes (Eric Carmen) * Heaven (Bryan Adams) * U Can't Touch This (MC Hammer) * Shameless (Garth Brooks) * *Girls Night Out (The Judds) * *Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper) * *Whipped Cream {Dating Game Theme} (Herb Alpert) * *Miss America Theme (Various) *Songs for Bouquet Toss Only. Last Dance music: The last song of the night for the Bride & Groom and their remaining guests. * Last Dance (Donna Summer) * New York, New York (Frank Sinatra) * Good Riddance {Time Of Your Life} (Green Day) * From This Moment On (Shania Twain & Bryan White) * Save The Best For Last (Vanessa Williams) * Wonderful Tonight (David Kersh) * Could I Have This Dance (Anne Murray) * You're Still The One (Shania Twain) * Closing Time (Semisonic) * Unforgettable (Nat King Cole / Natalie Cole) * I've Had The Time Of My Life (Bill Medly & Jennifer Warnes) * How Your Love Makes Me Feel (Diamond Rio) * Goodnight, Sweetheart (David Kersh) * The Party's Over (Nat King Cole) * Goodnight Sweetheart (Spaniels) * What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong) * The Dance (Garth Brooks) * Truly, Madly, Deeply (Savage Garden) * Always And Forever (Heatwave)