Do you need a receiving line? When’s the best time for toasts? Should you toss a bouquet or dedicate it? On this week’s episode of 52 'Til I Do, we're unpacking classic traditions, cultural moments, and modern twists so you can choose what feels right for your day!
There are so many different wedding traditions, and couples are finding new and meaningful ways to make them their own. We’re going to walk through a few of them, break them down, and share ideas and options for how you can incorporate them into your big day!
A receiving line is a traditional wedding moment where the couple (sometimes alongside their families or wedding party) stands in a line to personally greet, say hello to, and thank each guest as they arrive at the reception or cocktail hour. It’s usually set in one main location, but it can vary. Some couples greet guests as they exit the ceremony, or enter the cocktail hour, near the start of the buffet line, and even hand out desserts to their guests!
While it’s a meaningful way to connect with guests, timing is important. With a large guest list, even 30-60 seconds per person can add up quickly and take hours, so it’s worth planning thoughtfully to keep the flow of the day moving and make sure you stay on track.
A grand entrance is similar to a wedding processional, but it’s more relaxed, energetic, and centered around celebrating the start of the reception. It’s your moment to be introduced to your guests and kick off the party in a fun and memorable way.
When planning your grand entrance, you get to decide exactly who is included. Some couples choose to bring in their full wedding party, flower girls and ring bearers, or even some additional close family members. Others prefer to keep it simple with just the couple making their entrance together.
This is your chance to set the tone for the night, whether that’s high-energy and hype or a little more mellow and elegant. You’ll also want to think about a few key details:
A well-planned grand entrance helps transition your guests from dinner and anticipation into full celebration mode, marking the official start of your reception and the start of your marriage!
Wedding speeches are often one of the most memorable parts of the day, especially when key VIPs (like parents, the wedding party, or close friends) want to share longer, more heartfelt words. When planning this part of your timeline, it’s important to think about the flow of the evening and how speeches will fit into it.
One key decision is whether guests will be eating during speeches or not. If you’d prefer everyone to be fully present and listening, you may want to pause food service, keep the buffet closed, or schedule speeches before dinner begins. On the other hand, if you’re comfortable with a more relaxed atmosphere, speeches can happen while guests are eating. However, it’s best to keep them organized and limited so they don’t run too long or interrupt the flow of dinner.
You’ll also want to consider prayers and blessings before the meal, if that’s something meaningful to you and your loved one! Whether it’s a formal blessing, a short prayer, or a moment of gratitude shared by a loved one, it’s important to plan for it intentionally. Be sure to include it in your final timeline and communicate it with your DJ, planner, or emcee so it doesn’t get missed or rushed through.
Cake cutting is one of the most iconic wedding moments! If you and your partner are planning to cut the cake yourselves, a great option is to schedule it right after the grand entrance and before the rest of the reception fully kicks off. This works especially well because it gives your catering team and servers time to cut and plate the remaining cake (or dessert options) for guests ahead of dessert service. It also helps keep the evening flowing smoothly without long pauses later on.
When it comes to the cake itself, there are a few popular approaches - each with its own pros and cons.
A large, elaborate wedding cake can be a real statement piece. It often looks beautiful in photos and serves as a centerpiece for your reception. However, these cakes can be expensive, and not all tiers are always served to guests, depending on the design and logistics.
On the other hand, many couples choose a smaller “display cake” for the cutting moment - something more detailed or personal that you and your partner share together. Then, they serve sheet cakes or kitchen cakes to guests behind the scenes. This option is often more cost-effective, easier for catering staff to serve, and ensures everyone gets cake without the pressure of a highly decorative (and pricey) full-sized display cake!
The first dance is one of the most memorable parts of the reception, giving the couple a moment to be spotlighted and set the tone for the celebration. It can be choreographed or completely simple - there’s no right way to do it, and even a relaxed sway to your favorite song can be super meaningful!
Many couples also include short VIP dances with important people like parents or close family members. These are usually quick, heartfelt moments that can be done back-to-back to keep the flow of the evening moving.
If you’re feeling unsure about dancing, taking a dance class together beforehand can help build confidence and make the experience more comfortable. But you can also skip the prep entirely and just go with whatever feels natural in the moment!
The bouquet toss is a classic wedding tradition where the bride tosses her bouquet to a group of guests (traditionally single guests) as a fun and lighthearted moment during the reception. It’s often upbeat, playful, and meant to bring a little energy and excitement to the dance floor.
That said, many couples today choose to switch things up with a bouquet dedication instead. Rather than tossing the bouquet into a crowd, the couple gives it directly to someone special - like a parent, grandparent, or close friend. This makes the moment more personal and intentional, turning it into a meaningful tribute instead of a group activity.
Both options are totally valid - it really depends on the vibe you want for your day. The bouquet toss leans more traditional and energetic, while a dedication feels more sentimental and heartfelt. Some couples even choose to skip the tradition altogether if it doesn’t fit their vision!
Wedding traditions can feel overwhelming when you first start planning, but the truth is that none of them are strict rules. They're simply ideas you get to shape into something that fits your day. Whether it’s how you greet your guests, how you structure your reception timeline, or which symbolic moments you include, every choice is an opportunity to reflect your relationship and your priorities!
As you go through planning, it can be helpful to ask a simple question: Does this enhance our experience, or does it add pressure? From receiving lines to bouquet tosses, from speeches to first dances, every tradition can be adapted, simplified, or skipped entirely!
For more tips and tricks, tune into the full episode of 52 ‘Til I Do on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Have more questions about wedding traditions? Send us a message at hello@marryment.com or get in touch on our social media—we love helping couples navigate this part of wedding planning!
Photo Credit to JNA Visuals
Marryment proudly serves couples all across Chicago and the surrounding Chicago Suburbs including popular areas such as Schaumburg, Elmhurst, Naperville, Evanston, Joliet, Oak Park, Skokie, Barrington, Downers Grove and Northbrook, to name a few. We also love destination weddings. We'd love to be a part of your wedding day! Schedule your free planning call with us today.
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