A common question I get during initial consultations with brides and grooms as a Dallas wedding photographer is: “What are the typical wedding reception traditions?” And the short answer is: there are a ton!

But fear not, because I’m here to guide you through the world of Western wedding reception traditions. I’ll explain why they’re beloved and why you might consider including them – but remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the perfect wedding.

Your day should be a reflection of your unique love story. So, let’s dive into these traditions with an open mind. I’ll lay out some of the most traditional events that take place during a wedding reception – and you can pick your favorites from there!

10 Wedding Reception Traditions

Grand Entrance

A grand entrance to a wedding reception traditionally starts with your wedding party and ends with an announcement introducing the newlyweds. This is a tradition that can be done in a vibrant way, with the wedding party entering while dancing to a party song. Or, for more traditional weddings, you could opt for a more formal entrance.

The grand entrance sets the tone for your reception. It’s like the opening scene of a beautiful love story. Walking in together as a newlywed couple, the cheers and applause of your loved ones surrounding you – it’s a magical moment that signifies the beginning of your lifelong adventure.

First Dance

This tradition celebrates your love story and unique connection. It’s a chance to share an intimate moment with your partner. Whether you choose a classic or a modern song, it’s all about expressing your love and commitment to each other.

The first dance between the newlyweds has traditionally been a romantic slow dance, but now is equally represented as a more upbeat, choreographed number. Either way, this is one of those wedding reception traditions that make for beautiful images and memories!

Parent Dances

Parent dances honor the people who have been there for you throughout your life. Dancing with your parents or guardians symbolizes gratitude and love. It’s a heartwarming tradition that can bring generations together on the dance floor.

A special dance for the bride and her father, normally followed or accompanied by a dance for the groom and his mother. Include step-parents, siblings, grandparents and/or other parental figures as an adaptation to this wedding reception tradition. 

Speeches

Speeches are a time for your loved ones to share their heartfelt wishes for your future. They add a personal touch to your reception, reminding you of the support and love that surrounds you.

They are also a great way to connect both sides of the family. Although your wedding day is all about your love story, it also includes bringing your families together. 

Speech order traditionally proceeds as follows: bride’s parents, groom’s parents, best man, maid of honor, any other family, then bride and groom to close it out. 

Get ready for laughter and maybe a few happy tears!

Bouquet Toss

The bouquet toss adds a playful element to your reception. It’s all about celebrating single friends or the next bride-to-be. Catching the bouquet is said to bring luck in love, making it a cherished tradition.

The bride throws her bouquet to participating single women on the dance floor, sometimes creating a mad dash to collect the flowers and the honored superstition of being the next to marry. 

If your bouquet is too heavy/large or you already feel attached to your bouquet and want to preserve it. Then opt for a small bouquet to toss! Many florists will include this in their packages, so be sure to ask!

Garter Toss

The garter toss is a fun male counterpart to the bouquet toss. The garter itself has historical significance as a symbol of good luck and fertility. Tossing it to the single gentlemen at your wedding is believed to bring them good fortune in finding love. 

Let’s be honest, weddings can be filled with plenty of emotions. The garter toss injects a bit of fun and laughter into the proceedings.

But remember, the garter toss is a tradition that can be as playful or as elegant as you want it to be. It’s entirely up to you and your partner to decide how you’d like to incorporate it into your special day. If you’re not comfortable with the garter toss or it doesn’t align with your vision of the perfect wedding, there’s no obligation to include it.

Cake Cutting

Cutting the cake together is a sweet symbol of your partnership. It’s a tradition that celebrates the first task you’ll conquer as a married couple – sharing dessert! Plus, who doesn’t love cake?

Don’t forget to share a bite with your partner as a symbol of how you will love and care for each other throughout your marriage.

Anniversary Dance

The anniversary dance is a heartwarming tradition that celebrates long-lasting love. It’s an opportunity for married couples to share the dance floor with you. It’s a beautiful reminder of the journey you’re embarking on.

It’s done by playing music and inviting all married couples to the dance floor. After a minute, those who have been married for 1 year or less are asked to leave the dance floor and sit back down, then five years or less, then ten years, etc. This goes on until there’s only one couple left on the dance floor. This married couple is then the winner of the Anniversary Dance – as they’ve been married the longest. And then is typically asked to share what the secret is to a long and successful marriage.

Money Dance

This cultural tradition invites guests to bless the newlyweds with cash during a specific song. The money dance is a custom where guests line up to dance with either of the bride or groom and pin money to them while dancing. Depending on your preference, the money might be pinned to the veil or clothing, collected by someone before they join the dance floor, or thrown out on the dance floor to be gathered later.

It’s often seen as a gesture of support and well wishes. While it may not be for everyone, it can add a unique touch to your reception. It also gives you some one-on-one time with any guest who would like to dance with you for a few seconds.

Grand Exit

Ending your reception with a grand exit is like the closing scene of your wedding story. It’s the grand finale of a day filled with tremendous love and joy.

There are many ways to do this. But here are some common ways your wedding guests could send you off in a grand exit: tossing rice, blowing bubbles, waving sparklers, glowsticks, or ribbon. This is one of my favorites as the excitement of both the couple and the guests is so infectious! 

Need some more wedding send-off ideas? Check out the blog post sharing some of the most popular grand exit options!

Now that we’ve explored these cherished traditions for Western weddings, it’s essential to remember that your wedding is YOUR day! There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to which traditions you include or skip. Your choices should reflect your love story, values, and personalities.

Consider what resonates most with you and your partner. Talk it over, and decide together which traditions will make your wedding day even more special. And don’t forget to consider any other traditions that may be unique to your family or culture. Remember, this is a day to celebrate your love and commitment, and your choices should reflect that.

So, my lovely brides, I hope this will help you embrace the traditions you love and maybe even put your unique spin on them – the choice is yours. Your love story is unlike any other, and your wedding day should be a reflection of that extraordinary journey.

Feeling inspired or have questions about incorporating these traditions into your wedding day? Feel free to reach out to me, and let’s chat! Your wedding journey is a beautiful adventure, and I’m here to help make it as magical as possible.