Wedding Receptions Etiquette and Advice
Our etiquette experts answer all of your receptions-related questions.
Is it okay to provide Hawaiian shirts for the waitstaff at our tropical-themed reception?
Q: When should we cut the cake?
Q: What's the appropriate amount of time between the ceremony and reception?
Q: Q: My guy wants a formal reception, but I want to have it outdoors. Can we have the best of both worlds?
Q: Can I have a pre-reception break?
Q: Can I seat our guests at small tables of four or six?
Q: Can I have a rock band at my 11:00 a.m. reception?
Q: Should our favors be ordered per person or per couple?
Q: I really can't afford to give favors. Do you have to have them?
Q: How do we properly set a table for a formal reception?
Q: How do we throw a post-destination wedding reception?
Q: I was raised by my stepfather and feel much closer to him than my biological father. They're both going to be at my wedding. When it's time for the father/daughter dance, whom should I dance with?
Q: My groom and I hate to dance. Can we avoid the first dance altogether?
Q: Can I fake the waltz for the father/daughter dance?
Q: How do escort, place and table cards differ? Do I need them all?
Q: How do we set up a kid's table?
Q: I'm about to write out the place cards. Does each unmarried guest get his own? Does the same rule apply to table cards?
Q: Can we rent portable toilets for our backyard wedding?
Q: Do we have to have a seating chart, or can our guests seat themselves?
Q: Can my husband and I have our own table?
Q: My parents want to seat their older friends and family members in the good seats near the head tables. I don't want to offend my friends, whom I want near me and the dance floor. Where's the compromise
Q: Do photo, video and band staff get a table?
Q: Can you give me a timetable for a seated wedding dinner with dancing?
Q: Can we have a cash bar?
Q: Do I have to have a receiving line? Who stands in it?
Q: Am I supposed to tip the band (and other vendors)?
Q: When does the best man give his toast? Who else can give one?
