Wedding Formalities
Below is a general run down on what happens at a traditional Australian wedding reception. Note that this is strictly a guideline. These days there are no fixed rules. Brides are free to choose a format that works for them.
1. The DJ plays soft ambient background music usually from the time that the guests arrive at the reception venue. This includes a continuous mix of love songs and easy listening background music including any specific dinner music requests provided.

2. Once the bridal party arrives, the MC will check the order of entry with the bridal party and then formally announce them into the room. At this time, everyone is standing and the DJ will play the chosen entry song/s for the bridal party and the bride & groom.

3. The MC may announce some housekeeping and may call someone up to say grace prior to dinner being served (optional).

4. The caterers will serve entrée and the main course, during which time the DJ will play appropriate dinner music in the background.

5. The MC will co-ordinate speeches after the main meal while or after dishes are/have been cleared away. The MC is provided with a list of speakers names and the order in which they will speak. The following is a guide only. Note some speeches may not apply e.g. parents been absent from the wedding:

  • Toast to the Bride & Groom- made by best man or a close friend who gives a short speech and proposes a toast
  • Response – from the groom & toast to the bridesmaids – made by the groom
  • Response – from the best man on behalf of the bridesmaids
  • Toast to the Bride’s Parents – made by a close family friend
  • Response – from the father of the bride
  • Toast to the Groom’s Parents – made by a close family friend
  • Response – from the father of the groom
  • Telegrams/Faxes/Emails – read by the best man and groomsmen (be careful to monitor the messages if you think any of the guests may submit ones which are inappropriate!!)

6. Straight after speeches, the bride and groom cut the cake. It is up to the MC to announce this and remind guests to have their cameras ready. The DJ will play the designated cake cutting song during this formality.

7. The caterers serve dessert and coffee, as the DJ continues to play soft background music.

8. The MC will call the bride and groom to the dance floor for the bridal dance. The DJ will usually play three or four bridal dance songs (pre-selected by the bride and groom). The bridal dance starts with the bride and groom, then the rest of the bridal party join in, optionally followed by the parents of the bride and groom and then everyone else is invited to join in. The bride and groom decide how much of each song is played before the MC calls the next group of people to the floor. A mother son and/or father daughter dance may also be included before or during the bridal dance segment.

9. After the final bridal dance the dance floor is usually packed. The DJ will usually go straight into some party music and keep everyone on the dance floor. The guests are able to make requests and the bride and groom may pre-select some party songs for dancing. The DJ will generally play music for all ages.

10. Later into the night after an hour or so of dancing the MC will make an announcement for the throwing of the bouquet immediately followed by the garter. Note these formalities are optional and one or both may not be required.

11. The DJ/MC will call all single ladies to the dance floor. With her back to the ladies the bride throws the bouquet over her shoulder. The DJ will get the bride to throw it after the count of three. The selected bouquet song will be playing during this time.

12. The DJ/MC will call all single men to the dance floor. A chair is placed in the middle of the dance floor for the bride to sit on. The DJ/MC then asks the groom to take off the garter. He removes the garter throws it over his head toward all the single men on the dance floor. The selected garter song will be playing during this time.

13. Approximately 15-30 minutes prior to the end of the reception the DJ/MC will get everyone to form a big circle right round the outside of the dance floor. The DJ will instruct the bride and groom to start at the same point within the circle and make their way around in opposite directions until they meet back at their starting point. As they walk around, they say thank you & farewell to all of their friends and relatives. During this time, the DJ will play the selected farewell songs.

14. If requested by the bride and groom whilst everyone is still standing up, the DJ/MC can ask everyone to form two lines to the door way so an arch way can be formed for the bride and groom to make their way through as they leave the room. Note this step is optional.

15.If there is any time left the DJ may be able to play a final dance bracket for the remaining guests before everyone leaves the venue.