Wedding Reception Departure Options
One of the important decisions a couple needs to make when planing their wedding reception is how they farewell their guests. Following are some options.
Farewell Circle
Farewell circles seem to be very Australian way of ending a reception. It is not a custom that is widely practised anywhere else in the world. It is an intimate way of concluding the reception. The couples can either move together in the one direction or move in opposite directions around the circle as they thank their guests and bid farewell.
Farewell circles, however, can be a long drawn out process. They can be excruciating for those patiently waiting in line as guests (especially those that have had a few too many) can often monopolise the couple as they try and make their way around.
Circles take up valuable dancing time. Whatsmore, is there any need for couples to thank their guests one more time? Ideally couples should have individually spoken with and thanked their guests before they exit (easier said than done for larger receptions). They should not really need to do it again.
Farewell circles are impractical when there is a large number of guests. My personal view is that farewell circles for a reception with over 100 guests should be avoided. There are better options.
Farewell Arch
The farewell arch is created by the guests standing in two rows and holding hands with the person directly opposite to form an arch that the couple then run under. Although not everybody's cup of tea, I much prefer the arch as a means of exit. It is a less formal, upbeat and fun option and only takes a few minutes to organise and execute. People know the drill so when the MC asks for two lines leading from the dance floor to the exit, people usually respond quickly.
Guard Of Honour
The guard of honour is similar to the arch but without people joining hands. The couple can walk through the line at a more leisurely pace and if need be thank key people as they make their way towards the exit.
The Quick Exit
Some couples just want a no fuss exit with no circle or arch. The MC may simply announce they are leaving and ask everyone to applaud the couple or give three cheers.
The Last Dance Exit
Another option is for the MC to invite the couple up for the last dance of the night and ask that everyone join them on the dance floor. At the conclusion of the song the couple can simply wave goodbye and exit as those on the dance floor bid farewell en masse.
Earl Cole
Singer, entertainer, DJ & MC
www.earlcolemusic.com
Farewell Circle
Farewell circles seem to be very Australian way of ending a reception. It is not a custom that is widely practised anywhere else in the world. It is an intimate way of concluding the reception. The couples can either move together in the one direction or move in opposite directions around the circle as they thank their guests and bid farewell.
Farewell circles, however, can be a long drawn out process. They can be excruciating for those patiently waiting in line as guests (especially those that have had a few too many) can often monopolise the couple as they try and make their way around.
Circles take up valuable dancing time. Whatsmore, is there any need for couples to thank their guests one more time? Ideally couples should have individually spoken with and thanked their guests before they exit (easier said than done for larger receptions). They should not really need to do it again.
Farewell circles are impractical when there is a large number of guests. My personal view is that farewell circles for a reception with over 100 guests should be avoided. There are better options.
Farewell Arch
The farewell arch is created by the guests standing in two rows and holding hands with the person directly opposite to form an arch that the couple then run under. Although not everybody's cup of tea, I much prefer the arch as a means of exit. It is a less formal, upbeat and fun option and only takes a few minutes to organise and execute. People know the drill so when the MC asks for two lines leading from the dance floor to the exit, people usually respond quickly.
Guard Of Honour
The guard of honour is similar to the arch but without people joining hands. The couple can walk through the line at a more leisurely pace and if need be thank key people as they make their way towards the exit.
The Quick Exit
Some couples just want a no fuss exit with no circle or arch. The MC may simply announce they are leaving and ask everyone to applaud the couple or give three cheers.
The Last Dance Exit
Another option is for the MC to invite the couple up for the last dance of the night and ask that everyone join them on the dance floor. At the conclusion of the song the couple can simply wave goodbye and exit as those on the dance floor bid farewell en masse.
Earl Cole
Singer, entertainer, DJ & MC
www.earlcolemusic.com
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Amber wrote:
Thanks again Earl i have found all of your articles helpful in one way or another :)