THE WEDDING RECEPTION – Garter and Farewell
The Garter
This is a tradition that is observed is many weddings. You need to know about it so you can do the MC’s job seamlessly if it is part of this wedding.
“And now it’s the guy’s turn. If someone would be so kind as to grab a chair and place it in the centre for the bride to sit on…”
“Don’t go away (bride’s name).” (they frequently run).
Then, arrange for all the single guys to assemble in a particular area (same method as before). As everything is being organised at this moment, you could play Big Spender – Shirley Bassey
Here are a few ideas for that section while the Groom removes his wife’s garter:-
You Can Leave Your Hat On – Joe Cocker
U Can’t Touch This – M.C Hammer
Whatta Man – Salt-N-Pepa
The Stripper – David Rose
Another One Bites The Dust – Queen
Right Round – Flo Rida Feat. Keisha
Theme From Mission: Impossible – Adam Clayton & Larry Mullen
You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC
The Pink Panther Theme – Henry Mancini
It’s Raining Men – Weather Girls
Bad Boys (Theme From Cops) – Inner Circle
A Little Less Conversation – Elvis Presley
Kiss – Prince
Foxy Lady – Jimi Hendrix
Macho Man – Village People
Bad To The Bone – Thorogood, George & The Destroyers
Hot Legs – Rod Stewart
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) – Beyonce
Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? – Rod Stewart
If appropriate, make note that “Tradition states you must remove the bride’s garter with your teeth.”
When the Groom has finally removed the garter, the MC will count to three and the Groom will throw the garter over the back of his head to the waiting single males. Also, and only if appropriate, tradition states that the person who caught the garter has to refit it to the leg of the girl who caught the bouquet.
Some dance music could follow just before conclusion of the event depending on the time and what you had arranged in advance with the Bride and Groom.
Bride and Groom are now probably ready to leave the reception. When they are ready to depart begins, you should play some well known classic hits such as:
STEP #15 : THE FAREWELL
Keep an eye on the Bride and Groom throughout this time as sometimes it can be over in minutes and other times it can take half an hour or more. In any case, you generally have to stick to a timetable and should therefore be making appropriate comments over the microphone to diplomatically push things along if need be:
“Well, (bride) has finished thanking everyone and now we’re just waiting on (the groom) – typical male, always talking.”
It is appropriate that the MC say a few kind words prior to the couple leaving the venue. Something on the lines of:
“Ladies and Gentlemen, again, on behalf of (bride and groom) we would like to thank you for all coming tonight and hope that you’ve enjoyed your time here this evening. And now, on behalf of all of us, I wish (bride and groom) a prosperous and happy future together. All the best…three cheers for the bride and groom, HIP HIP…HOORAY (x3)”
As the Bride and Groom leave, you should play the requested farewell song. A popular choice is ‘Wish me Luck as you Wave Me Goodbye.’ Other songs that work include: –
All My Friends are getting Married – Skyhooks
Tonight’s the Night – Rod Stewart
Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Monty Python
Stuck with You – Huey Lewis
American Pie – Don McLean
New York, New York – Frank Sinatra
This Guy’s in Love with You – The Reels
Auld Lang Syne (Traditional)
To all the girls I’ve loved before – Julio Iglesias
Amazing – Alex Lloyd
Time Of My Life (Dirty Dancing soundtrack) – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
Can’t get you out of My head – Kylie Minogue
Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing – Aerosmith
I’m A Believer – The Monkees
Up Where We Belong – Joe Cocker
What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Unforgettable – Natalie & Nat King Cole
The MC should at this point say a final goodnight and once again thank the remaining guests on behalf of the staff and management of the function centre and wish them a safe drive home. It must be emphasised that this section is a guide only and each function should be performed according to the clients’ wishes and those of the function centre. Be flexible and approachable and do as they wish!
This concludes our series on Wedding DJ success! Best of luck with your next wedding, we hope we’ve been able to help you with the suggestions and ideas.
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I liked this post. Wedding means a big day for anyone that needs to be special. Choosing a good venue for a wedding and reception is an important thing. Along with this entertaining your guests is also an important part of this day. Hiring a wedding magician is also a good idea. It won’t let your guests feel bored as a magician will keep entertaining your audience with his amazing magic tricks.
Attending a wedding is always a joyous occasion, and the wedding reception is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the day. From the traditional garter toss to the emotional farewell, every moment of the reception is carefully planned to make it a memorable event. As a guest, it’s always a pleasure to be part of such a special day and witness the couple’s love and commitment.
Thank you for the article about wedding reception garters and farewells. It was really informative and I appreciate the detail you provided. It helped me understand how to make the most of these special moments. Thank you again for your insights.