At the reception the usual line-up waiting to greet the guests is as follows: the bride's parents followed by the bridegroom's parents, then the bride and bridegroom and lastly the bridesmaids and best man.
 
The line-up ensures that both families have the opportunity to speak to all the guests. Conversation should be kept to a polite minimum as the queue can become unwieldy.
 
Most receptions begin with an aperitif of Pimms or Bucks Fizz served before the meal. Include non-alcoholic alternatives for children and those who are driving.

These would normally take place at the end of the meal and would accompany the cutting and distribution of the wedding cake. The following is the usual order of proceedings:-

• The Bride and Groom cut the cake
   
  
• Toast to the "Bride & Bridegroom". This is normally proposed by the brides father or a close relative or friend of the family.
   
  
• Toast to "The Bridesmaids". This is always proposed by the bridegroom following his response to the first toast.
   
  
• The best man would then respond to the bridegroom's speech on behalf of the bridesmaids. He would also read out the telegrams to the guests.