When most people think of the start of a wedding reception, they picture the classic grand entrance as the DJ announces the wedding party, the newlyweds enter to cheers, and the celebration kicks off. It’s a fun tradition, but in 2025, many couples are rethinking how they want to begin their reception.
One trend we’re seeing more and more at The Carriage House of Yorktown? The grand welcoming, a heartfelt, personal way to greet your guests and set the tone for the rest of the evening.
What Is a Grand Welcoming?
Instead of making your first appearance as newlyweds from a distance, you’re already in the room when your guests arrive at the reception. You greet them personally, often standing together near the entrance or mingling at cocktail hour, sharing hugs, handshakes, and heartfelt thank-yous.
It flips the script: rather than your guests applauding as you enter, you get to applaud and celebrate them for being there.
Why Couples Love It
1. It’s More Personal
A grand welcoming allows you to connect directly with each guest right away. Instead of waving from across the dance floor, you can make eye contact, share a smile, and say, “We’re so glad you’re here.”
2. It Sets a Warm, Gracious Tone
Your guests immediately feel appreciated and valued, which creates a relaxed, joyful atmosphere for the rest of the night.
3. It Works Well for Smaller or Intimate Weddings
For micro weddings or guest lists under 100, this approach is especially doable and memorable.
4. It Can Save Time Later
By greeting your guests early, you might avoid feeling rushed during dinner or the dance floor because you’ve already had a chance to connect with everyone.
How to Pull Off a Grand Welcoming
- Plan Your Timeline: Coordinate with your photographer so they can capture candid moments of you greeting your guests.
- Choose the Right Spot: Stand where guests will naturally pass as they enter the reception space.
- Consider a Signature Drink or Favor: Hand guests a welcome cocktail, glass of champagne, or a small keepsake as they arrive.
- Have Music Playing: Soft, upbeat background music creates a celebratory vibe while still allowing for conversation.
- Transition Smoothly: Once everyone is seated, you can still do a brief, lighthearted introduction or toast to kick off dinner.
At The Carriage House of Yorktown, we love seeing couples make their wedding day traditions their own. A grand welcoming is a beautiful way to put the focus on gratitude, connection, and celebration which is the very heart of what a wedding is all about.
Whether you choose a grand entrance, a grand welcoming, or something entirely unique, our team is here to help you create a reception that feels perfectly you.
Grand Entrance vs. Grand Welcoming
| Grand Entrance | Grand Welcoming |
| Couple enters the reception to cheers and applause after being formally introduced by the DJ or emcee. | Couple is already in the room, greeting guests personally as they arrive at the reception. |
| High-energy, spotlight moment with music and fanfare. | Warm, intimate, and conversational with relaxed background music. |
| Often includes the wedding party being introduced in pairs or groups. | Focus is solely on the couple connecting directly with their guests. |
| Works especially well for large receptions with 150+ guests. | Ideal for smaller or more intimate weddings, but can be adapted for larger events. |
| Photographer captures the big, celebratory entrance moment. | Photographer captures candid hugs, smiles, and conversations with guests. |
| Guests feel like they’re celebrating you as you arrive. | Guests feel celebrated, welcomed, and appreciated right from the start. |