A formal wedding reception includes these traditions:  

The Cocktail Hour. While you and your newlywed are busy taking wedding pictures, your wedding guests get the chance to mingle and have hors o'doeuvres and drinks. 

The Guest Book. Your guest book will contain all the good wishes (and compliments!) of your friends and family. Display your guest book on its own table and make sure everyone gets a chance to sign and write their special message. 

The Receiving Line. If there's one bridal regret we've heard a thousand times, it's that the new couple didn't have enough time to see each and every one of their wedding guests. That's why the tradition of the receiving line -- where the bride, groom, wedding party and the bride's parents stand and greet guests as they arrive at the reception -- is so loved. If your don't have time for a receiving line be sure to visit each table during the reception to spend quality time with your guests. 

The First Dance. Be sure to choose and co-ordinate your first dance song well in advance with your bandleader/ DJ. Your first dance with your new husband is sure to leave you slightly breathless and glowingly happy. The first dance is also a favourite moment for your parents and your wedding guests. 

The Parent Dances. Dear old Dad -- he's been there through all those hard times and good times. And although he's always stood strong for you, we wouldn't be a bit surprised to see a few tears in his eyes as he dances with his grown daughter, a newly married woman. And we know you'll be overcome by a wave of love when you see your husband waltz his proud, beaming mother around the room. 

The Cuisine. The menu generally consists of an appetizer (usually a salad), the main course, dessert, cake, and coffee/tea. Wine and other alcoholic beverages may also be served along with dinner. 

The Wedding Cake Cutting. The band leader, DJ or master of ceremonies announces the event. The groom places his right hand over the bride's and together you cut the first slice of wedding cake. You then offer one another a bite. The rest of the wedding cake is cut in the back and served to the guests.

The Wedding Bouquet Toss. You are the happiest bride in the world, and it's time to share the love. Tossing your wedding bouquet to your single woman friends is the perfect way to pass on this love to your friends. And who knows what will happen to the lucky wedding bouquet catcher, especially with that gorgeous garter catcher standing so close by? Just make sure that you have your florist create a tossing bouquet, as you might want to preserve your bridal bouquet forever. 

The Garter Toss. The garter toss starts with the groom slowly removing the garter from his bride's leg. The groom then tosses the garter to his single male friends, and legend has it, whoever catches the garter will be married within the year.