Parts of traditional list have existed since medieval times. Historians can trace origins of silver and golden anniversaries to medieval Germany, where garlands made of these metals were presented as gifts for 25th and 50th years of marriage. The rest of list may not be as traditional as you think. I was surprised to learn that traditional list, as we know it today, did not exist until 1937. In that year, American National Retail Jeweler Association published a list, which associated a material for each Anniversary up to 15th year and then each fifth year after that up to 60th Anniversary. The following is materials list from 1937, through 60th year:

* First - Paper * Second - Cotton * Third - Leather * Fourth - Fruit/Flowers * Fifth - Wood * Sixth - Candy/Iron * Seventh - Wool/Copper * Eighth - Bronze/Pottery * Ninth - Pottery/Willow * Tenth - Tin/Aluminum * Eleventh - Steel * Twelfth - Silk/Linen * Thirteenth - Lace * Fourteenth - Ivory * Fifteenth - Crystal * Twentieth - China * Twenty-Fifth - Silver * Thirtieth - Pearl * Thirty-Fifth - Coral * Fortieth - Ruby * Forty-Fifth - Sapphire * Fiftieth - Gold * Fifty-fifth - Emerald * Sixtieth - Diamond

Common format of a wedding reception:

·Arrival of guests at hall ·Introduction of wedding party ·Introduction of bride and groom ·Blessing ·Meal ·Cake Cutting ·Toasts ·Bride & Groom’s First Dance ·Father & Daughter’s Dance ·Mother & Groom’s Dance ·Special Dances ·Bouquet and Garter Toss ·Dancing and Fun

Arrival of guests at reception site Typically, a wedding lasts about 15 minutes. However, some guests do arrive early to reception. Therefore, be sure all reception to-dos are complete by start time of wedding. Also, all wedding vendors should be wearing proper attire for early arriving and late staying guests. All tables should be set-up including cake table, entertainment’s table, sign-in table, food tables, and tables with chairs for all guests. If you have a seating arrangement, all seating lists should be at reception with everyone’s name with where they are sitting.

Introduction of wedding party This step is not mandatory, but it is nice for everyone to know who wedding party is as many have not met before your wedding. Create a “Reception Planning Guide” and give this to your master of ceremonies prior to your wedding. This details, among other things, order of entrance into reception site with their names and titles. The order of entrance is as follows: parents of bride, parents of groom, ushers with bridesmaids, flower girl and ring bearer, special guests, best man, maid/matron of honor, bride and groom. In addition, review pronunciations of wedding party's names with master of ceremonies.

Introduction of bride and groom This is always last of introductions. Everyone should stand before bride and groom enter. In addition, a special song can be arranged with music entertainment and a special announcement made to punctuate a true grand entrance. Also, inform master of ceremonies how you would like to be introduced: Mr. and Mrs. Smith or John and Jane Doe.

Blessing This is another step that is not mandatory, but for religious couples makes a nice setting. If you invite person who performed marriage ceremony to reception, I would recommend having them conduct blessing. If they are not able to attend, a parent or family friend is a good idea. Lastly, master of ceremonies could give meal blessing. Be sure to communicate with whomever is giving blessing in advance so they are prepared to give a personal touch.

Meal It's time to eat! Bride and Groom, be sure to stop and take a moment to eat. This may be your only chance in day. In addition, it is customary for bride and groom to start food line. Most guests know to wait until bride and groom start food line. So don't be late!