Reception length

Danielle+Dave

How long should a reception be from cocktail hour till dancing is over?

angelsong21

There is not a set amount of time that works best for everyone. This really depends more on the guests you are inviting.  If you have a really lively crowd, you'll want to have a longer reception.  If you have a less lively crowd, the reception need not be as long.  It also seems to depend on the region in which you are located.  In some areas, people have 6+ hour receptions while in others, it can be around 4 hours to include drinks, dinner, cake, and dancing.  Just think about your guests, what they would enjoy, and go from there.  You might also get more info from your local board about what's "normal" where you live.

Good luck!

jessicabessica

Many of the venues we looked at in our area offered a 5-hour package.  The venue we ended up going with has a 5-hour package for cocktails through end of dancing (with no option to extend--they are an inn and don't want to have longer events), and our ceremony will be at the same place, but it will be time added on top of the 5 hours.  Good luck!

kristeno90

It really depends on how long your rental allotment is with your venue.

caseyandlizzie

The average time for cocktails and reception is 5 hours around here.

katheriner89

our reception will be 5.5 hrs.

tenofcups4me

The standard package in my area was 5 hours.

TripleJTobe

Id say the avg in my area is 5 hours. Ours will be 5.5 but we added on the extra half

OuachitaTrixie

Ours will start at 4:30 in the afternoon and run late into the night...