What is/was your order of events at reception?

wmam1013

I am having a debate with my mom on this, here is what I have planned:Cocktail HourBP EnterFirst DanceToastsBlessingDinnerCut CakeFather/Daughter DanceMother/Son DanceCake served Dance the night awaySomewhere in the dancing part throw bouquetShe thinks I should do the cake later to break up the night?Any input welcomed.Thanks

vjcjenn1

I agree...cake later...they will cut the cake immediately after you do and serve it

JVeaux

I did it in pretty much the same order, except I did have some dancing in between dinner and cutting the cake.  It will definately help break up the evening a bit so you're not having the guests watch one thing after another, plus some will be done eating way before others and they'll need something to do (i.e. dancing). Also, sometimes guests have it set in their mind to leave after the cake is served, this will hold that off a bit. My reception started at 8:15pm and the cake cutting was scheduled to be approx. 9:30/10pm, so it wasn't a huge break after dinner.  To be honest I have no idea what time it actually occurred though

tidetravel

Wherever you put it, keep in mind that most guests take the cake cutting as a sign that they are free to go. 

MereFM99

Both our DJ and venue suggested having some dancing after dinner before cutting the cake.  I figure, they're the pros, they've done this hundreds of times, so I'm taking their advice :-)  If you have a reason for doing it earlier though, it's your reception, do what you think is best!

gabbride

This was our timeline.  sorry for the large font!Timeline for Reception   6-645p-  Cocktail Hour 630p Begin announcing for people to take their seats 645-7p Introduction of Grandparent, Parents, Bridal Party, Bride and Groom 7p First Dance 710 Blessing 710-840p Dinner 730p Father/Daughter Dance 740p Mother/Son Dance 8p Toast by Best Man and Matron of Honor 830p Dancing 9p Thank you by Bride and Groom and Cake Cutting 1045p Last Dance 11p Reception Over!!