Reception Time Line

keverhart123

So I'm trying to figure out in what order events should take place during my reception. I haven't been to many weddings so I have no idea! Obviously our grand entrance is first. But do we do our first dance next before eating? And then all of our other special dances after we eat? And when should we cut the cake? Should we let the guests dance some before we do the bouquet and garter tosses? I'm in serious need of help! i'm lost! Please and thank you! 

JoanE2012

We did:  Entrance, First Dance, Father/Daughter Dance, Mother/Son Dance, Toast, Dinner (dance floor opened up between courses), Dancing, Cake Cutting about 1.5 hours before reception end.  

We didn't do a bouquet and garter toss, but had we done that, it probably would've been done sometime before the cake cutting.

melb2013

I'm a fan of getting everything out of the way before the heavy dancing begins.  We skipped a lot of the normal wedding traditions, but here was our time line.

After cocktail hour:

First dance

Horah

Dinner

Near the end of dinner, before the dessert, but also while most people were seated and not dancing, we did

cake cutting

toast

We sort of played the caking cutting/toast thing by ear.  When it looked like most people were sitting and not up at the buffet, dancing, or walking around, we decided to stop things to do a cake cutting and one toast- the whole thing probably took 5 minutes.

Then it was dancing for the rest of the night.

mrsbizzz

What is the average length of a reception? We have a space for 5 hours, which will include a cocktail hour. Is that about right or should we pay the extra $ to extend by an hour or two?

Maggie0829

drmrs2014 said:

What is the average length of a reception? We have a space for 5 hours, which will include a cocktail hour. Is that about right or should we pay the extra $ to extend by an hour or two?

If you have a question it is best to ask it in a new discussion thread rather then piggy backing on someone elses.  You will get more responses this way.

As for your question, the average length of a reception is between 4-5 hours.  H and I had our reception spot for 5 hours which included the cocktail hour.  Even though I would have loved for the reception to continue all night, 5 hours was plenty.

I would check with your venue to see how long you can wait before making a decision.  Just remember that if you extend the reception too long you will most likely have to supply late night snacks for those guests who will stay till the end.

KatWAG

We did cocktail hour, entrance, cut the cake, and first dance. Then we sat down for the first course and had the FOB speech while people were being served. We ate then had the MOH/BM speeches while cake was being served. Then had to FOB/ Bride and Groom/ MOG dances.

Lauderdale Pink

Speak with the person who is in charge of your music.  They, generally, have a time line that they are comfortable with and know how to keep the party flowing and the guests entertained.  If that person has some definite ideas, it's one less thing for you to worry about.

Enjoy the day and leave as many details to the professionals as you can.

ashleyep

drmrs2014 said:

What is the average length of a reception? We have a space for 5 hours, which will include a cocktail hour. Is that about right or should we pay the extra $ to extend by an hour or two?

I think 5 hours is fine. That's about what most weddings I've been to have been. Mine is 7-12 with 7-8 as the cocktail hour, dinner at 8.