Tips and Tricks :: Reception Timeline

We couldn’t figure out if this should be an Ask Anything or a Tips and Tricks post  😉  but decided to go with Tips and Tricks because it’s more of a suggestion to couples than insight into our lives/workflow. This question is asked of us a lot, “what about the reception… when should we do everything?”

We are not DJ’s or coordinators and we’re not the authority on reception flow/timing, but we can tell you what we’ve seen work really well over the past *almost* 4 years. Here’s a quick rundown of a great reception timeline:

5pm Cocktail hour begins

5:50 Ballroom/tent opens, guests begin to find their seats

6:00 Bridal Party entrance

6:05 First Dance

6:10 Bride and Groom take seats/toasts begin

6:30 Dinner served or buffet opens

7:00 Sunset Session with Bride and Groom (guests are still eating)

7:30 Parent dances

7:40 Dance floor opens

*Full hour of dancing!

8:30 Cake Cutting

8:40 Garter toss/Bouquet toss/Anniversary Dance or any other special moment you’d like to include in the reception

*Full hour of dancing!

9:55 Last Song (DO a last song!)

10:00 Send off

Usually when couples ask us about reception timelines, they are asking so they make sure they have a chance to enjoy themselves. They don’t want to break up the evening too frequently, killing the fun on the dance floor. Giving a full hour of dancing at a time, will give your guests a chance to fill the dance floor and have a great time before the momentum is stopped with another event.

Another thing to consider, is if the Bride and Groom would like to attend cocktail hour. More and more we’re hearing “we really want to mingle with guests at cocktail hour, how can we make that happen?” The only answer is a First Look. But that’s a post for another day 😉