A Basic Reception Timeline

Most importantly, remember to have fun!

Knowing what needs to happen when is important to know when wishing to hold a great wedding reception.

We’re providing you with a general reception timeline with help from our friends at Aisle Dash.

Reception Timeline

  • Cocktail hour will kick off your celebration and typically will last an hour to 45 minutes. It is during this time guest will mingle amongst each other.
  • Guest shall be seated following the cocktail hour. This should take around 15 minutes to get everyone situated where they need to be.
  • Immediately after guests are seated the Newlyweds shall arrive and be announced.
  • The appetizers or salad course will begin after the couple is announced.
  • Before the main course is served the toasts should be performed.
  • Then dinner will follow, which typically will last near an hour to an hour and a half.
  • The couple’s first dance will occur after dinner.
  • Shake a leg! Guest will likely follow the bride and grooms lead and begin to dance as they do so.
  • Cake Cutting. An hour into the dancing the cake should be cut.
  • Following the cutting of the cakes, the Father-daughter/Mother-son dances should take place.
  • Dancing can resume until its time for the bouquet toss/garter toss, which you can allow for around fifteen minutes for this.
  • Finally, you’ll want to end your wedding on a good note so choose a song that will get everyone up.
  • Then, it’s time to say good-bye as the farewell begins. Here you’ll make your grand exit while your family and friends look on and cheer. They can blow bubbles, toss confetti, light sparklers, or whatever they’re provided as they celebrate your new future together.

Remember, you don’t have to follow the time limits provided above. Allow for as much time as you and your guest need to make the celebration go as smooth and fun as possible!

See the original posting from Aisle Dash here

Photo From Flickr by: Madmolecule

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