WEDDING RECEPTION TIMELINE | A NIGHT YOU WON’T FORGET

When it comes down to it, your wedding reception is one of the biggest parts of your wedding night. Having a set timeline to stick to will ensure that you and your guests get the best possible experience to make it a night you won’t forget! Here is a sample wedding reception timeline and some other helpful tips to get the party started.

Guests Move From Ceremony into Cocktail Hour | 1 Hour

While your guests are mingling with each other after the ceremony, it’s a good time to do your couples session and formal family photos. Although the bride and groom typically won’t be able to attend the cocktail hour, it’s still a nice time for your guests to relax and enjoy some hors d’oeuvres and drinks before they go into the main reception. Check out our Wedding Photography Timeline for suggestions on how much time should be allotted for the cocktail hour based on how many formal photos you want.

Guests Are Seated in Reception Hall | 15-20 Minutes

Your wedding coordinator and/or DJ/MC will get all of your guests rounded up and seated in the reception hall so that they are ready for the party to start. If necessary, they will explain how guests can find their seats and will give any other special announcements.

Wedding Party Entrances | 5-10 Minutes

Your DJ/MC will announce your family and wedding party entrances here. This is a fun time for your wedding party and/or immediate family members to enter the reception hall with a funny dance or action that gets your guests excited and ready for your grand entrance.

Bride and Groom Grand Entrance | 5-10 Minutes

This is your time to celebrate being introduced for the first time as newlyweds. Pick your favorite party song and strut your stuff! Make sure the bride and groom entrance is separated from the other wedding party entrances on your wedding reception timeline so that you can have your own shining moment in the spotlight!

First Dance | 5-10 Minutes

After making your grand entrance, all eyes are on you, and it is a perfect time to go straight into your first dance as a married couple. Whether your dance is choreographed or just a slow and sweet moment to a sentimental song, this is your moment to shine together.

Welcome Speech | 5-10 Minutes

Now you and your forever honey are seated at your head table and it’s time to thank your guests for coming. This can be done by the bride and groom or the parents of the bride. In some cases, this is also a good time for a blessing to commence the meal!

Dinner is Served | 1 Hour

Make sure you grab your food first and enjoy the wedding meal you selected! Then if you want, you can make your rounds and greet your guests before returning to your table for the toasts. If you do choose to take the meal time to greet or take photos with each table, make sure you allow at least 3 minutes per table and adjust the meal time accordingly.

Toasts | 30 Minutes

While your guests are still finishing their meal, it’s a great time for toasts. Start with the Best Man and Maid of Honor toasts, followed by anyone else you’ve asked to speak. If the bride and groom haven’t thanked guests yet, now would be a great time before the dance party starts!

Family Dances | 15 Minutes

This is the perfect time to start the dancing portion of your party with the mother & groom and father & bride dances. After the last family dance, your DJ can ask guests to the dance floor for a group photo. This gets everyone up and out of their seats and ready to dance when the music starts!

Open Up the Dance Floor | 30-45 Minutes

Now it’s time to get your groove on! Start with an upbeat song to get everyone in the room moving. In between bursts of high-energy songs mixed with slow jams is a great opportunity to do your garter and bouquet toss or other planned activities.

Cake Cutting & Dessert | 30 Minutes

The cake cutting ceremony signals that the party is winding down. After the bride and groom cut their pieces of cake, have your DJ play some slow to mid-tempo songs while guests enjoy dessert. During dessert is also a good time to thank your guests for coming.

Reception Sneakout Photo Session | 20-30 Minutes

During the last dance set and after dessert is served is a great time for the bride and groom to slip out for their nighttime couples session. This is when your photographer will get romantic nighttime shots to document the perfect end to your beautiful wedding day. Just be sure to come back for your last dance!

Keep the Party Going | 30-40 Minutes

After dessert, the dance party continues! This last dance set will coincide with your nighttime photo session. Have your DJ announce when they’re playing the last song so guests know it’s their last chance to dance before the party’s end. Choose an upbeat hit to get everyone on the dance floor!

Grand Exit | 10-15 Minutes

After the last dance, your DJ/MC will usher everyone outside for your grand exit to the getaway car. Then, it’s honeymoon time… and we’ll leave that timeline up to you.