Your Guide to the Ultimate Wedding Reception Timeline
Photography: Moonstone Photo
While each wedding reception is unique to the couple getting married, they do have one thing in common - a timeline. Although this side of the reception planning isn’t the most fun, it’s an important aspect to ensuring your reception runs smoothly.
A typical wedding reception consists of a one-hour cocktail party followed by a four-hour reception with a meal. However, this timeline isn’t set in stone and depends on your venue, culture, and wedding size. The important thing is to create a timeline that works for you and your venue, culture, and wedding size. Today, we’re sharing the basic framework that works for just about any couple!
Cocktail Hour
Post-wedding ceremony, the first part of the reception is a cocktail hour! Here, you’ll welcome guests and get to enjoy conversations, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres with guests as well as take more casual photos (since the “major” photos will already be taken pre-ceremony).
The First Reception Hour
After cocktail hour, guests are typically advised to make their way to their seats in preparation of the newlyweds grand entrance! In a traditional American wedding, the introduction of the parents, bridal party, and couple takes about five to 10 minutes but other cultures have their own customs!
Once the newlyweds are introduced, they typically have their first dance followed by welcome speeches (and/or a meal blessing depending on your culture and religion) from the parents as well as the maid/matron of honor and best man.
Finally, caterers should serve the first course towards the end of the first reception hour so guests can have some sustenance before dancing the night away!
The Second Reception Hour
The second hour of your reception is for wrapping up meal service so dining doesn’t drag on too long. It’s also a great time to do an outfit change, if that’s something you plan on doing!
Once the last plate is served, you can open up the floor to anyone who’d like to give a toast. However, it’s recommended to give a time limit on toasts so Uncle Larry doesn’t ramble on for 15 minutes.
After the toasts are finished, it’s time for the family dances (mother/son dance and father/daughter dance) if that is in your culture or traditional dances, depending on your culture.
Side note: traditionally speaking, guests are able to leave once the cake has been cut so it’s best to have key moments prior to cutting the cake so guests don’t miss anything!
The Third Reception Hour
Now comes all the fun! The third hour of your reception is all about having fun - whether that’s breaking out some games or activities (including the garter and bouquet toss) or encouraging guests to visit the photo booth.
And, it’s time to open up the dance floor! Now that the formalities and key moments are finished, it’s time to let loose and encourage guests to dance!
The Fourth (and Final) Reception Hour
As your reception comes to a close, the fourth hour is all about incorporating some last minute fun. Some couples opt to offer late-night bites in case guests work up an appetite on the dance floor. It’s also the time for last call and your last dance/grand exit if you’re planning on that.
Bonus Hour
In most cases, couples opt for an after party to keep the festivities going! A great way to streamline an after-party is to pick a venue or bar nearby ahead of time and let anyone who wants to keep partying join in on the fun!
While this is a general timeline for your wedding reception, it’s not set in stone and there are many factors that go into having your ultimate reception party. Whether that’s your culture, religion or if you’re eloping, work with your wedding planner to create your perfect wedding reception!