This is where the fun starts! There are so many big moments you probably want to include in your wedding reception, but where should they all go? You want to make sure they are spaced out appropriately while also making sure you have everyone’s attention. You want to make sure you don’t kill the dance floor vibe, but you also want to make sure you have time for it all! Let’s break it down.
First, figure out your parameters. How long do you have the venue rented for? Do you have to end by a certain time? Typically, wedding receptions include a one-hour cocktail hour and a four-hour reception. If your ceremony is off-site, make sure the timing of the ceremony flows with the start time of cocktail hour and allows for travel time between the two locations.
Next thing to do is to determine what big moments you are going to incorporate into your reception. The most traditional moments to consider are grand introductions, first dance, parent dances, dinner service, cake cutting, bouquet toss and garter removal. We’ll share the three most popular ways to order these.
Let’s use 6-11 p.m. for our example…
Cake Cutting After Dinner
6-7 p.m. Cocktail Hour
7-7:05 p.m. Introductions
7:05-7:15 p.m. First Dance, Father/Daughter Dance, Mother/Son Dance
7:15 p.m. Welcome and Blessing
7:20 p.m. Dinner Service
8:30 p.m. Cake Cutting
8:35 p.m. Open Dance Floor
9:30 p.m. Bouquet and Garter Toss
9:40 p.m. Open Dance Floor
11:00 p.m. Send Off
With a Later Cake Cutting
6-7 p.m. Cocktail Hour
7:00 p.m. Introductions
7:05 p.m. First Dance, Father/Daughter Dance, Mother/Son Dance
7:15 p.m. Welcome and Blessing
7:20 p.m. Dinner Service
8:30 p.m. Open Dance Floor
9:30 p.m. Cake Cutting, Bouquet and Garter Toss
9:45 p.m. Open Dance Floor
11:00 Send Off
With Dances After Dinner
6-7 p.m. Cocktail Hour
7:00 p.m. Introductions
7:05 p.m. Welcome and Blessing
7:10 p.m. Dinner Service
8:15 p.m. First Dance, Father/Daughter Dance, Mother/Son Dance
8:25 p.m. Open Dance Floor
9:30 p.m. Bouquet and Garter
9:40 p.m. Open Dance Floor
11:00 p.m. Send Off
Remember, there will be certain things that affect the length of these items. If you have a very large bridal party, introductions might take longer. If you aren’t doing a blessing, dinner will start earlier. The type of dinner service you have (for example, plated meals take longer than buffet) and the number of guests you are serving may affect dinner length.
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