There are so many things that happen during a wedding reception that it can be overwhelming to fit everything into a nice, balanced flow. We have the ultimate wedding reception timeline to help you visualize the overall flow of the party.

00:00 – 01:00

COCKTAIL HOUR

The cocktail hour is typically the starting event of most wedding receptions and begins either immediately (if the ceremony is at the same venue) or about half an hour after the ceremony if guests need to travel. Not only is the cocktail hour the best transition from “I do” mode to party mode, but it also serves as a time killer for your guests while you’re away taking photos. Despite the name, the cocktail “hour” can actually last as long as you want/need, but we do recommend it’s at least an hour to give all your guests plenty of time to settle in and prepare for your big arrival.

01:00 – 01:15

COUPLE’S ARRIVAL + FIRST DANCE

Once you and your partner’s newlywed photos have been sufficiently captured, it’s time to make your grand entrance! If you want to have your entire wedding party announced, as well, have them enter before you so you can move immediately into the best tradition of the night: your first dance. Once you step on the dance floor, take a minute to soak in the applause while your DJ or wedding band transitions to your song. Then enjoy every second of that first dance as a married couple!

01:15 – 01:20

WELCOME TOASTS

Before dinner kicks off, take a moment as a couple to thank everyone for attending and then turn it over to the hosts to give a welcome toast. Depending on your faith, the hosts or a family member could then say a blessing for the meal. Keep in mind, the welcome toast should be short and sweet. The longer, more emotional toasts will come later.

01:20 – 02:35

DINNER + SPEECHES

If you’re having a seated dinner, your servers should be waiting with plates during the welcome toast so that they can begin serving immediately. If you’re having a buffet, your DJ or emcee will be in charge of controlling the flow of traffic by announcing when it’s time for each table to make their way to the food area. During dinner, have your DJ or wedding band play simple background music that fits your vibe but doesn’t take away your guests’ ability to have conversations.

Between courses — or about 20 minutes into dinner if you’re having a buffet — it’s time to start the best man, maid of honor, and father of the bride speeches. We recommend they take place back to back so you only have to get the guests’ attention once. We also highly recommend you discuss a time limit for each speaker so the speeches don’t run too long.

02:35 – 02:45

PARENT DANCES

As dinner is finishing up, it’s time to transition into the dancing phase of the evening, starting with the father-daughter and/or mother-son dance. Typically, the father-daughter dance happens first, but you can do these dances in either order that you prefer.

02:45 – 04:00

DANCING

With all your guests focused on the dance floor for the parent dances, have your DJ or emcee transition immediately into more upbeat tunes and be the first ones back on the dance floor to get the party started!

04:00 – 04:15

CAKE CUTTING

The cake cutting is typically a sign that the wedding reception is almost over, so we recommend putting it no more than one hour before your grand exit. Most guests will stay until the cake is cut, so you don’t want people leaving too early.

04:15 – 04:45

MORE PARTYING + LAST DANCE

Now that the cake is cut and all the traditional wedding to-dos are complete, it’s time to party until the very end! About 15 minutes before it’s time to leave, wrap up the party with an official last dance song so you and your guests have time to prepare for the grand exit.

 

05:00

GRAND EXIT

While you two are saying your final farewells, your planner should be getting your guests in place for your grand exit. Whatever you choose, it will be amazing and the perfect way to end an epic wedding reception!