While most wedding receptions include the same flow of festivities, the order of these moments can vary depending on the couple’s preferences. Outlining the order of your wedding reception can help reduce the stress of the day. With a timeline to follow, every vendor and party member can stay on track.
Planning your timeline can also help you notice any details you may have missed, so everything is wrapped up and taken care of before the big day. In this article, we’ve outlined an hour-by-hour traditional wedding day timeline to give you an idea of what your layout may be to help you plan the perfect wedding reception timeline.
While wedding reception timelines usually include…
- Dinner service
- First dance
- Father-daughter dance
- Cake cutting
- Bouquet toss and garter toss
- Speeches and toasts
- Dinner service
- Cutting the cake
- And the first dance!
…it’s easy to change this timeline to fit in with your idea of your day! Whether it’s based on the times available at your wedding venue, how late your friends might want to celebrate with you, or even local noise ordinances, you can make the perfect wedding reception outline for you and your partner.
Traditional Wedding Reception Order Of Events
Cocktail Hour
What it is: Cocktail hour in an evening wedding reception timeline (or really any wedding reception) is normally held immediately after the ceremony. This is the kickoff to the reception, normally with an open bar. If your event is catered, the catering staff may use this time to distribute hors d’oeuvres.
How long it lasts: Typically one hour.
For guests: Guests are encouraged to mingle, visit the bar for drinks, enjoy appetizers if they are provided, and generally get into a celebratory mood.
For the couple: The couple may prefer to mingle with reception guests, but often your photographer will be taking pictures of the now-married couple.
Invitation to Dinner
What it is: In a traditional wedding reception timeline, this step may seem small but is actually very important. Having a loved one, wedding planner, or venue staff announce that it’s time for guests to make their way to their seats neatly wraps up the cocktail hour. This help keeps the wedding reception timeline on track, while still encouraging people to continue celebrating.
How long it lasts: Time for the invitations to dinner in a wedding reception timeline typically allows fifteen minutes for the announcement and guests to find their seats.
For guests: Guests should be finding their seats with a provided seating chart or name plates or both.
For the couple: If the couple was involved in taking photos, this would be the time that photos are wrapped up with the wedding party. For this portion of the timeline, the couple stays in the background, preparing for the grand entrance and the rest of the ceremony.
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Newlywed Entrance
What it is: When all the guests have found their seats and are settled, the newly married couple is introduced to the entirety of the guests, with moments allowed for celebration during the entrance and introduction.
This may be preceded by announcing the wedding party members, depending on the choices of the couple for their wedding. Some couples choose to make a more flashy entrance with a special dance or upbeat songs during the entrance. (Read: Our Favorite Grand Entrance Songs)
How long it lasts: The announcements and entrance should take around ten minutes, though may take a bit longer if the wedding party members are being announced, as well.
For guests: There are no expectations from guests at this point aside from being attentive and giving their congratulations as they see fit.
For the couple: The couple will do their entrance–and can make it as simple or elaborate as they would like.
First Dance
What it is: The first dance is a wedding tradition that is still strong. Whether you choose to dance for a full song or fade it out after a few minutes, the first dance is a chance to show off your closeness as a new couple for all of your family and friends.
Some couples choose to include the guests after having just a minute or two of their first dance solo. This gives the chance to get some energy going among all of the guests and the wedding party before everyone sits down to dinner.
How long it lasts: If the couple is dancing solo to a song, this may last up to five minutes. However, if the guests will be involved with dancing, the time should be adjusted accordingly.
For guests: Guests typically will be sitting and observing the couple as they dance their first dance, although after a few minutes the couple may invite guests to the dance floor. Join them!
For the couple: This is the chance for the couple to show off a little bit, or to simply bask in each other and the closeness for a few moments before the rest of the evening commences. The main intent is to enjoy yourself and your partner and the moments you are sharing.
Welcome Speech and Toasts
What it is: This is a great opportunity for the couple to say anything they may want to say to the whole of the attendees, including thank yous for attending, thank yous to the wedding party, or even thank yous to one another.
Others may make toasts, as well. While it’s traditional for parents to make toasts that thank everyone for being present–as well as inviting guests to begin dinner–this can be done by whomever the couple deems appropriate.
How long it lasts: Typically only about five minutes if just the couple is speaking. That said, if more people will be making a toast, time can be extended.
For guests: Guests are mostly sitting and listening for this part of the timeline, though sometimes salad or first courses are being served. In more non-traditional weddings, some guests may make toasts, though before the dinner it should be kept short.
For the couple: The couple may be standing at their seats or in front of the head table, and should continue standing for the duration of the announcement and toasts.
Dinner Begins
What it is: Providing dinner for the wedding guests is a strong tradition that can be done in a number of different ways. The wedding may be fully catered with a traditional three-course dinner that is served to guests at their table, with meal choices being chosen when the RSVP is returned to the couple. This might also be the time while the bar is shut down for restocking (which usually has to happen for at least 30 minutes–1 hour during any wedding).
It may be buffet-style dining, and if this is the case clear menu boards should be set up where the line for the buffet will be, including lists of ingredients that may trigger allergies. Family-style dining at weddings is also becoming more popular and allows people more opportunities for mingling.
How long it lasts: Dinner is normally allotted around forty-five minutes depending on the serving style. The number of guests may also affect this time, as smaller groups will require less time for everyone to receive their plate.
For guests: This is the time for guests to chatter amongst themselves or get to know people seated near them. Toasts may be made in-between courses, or after the initial line for the buffet has run through.
For the couple: The couple will dine at this time as well, usually seated at a head table or in a particular spot where they can be approached and seen. They may also take this time to make rounds to thank attendees.
Wedding Party Toasts
What it is: During the dinner, the best man and maid-of-honor are encouraged to make their toasts to the couple. Toasts are normally kept short, between two to four minutes apiece, and while they may get emotional, should be kept lighthearted and fun. Spreading the toasts out helps to keep guests engaged and involved while they are dining, and helps to keep the wedding vibe flowing into the next event.
How long it lasts: Typically lasting for ten minutes, wedding party toasts may run longer if there are surprise toasts or if a lot of emotion is involved. This time is encouraged to be broken up over the course of the dinner.
For guests: Guests can take this time to make toasts of their own, although people should be mindful of running long or skewing the wedding timeline too much. Guests should also be respectful of those making toasts, and keep chatter or plate re-filling to a minimum during this time.
For the couple: The couples’ role in this part of the timeline is simply to sit and listen to all of the wonderful things said, and take inspiration from those who love them.
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Parent or Family Dances
What it is: If father-daughter and/or mother-son dances are occurring, they often happen towards the end of dinner service. This also signifies to the guests that dinner is wrapping up, and the rest of the reception is beginning. After the parent dances have wrapped up, you’ll sometimes have the bouquet and garter tosses. However, it’s becoming increasingly common to skip these traditions, so if the bouquet and garter tosses aren’t quite your style, don’t feel compelled to include them in your reception schedule.
How long it lasts: Normally ten to fifteen minutes is allotted for parent dances, before the rest of the guests are invited to make their way to the dance floor, revisit the dessert table, or wander back to the open bar.
For guests: Respectful courtesy of the parent dances is all the guests need to be attentive.
For the couple: Parent dances are the opportunity for each member in the couple to share some special time with the person who helped guide them to this moment in their life and allow the parent to drink in some of that happiness. Every parent wants to see their child happy and content, take this opportunity to encourage them that you feel happy and loved.
Dance Floor Opens
What it is: At this point in the timeline, all guests are encouraged to get on the dance floor and enjoy some reception music! This is usually a much-anticipated part of a wedding.
In many cultures, this is a time for specific group dances of celebration and love to be shown, for all of the guests to view or participate. Some people love to have dance games at this time, or they may even try to group dances.
How long it lasts: Normally a dance floor at a wedding will stay open and active for around two hours.
For guests: This is your chance to have fun! Join the couple on the dance floor, have another drink, and celebrate.
For the couple: Your wedding has been going great, and it’s time to enjoy it with friends and family. Your photographer might also steal you for some night-time shots before they head out for the night.
Cake Cutting
What it is: If father-daughter and/or mother-son dances are occurring, they often happen towards the end of dinner service. This also signifies to the guests that dinner is wrapping up, and the rest of the reception is beginning. After the parent dances have wrapped up, you’ll sometimes have the bouquet and garter tosses. However, it’s becoming increasingly common to skip these traditions, so if the bouquet and garter tosses aren’t quite your style, don’t feel compelled to include them in your reception schedule.
How long it lasts: Normally ten to fifteen minutes is allotted for parent dances, before the rest of the guests are invited to make their way to the dance floor, revisit the dessert table, or wander back to the open bar.
For guests: Respectful courtesy of the parent dances is all the guests need to be attentive.
For the couple: Parent dances are the opportunity for each member in the couple to share some special time with the person who helped guide them to this moment in their life and allow the parent to drink in some of that happiness. Every parent wants to see their child happy and content, take this opportunity to encourage them that you feel happy and loved.
Last Song
What it is: The last song signifies that the night is over and guests may make their exit at any point. This is a chance for a final slow dance with loved ones, or a final fun dance with any guests remaining to give a great conclusion to the evening.
How long it lasts: Five minutes.
For guests: Enjoy your last moments of the wedding if you’ve made it to the last song.
For the couple: Have fun with this in whatever way you choose!
Grand Exit
What it is: Even if you have had the best wedding event ever, at this point you are likely ready for your responsibilities to be completed and just enjoy your time with your new spouse. To signify the end of the wedding, many couples will plan a grand exit to their awaiting getaway car, with guests standing outside the venue to cheer, throw flowers, blow bubbles, ignite sparklers, or whatever fun thing you choose as the couple emerges from the venue.
How long it lasts: Five minutes.
For guests: You are sending your friends or family member off to a happy life, so invest your energy into that sendoff with laughter, cheers, and voracious fanfare. If accessories are involved, make sure you have those prepared.
For the couple: Your only responsibility now besides making it to the car is letting your guests see how happy you are now that you are as one.
Enjoy the Afterparty!
What it is: More and more couples are choosing to forgo or postpone their honeymoon and will move on to an afterparty after the main wedding reception has completed. This may be at a private residence, at the same venue, or at a bar or restaurant.
How long it lasts: This is fully at the couples’ discretion, and the extent the location will allow.
For guests: Have fun responsibly!
For the couple: Enjoy yourselves and your newfound happiness.
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Modern or Non-Traditional Wedding Reception Timeline
Above all, your wedding should be your own and you should not feel as if you have to adhere to someone else’s timeline. Leave things out or add things in as you see fit, and move the timeline to work well with what you want your evening to be.
Accommodations may be made in certain cases, but mostly it should be the night that you want it to be. Below are some ideas for different modern and non-traditional wedding reception timelines.
Wedding Timeline for Cocktail-Style Receptions
Cocktail receptions skip the formal dinner and provide appetizers and buffet-style meals. The timeline may stay much the same, but since there’s not a formal dinner service, you will have to determine when you want to include the first dances, and speeches.
Cocktail-style wedding receptions are becoming increasingly popular. Having food stations for appetizers in lieu of catering can cut down on costs as well as provide more opportunities for guests to interact and enjoy themselves without the formality of sitting at an assigned table.
Wedding Reception Timeline for a Short Reception
If you want a shorter reception, there are many parts that can be cut out of the traditional wedding timeline. Some people will have cupcakes instead of a wedding cake to cut out the time of cutting and serving, or remove the pre-dinner cocktail hour, special dances, or toasts.
Wedding Reception Timeline for a Long Reception
For a longer reception, there are many places to add minutes to your wedding reception timeline. Allow guests a longer cocktail hour while the wedding party is taking photos, for example, or open up the floor for dancing for a longer time. Many couples will add fun things for their guests to do that may add to sentimental memories of the special night.
This can include such things as a photo booth or a message board, or even a favor with an email address for guests to send thank yous and positive messages after the party. You may even turn to your invited guests for suggestions on ways to extend their fun.
Evening Wedding Reception Timeline Example
Here is a quick snapshot of a traditional evening wedding reception timeline for a reception that begins at 5 p.m. after a ceremony. If you are managing your timeline yourself, having a copy of this and then updating it to meet your exact timeline desires can help you have an easier time with laying everything out.
- 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Cocktail Hour
- 6:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. Invitation to Dinner
- 6:15 p.m. - 6:25 p.m. Newlywed Entrance
- 6:25 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. First Dance
- 6:30 p.m. - 6:35 p.m. Welcome Speech and Toasts
- 6:35 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Dinner, with Wedding Party Toasts
- 7:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Parent or Family Dances
- 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Dance Floor Open
- 9:30 p.m. - 9:40 p.m. Cake Cutting
- 9:40 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. Last Song
- 9:45 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Grand Exit and Sendoff
Remember, nothing goes exactly as planned and the goal is to have a happy, fun night, so do not get caught up in trying to make your timeline perfect.
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How to Stick to Your Wedding Reception Timeline
- Make your wedding reception outline in advance. Do not rely on your memory or the picture of your perfect reception that is in your head to keep your reception going on time.
- Work with a wedding planner. To take the stress off of yourself, let a wedding planner design your timeline, making changes as you see fit.
- Get help from your wedding party. Let your best man or maid of honor take a part in running the show so you do not have to. A reliable party member can keep an eye on the time and how long certain things are taking.
- Give the wedding reception outline to your vendors. Let the people you have paid help you out with the timeline. DJs, caterers, and even the venue need to know your timeline anyway and can help keep things on track.
Wedding Reception Timeline FAQs
How long should a wedding reception be?
A typical wedding reception timeline lasts four to five hours, though it can depend on the couple and the venue.
How long after the wedding ceremony does the reception start?
If the reception is being held at the same venue as the ceremony, the reception may start immediately. If there is travel involved, typically guests are given at least 30 minutes to arrive at the next venue.
With some religious weddings, the ceremony might be in the morning or early afternoon, and the reception will follow at dinner.
What time should a wedding reception end?
If your wedding is going to invite families, keeping in mind bedtimes for children is good. 10 p.m. is a typical time for a wedding reception that is held on a weekend to end.
An Easy Outline For Your Wedding Reception
Trying to plan your big day can be tricky, especially if you’re not exactly sure how you’d like the ceremony or the wedding reception to go. From choosing the right wedding favors for your guests to penning the perfect words for your thank you cards, it’s understandable to want to make sure everything goes just as planned.
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