Wedding planning can be both thrilling and overwhelming, especially when it comes to orchestrating the perfect reception. As you dive into the details of organizing your own unforgettable day, take a look at our sample wedding reception timeline below as a helpful starting point. Remember, every love story is unique, so every celebration should be as well! Use this timeline as inspiration or as a foundation to build on as you add your own personal touches. Work with your wedding planner to craft a reception timeline that meshes best with your vision, so that your special day unfolds just as you’ve dreamed!
COCKTAILS
1 HOUR: Depending on the logistics of your wedding, cocktail hour
typically begins immediately following the ceremony if your event is at
the same venue. Add travel time needed to reach the reception if it’s at a
different location.
INVITATION TO DINNER
15 MINS: Guests are invited to take their seats for dinner.
GRAND MARCH
10 MINS: The newlyweds are formally introduced to wedding guests.
Some couples opt to precede their entrance by introducing family or
wedding party members.
FIRST DANCE
5 MINS: Keep the energy high by transitioning straight into your first
dance with your new spouse! You can choose to dance for an entire song
or ask your band or DJ to fade out about two minutes in.
WELCOME TOAST
5 MINS: Family members, often the parents of the couple, or the
couple themselves, offer a reception welcome toast, thanking
guests and inviting everyone to enjoy the meal.
DINNER
45 MINS: Typically, dinner will last about 45 minutes, depending on the
meal service style you choose.
WEDDING PARTY TOASTS
10 MINS: In between courses, wedding party members
are usually invited to say a few words.
CAKE CUTTING
10 MINS: If you opt for a cake, this tasty event can be after the first dance if it
needs to be plated for your guests or shortly after dinner if it is a self-serve station.
