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Apr 19, 2024 · This sample wedding reception timeline is based on a traditional cocktail hour and a 4-hour wedding reception, to give you an hour-by-hour guide to all the post-ceremonial events. Note that we've started the cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. for this reception itinerary example, but you can, of course, start your event at any time!
- Last Dance
Cap off your wedding reception on a memorable note by...
- Timelines
This typical wedding day timeline for a 5 p.m. ceremony is...
- Last Dance
- Receiving Line
- Cocktail Hour
- Guests Enter The Reception
- Wedding Party Entrance
- Newlyweds' Grand Entrance
- First Dance
- Welcome Speech
- Reception meal/dinner
- Toasts and Speeches
- Special Dances
This tradition may seem a bit outdated to some (particularly during COVID times), but if you're planning on having a receiving line (when guests form a line to greet the newly-married couple one by one), it would take place before the reception, either at the ceremony venue or as guests are entering the reception site.
The cocktail hour is a time for guests to enjoy a beverage or two, some hors d'oeuvres, and conversation, but it also serves as a buffer between the wedding ceremony and reception. This is particularly important if your ceremony and reception are taking place at different locations, as it allows some time for your guests to travel between venues (y...
As cocktail hour comes to a close, the doors to the reception space are opened and guests are encouraged to enter the space and find their tables. Hopefully, your guests will have retrieved their escort cards or looked at a seating chart sign during cocktail hour to make the process quick and seamless.
While guests are filing into the reception room, the wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, bridesmen, groomsladies, flower girls, and ring bearers) and immediate family members are lining up to make their grand entrance. The DJ or band will play some upbeat music and introduce the couple's parents and wedding party members as the VIPs dance into t...
Guests are asked to stand up and cheer as the newlyweds are introduced and enter the reception to a celebratory tune. The couple may then take their place on the dance floor for the first time as a married couple.
According to a recent WeddingWire study, 90 percent of couples performed a first dance during their wedding reception, making it the most popular wedding tradition. At some weddings, couples perform their first dance immediately after entering the reception—at others, they'll wait until after dinner. At Jewish weddings, the hora (a lively circle da...
This is a nice opportunity for the newlyweds and/or their parents (the hosts of the event) to briefly thank all of their guestsfor attending the big day. Any blessings or prayers to be said before the reception meal will also be offered at this time.
Time to eat! Whether you're serving your reception meal as a plated dinner, family style, or buffet style, it's best to let guests eat shortly after entering the party. This way, they'll be able to fuel up for dancing—no one wants a group of hangry revelers!
Speeches and toasts are typically given as guests are enjoying the reception meal—they're already sitting down and are more likely to be attentive during this time. Usually, the order of wedding reception speeches goes as follows: The best man goes first, followed by the maid of honor, and parents of either spouse (traditionally, this spot is reser...
After the toasts, the couple and their parents hit the dance floor. Parent dances may include the father-daughter dance and/or the mother-son dance. According to the WeddingWire study, 59 percent of couples include parent dances as part of their wedding reception.
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Jun 22, 2023 · The standard wedding reception is composed of a one-hour cocktail party and a four-hour reception usually centered around a meal.That said, there’s still plenty of flexibility to make it your ...
- Raven Mcmillan
Apr 8, 2023 · Here is the best wedding reception timeline (4 hours – 5 hours including cocktail hour): 5:00 pm – Cocktail hour (About 1 hour) 5:45 pm – Guests start making their way to seats in the reception venue. 6:10 pm – Introductions. 6:15 pm – First dance.
Oct 27, 2023 · Bride and Groom: The bride and groom are seated at the head table. Father of the Bride or Groom: Usually the father of the bride gives a welcoming speech thanking everyone for attending. However, some couples prefer to do this themselves. Bride and Groom: The bride and groom are seated at the head table enjoying their dinner.
Wedding Reception Timeline Ideas + Template. Use these examples and customizable templates to craft the perfect order of events for your wedding reception timeline. Wedding receptions are constantly changing. What once was a post-ceremony gathering with finger foods and punch, transformed into a four-hour dinner party, and is still evolving as ...
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