Wedding Reception Timeline

You have finally said your wedding vows and got over the butterflies in your stomach. It's now time to enjoy and celebrate your holy matrimony. You want all your guests to remember your wedding reception party forever. In order to host the best wedding reception party, you'll need to plan a wedding reception timeline.

Wedding reception timeline and wedding planning are very crucial for hosting a fabulous party. Wedding reception timeline helps you to decide the various events that should follow in a systematic manner. Printing the wedding reception schedule on the invitations you give to your guests, will help them know how the evening will unfold. It helps the wedding party members to know what are their roles during the reception and helps avoid any last minute confusion. Everyone is aware when food is to be served, toast by the best man, cutting the cake, etc. will take place at what time.

The following schedule will help you know how to plan your timeline for the wedding reception.

Timeline for Wedding Reception

Cocktail Time- 5.00 pm: It's time for the newly weds to click their wedding photographs after they say, "I Do". The guests follow the couple towards the reception area for cocktails. The reception starts with the serving of cocktails. It usually lasts for about an hour. Cocktails are served with appetizers and helps people mingle among each other. Before leaving the venue, the couple and their parents along with the bridal party line up for the customary greetings with the guests.

Grand Arrival & First Dance - 6.00 pm: The coordinator makes sure the guests are seated and announce the arrival of the newly weds. The parents of bride and groom are introduced, followed by the announcement of the couple as 'Mr & Mrs.' for the first time. The newly weds make a grand entrance. This is the perfect time to step on the floor for your first dance. The father-daughter and mother-son dance can be kept on hold until after the meal.

Welcomes and First Toast - 6.20 pm: After the first dance, with all eyes still set on the couple, it's the right time for the father of the bride to say the welcome speech and thank the guests for gracing the occasion with their presence. Then someone from the family can say the blessings. The toasts will be given by the best man and the maid of honor between the courses. This helps to maintain the emotion quotient and to keep everyone in their seats.

Serving the First Course - 6.45 pm: If you are having a seated meal, then advise the band to play subdued music, so that it won't disturb the guests during conversations. The bride and groom can also sit and eat their food during this time.

Time to Groove - 7.30 pm:The DJ announces the couple on the floor. The couple should dance one entire song. The DJ may also invite the bridal party during the second half of the song. The extra activities like throwing the bouquet, centerpiece giveaways and any other activity you would like to include can be done during the jamming session. The guests can then join in the dance.

Cutting the Cake- 8.15 pm: Cake cutting signals the guests that it is now OK to leave the party. Therefore, plan the cake cutting about an hour before the conclusion of the reception. The catering staff can serve the cake with coffee and/or champagne at the tables.

Newly Weds Thank You Speech- 8.30 pm: It is a very nice gesture, if the newly weds thank the parents and their guests.

Last dance- 8.40 pm: The father-daughter and mother-son dance followed by all the guests on the dance floor will end the reception on a high note. Choose a festive and fast number to get everyone grooving and twisting.

Final Farewell- 9.55: The coordinator should usher everyone on the foyer or the steps outdoors and the couple makes a grand exit from the reception. Friends and family can throw confetti, blow bubbles, rose petals and light sparklers and cheer the couple for a successful future together.

The wedding reception timeline can be changed according to your convenience. It is always better to have a wedding reception timeline and schedule planned as it will help keeping you in a relaxed mood. It will help you fit in everything and won't make anyone feel left out. It's time to be merry and scream, ' Just Married'.