We have made a sample wedding reception timeline below. You can always rearrange the order to better suit you and your guests.
5pm: Cocktail Hour
After the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds will leave first followed by the bridal party and photographer. Most people use this time to take formal photographs. Your guests will start arriving at the reception for cocktails and the cocktail hour should begin as soon as the first guests arrive.
6pm: Newlywed’s Arrival
This is your grand entrance where you will arrive officially as husband and wife. The event coordinator will make sure your guests are seated before the emcee announces your arrival. Generally, the bridal party and both sets of parents are introduced first, followed by the entrance of the newlyweds.
6:10pm: First Dance
Since the spotlight is on you, this is the perfect time to step onto the dance floor and begin your first dance. Alternatively, you could also have the first dance after the first course is served or after the cake cutting.
6:20pm: Welcome and Blessing
Typically, the father of the bride welcomes everyone to the wedding reception and says table blessings.
6:30pm: Food service begins
The bride and groom and their parents are served first, this will allow them enough time to make table visits after their meals. The band will play light, conversation-friendly music to allow guests to socialize while they wait to be served.
7:00pm: Cheers & Toasts
The best man and maid of honor make their toasts at this time.
7:15pm: Father/Daughter, Mother/Son Dance
The groom and bride should have finished eating by now.
7:45pm: Dance floor open
The dance floor is open and now the party begins.
8:30pm: Bouquet Toss / Garter Toss
Any extra activities planned such as bouquet/garter toss and centerpiece giveaways can be done now.
9:00: Cake cutting
Cake served with coffee or tea
9:45pm: Last Dance
10:00: Final Farewell