WEDDING SCHEDULING HACK: A MODERN RECEPTION TIMELINE

To avoid an inner Bridezilla escaping because of last-minute stress, we’ve put together a Wedding Day scheduling hack – the ultimate reception timeline that you can follow to make sure everything goes to plan. This one is based on a traditional five-hour event and details all of the important things like first dances, speeches and cake cutting. You can thank us later.

6:00pm  – Guests arrive and take their seat
6:15pm  – The emcee introduces the Bridal Party followed by the newlyweds
6:30pm  – Dinner service begins and entrees are brought out
7:00pm  – Entrée cleared and speeches begin
7:30pm  – While speeches continue, main is served

8:00pm   – Bride and Groom’s first dance, followed by the father/daughter dance
8:15pm   – Guests encouraged to join Bride and Groom on the dance floor
8:30pm   – Dessert is served
8:45pm   – Cake cutting begins
9:00pm   – DJ begins dance music
9:30pm   – Bridal bouquet and Groom garter toss
9:45 pm  – Dancing continues
10:45pm – Bride and Groom depart
11:00pm – Music ends and guests leave

This timeline is based on a traditional five-hour event, so if your event is longer or shorter than this, just use this schedule as a guideline. Remember, it’s your special day and things won’t always go to plan, so don’t stress if something doesn’t work!

Main image from Danielle and Scott’s Wedding. Photography by Akaphon Phototgraphy.