A Traditional Wedding Reception Timeline
Your wedding marks a day that changes your life forever. That’s why it’s so important to get the details right. Throughout the planning process we make it a point to learn about you, not just the music you want to hear. The crucial thing in planning an amazing wedding celebration is knowing what's supposed to happen when. So we've developed a timeline, based on a traditional Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour and a four-hour Reception, to give you an hour-by-hour guide to the day's events.
THE LIMOUSINE ARRIVES..
6:15pm | The Wedding Ceremony
The wedding ceremony is the moment that your entire wedding revolves around. The right music selection and lighting decor is essential in completing the overall atmosphere and mood of your wedding. We'll help you select the perfect music for your ceremony.
7:00pm | The Cocktail Hour
After being pronounced husband and wife, the newlyweds are often the first to leave the wedding ceremony, heading off (with photographer in tow) for pictures. Your guests will head to the reception site for cocktails. Depending on the logistics of the wedding, your cocktail hour will begin immediately (if the ceremony and reception are held at the same venue), or it might start more than half an hour later (if there's travel involved).
8:00pm | The Reception - Bride and Groom Arrive/First Dance
Here's the part where the bride and groom make their grand entrance. Our wedding coordinator will usually make sure guests are seated before the wedding DJ/MC alerts them to your imminent arrival. Generally, both sets of parents and the wedding party are introduced, followed by the announcement of the couple for the first time as husband and wife. In many cases, your newlywed first dance will begin as you step out onto the floor and into the spotlight after being announced.
8:20pm | Toasts
Following your first dance, you might want to take the opportunity -- while all eyes are still on you -- to thank everyone for taking part in your wedding. A family member, often a parent of the bride, will say a blessing (depending on the families' faiths). Keep in mind that the toasts given by the best man and the maid of honor should occur between courses, to spread out all the high-emotion.
8:30pm | Dinner
Time to dig into the main course. If you're having a seated meal, our DJ will play subdued, conversation-friendly background music as the waitstaff makes the rounds. If you're having a buffet, your wedding planner will dictate how the rotation will work by calling each table when it's time to head to the front of the line. Just remember: The bride and groom need to do everything possible to take their seats and eat!
9:30pm | Cake Cutting
Option 1 - About 15 minutes before the conclusion of dinner, before the party starts getting a little too rowdy and the bar starts getting a little crowded, your waitstaff should start preparing tables for dessert.
Option 2 - Cutting the cake towards the end of the night. Since the cake cutting generally signals guests that it's okay to leave soon thereafter, be sure not to do this too early or things could start wrapping up before you're ready.
9:45pm | Get Down!
Once dinner dishes are cleared, the newlyweds should be the first ones on the dance floor so people know it's time to start partying. This is a good time to do the bouquet toss, the garter toss, and whatever else you've dreamed up. If you do choose to toss the bouquet, make sure to get a tossing bouquet from the florist so you can keep your original one as a memento. Now that your guests are on the dance floor.. is PARTY TIME!!
11:55pm | Last Dance
End your wedding on a high note and choose a last dance song that will leave a lasting impression. You'll want everyone to have a chance for one last twirl, so select something fast and festive or slow and romantic.
Midnight | Final Farewell
Now the time has come to say good-bye. Our DJ/MC will wish the bride and groom a happy and successful future together.
