The Ultimate Wedding Reception Timeline

Each wedding reception is as unique as the individuals getting married, but they all have at least one thing in common: A structured timeline. And while it may not sound romantic, a detailed “run of show” is a logistical necessity for the festivities surrounding the happily ever after of your wedding day. 

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 own; the couple, the cultures, the venue, and the wedding size all play an important role in how the night unfolds. The key here is to customize a timeline that makes sense within those parameters. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all schedule for weddings, we spoke with planners from all over the country to weigh in on a basic framework that works for just about any couple. 

Here, industry experts share an hour-by-hour rundown of the ultimate wedding reception timeline. 

Cocktail Hour 

First things first: Cocktail hour! Here is how to break down this initial portion of the reception.

Welcome Guests 

Lizzy Liz Chan, wedding planner and designer at Lizzy Liz Events, explains that with getting ready photos, first look, wedding party photos, and family photos completed before the ceremony, you get to enjoy conversations, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres during your cocktail hour.

Take Photos With Guests

While you likely have all the "big" photos behind you—first look, wedding party, family, etc.—this is a great time to snap casual photos with your guests as you sip cocktails and say hello!

Reception Hour 1 

Chan advises getting all the formalities done at the beginning of the reception so that you can get to the partying portion as soon as possible. Additionally, It’s important to get the main events done as early as you can if you have a time limit with your photographer or videographer.

The Grand Entrance 

At the beginning of the reception, the parents, the bridal party, and the couple are introduced. In traditional American weddings, this process might take five to 10 minutes depending on the size of the party. According to Lola Akingbade of MasterPlan Events, depending on the traditions you want to include, you may have to shift things a bit. “In a Nigerian wedding, this process takes much longer; anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes, as they are dancing in and when they get to the dance floor, ‘money spraying’ also takes place," she explains.

The First Dance

After the couple is introduced into the room, they usually have their first dance. “This allows the couple to have ‘something to do’ once they have been introduced,” says Camille Ross, wedding planner and owner of Elsie Event Co. “But save the parent dances for later as a way to organically kick up the dance floor post-dinner.” 

Welcome Speeches and/or Meal Blessing

Ross says the emcee will likely usher the parents up right after the first dance for a quick welcome speech which may be followed by prayer or blessing before dinner. “The officiant prayer is a way to keep guests at their seats, and the [catering] team can use it as a cue to begin service,” Ross shares. “It's also very common in any wedding where the couple and their families are religious.”

Meal Service

This is when the caterers should drop the first course. The cocktail hour should hold hungry guests over through the welcome formalities, but it's best to get the main meal started soon after so guests are occupied prior to the dance floor opening. 

Reception Hour 2 

As you head into the second hour of your reception, here's what you can plan for:

Change of Outfit

It’s quite common for modern brides to switch up their look for the reception. Slipping into something more comfortable just before dinner ends makes for a smooth transition for dancing the night away. Alternatively, couples may change into (or out of) traditional cultural outfits at this point.

Depending on how intricate your wedding ensemble is, Chan says you may have to factor in time for outfit changes as well. “Keep in mind, some Brides will have their MUAH [makeup and hair] artist onsite to do different hair changes and makeup touch-ups, so factor in glam time too!” 

Wrap-up Meal Service

To keep the momentum going (and so that the dining does not drag on for too long), Akingbade recommends swiftly moving on to the next item on the program once the last plate has been served. This should be the toasts or family dances; this way, the majority of guests have eaten, and the remaining guests can finish up.

Toasts

It’s wise to include buffers at this point in the evening–10 to 15 minutes of padding should be sufficient in case any speakers are long-winded. Giving a time limit to anyone who will give toasts is a good idea that will also help them from going on for too long.

Family Dances/Open Dance Floor

Family dances, such as the mother/son dance or father/daughter dance, are a great way to transition into the open dance floor since the couple is already on or near the floor. “Keep in mind, wherever the couple goes, people go,” Chan says. “So if you want to have your guests dance all night, then you need to be on the dance floor dancing ALL night too!”

Traditional Dances

From the experience of Renae Ouellette, director of catering and events for Conrad Washington, D.C., most large cultural weddings feature traditional dances or musical pieces. “Be sure to be deliberate about scheduling these within the reception time frame,” she says. “Ideally this would be before cake cutting so that the photographer is still present to capture the moment, but it ultimately depends on the couple and the tradition.”

Cake Cutting

Keep in mind that traditional wedding etiquette dictates that it’s acceptable to leave a wedding once the cake has been cut, so this formality is best placed after all the other key moments of the evening. 

Reception Hour 3 

Hour three of your reception is all about having fun! Ahead, learn how to break down this portion of the evening.

Games/Activities

This is the part of the night where the garter and bouquet toss would take place; many couples are including other reception games and activities throughout the event as well. This is a great time to encourage guests to visit the photo booth, for example!

Dancing

Many couples opt to keep the band or DJ going—and lots of guests will want to continue dancing! Feel free to have this happening while other activities are happening at the reception, too.

Reception Hour 4 

As your big day reaches its final hour, here's what you can plan for your guests:

Late-Night Bites

Late-night bites are now a common occurrence in many weddings, where another round of small snacks is passed or a food truck may make an appearance during the last hour.

Last Call

At almost any bar or event, the last call is the universal signal that things are winding down. You don't have to make it official, but if your venue has a sharp end time, it’ll help people prepare to start wrapping up. 

Last Dance and Grand Exit 

If you’re planning a dramatic departure, Ross says the last ten minutes of the evening is a good time to announce the exit plan. While the couple shares a private last dance, the guests should begin filing out in preparation for the grand exit. 

Bonus Hour 

This "bonus hour" period encompasses anything that happens after the official reception.

The After Party

From ceremony to reception, most wedding guests are tapped out around six hours of event time, but there are always a few folks ready to keep the party going. The easiest way to flow into the after-party is to simply pick a bar nearby ahead of time, spread the word, and let whoever wants to, show up finish the night strong.