Wedding Reception Timeline

Having a schedule for your wedding reception will help the night run smoothly. Here is a traditional timeline. Many wedding guests anticipate a similar timeline to occur. There is no harm in doing something different, but if you do, make sure that the guests know what to expect.

This schedule is based on an Open House Reception with a Reception Line :

• Bride and Groom welcoming and possible pictures/cocktail hour.
• Reception Line begins.
• Customary to have Bride and Groom and their parents.
• End of Reception Line.
• Options for ending the Reception Line:
• Wait until all remaining guests have made it through the line.
• Make an announcement that the Reception will continue to the next stage.
• Have previously stated an end time to the Reception Line.
• Bride and her father first dance.

• Often Groom and his mother also dance at this time.
• Groom takes Bride from her father for their first dance.
• Let Them Eat Cake: cut and serve the wedding cake.
• Bouquet and Garter Toss.
• If you are doing "dancing to follow," then it's time to dance!
• Final farewell to the Bride and Groom.

If you are doing a formal dinner reception, then here is a suggested timeline:

• Bride and Groom welcoming and possible pictures/cocktail hour.
• Welcome speeches and toasts.
• Typically Best Man followed by Maid of Honor.
• Dinner is served.
• Bride and her father first dance.
• Often Groom and his mother also dance at this time.
• Groom takes Bride from her father for their first dance.
• Let Them Eat Cake: cut and serve the wedding cake.
• Bouquet and Garter Toss.
• If you are doing "dancing to follow," then it's time to dance!
• Final farewell to the Bride and Groom.

Make your timeline fit your personality and the mood that you want for your reception.

Happy Planning!

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