WEDDING RECEPTION
ORDER OF EVENTS
The order of events for a wedding
reception found below is an example of a reception timeline that can be modified to fit your needs.
Keep in mind that the order and timing of your wedding reception events can vary depending upon your specific wedding style, your
wedding reception timeline, and your specific wants or needs. You should
always make a list of your desired order of events and determine the approximate start and end
times for each event or activity to create a basic timeline. Also, include as much
detail as possible in your list to minimize questions and confusion during the
wedding reception.
A copy of your wedding reception event list
and timeline should be given to those
involved in the wedding (key wedding party members and your family, facility and
event coordinators, cake decorator, caterer, D.J. or band, etc.) who will need
to know the what's and when's and where's of your wedding reception
order of events.
- Wedding Guests Arrive (The
Receiving Line may be at the wedding reception location or the wedding
ceremony location)
- Cocktail Period Starts
- Photographs of Bride and Groom
- Introduction of the Parents and Wedding Party
- Grand Entrance and Introduction of the Bride and Groom
- First Dance - Bride and Groom (Option 1)
*The above option eliminates a long break in the reception
activities. Also, since guests are not
supposed to dance until after the Bride and Groom have had their first
dance this can prompt earlier
dancing
- Blessing before Dinner - if desired
-
Wedding Toasts
- Dinner is Served
- Wedding Cake Cutting
- First Dance - Bride and Groom (Option 2)
- Special Dances - Bride with Father, Groom with Mother,
etc.
- Main Dance
- Bridal Bouquet Toss
- Bride's Garter Toss
- Dollar Dance - if desired
- More Dancing
- Last Dance - Bride and Groom
- Exit - Bride and Groom
- End of Wedding Reception
Back To The
Wedding
Planning Information
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