What is the Order of Doing Things at the Reception?

What is the order of doing things at the reception?

When should we do things like cutting of the wedding cake? the throwing of the flowers and garter?

Answer by Diane:

There are general ways of how the order of a wedding reception goes, but if you want to change things up, go ahead, it's your wedding after all!

However you choose the flow of the wedding reception to go, make sure that everyone knows the plan for the evening including the wedding party, dj, caterer, etc.

One thing that might be a good idea is to make a list of your decided order of events and try to place an approximate start and end times for each event or activity. In this way you will be able to create a basic timeline to help keep your wedding on track.

You should also include as much detail as possible in your list so that questions and confusion can be minimized during during the wedding reception.

Each wedding reception will be different in its timing due to traditions included, themes, etc. but you can get some help with the timing by thinking of weddings that you have attended in the past.

Was there enough time for guests to eat, was there too much standing around time for them, were the speeches long and drawn out, etc.

Ask your wedding caterer as to how much time you should alot for the meal. This will depend on how much food is being served (and how many servers you will have working that day) and how many guests you will be having at your wedding reception.

You can also ask your site coordinator for help with a timeline as they might have samples of timelines used in the past.

And don't forget your dj or bandleader, who can also serve as your Master or Ceremonies and keep the wedding reception on track.

5:30pm - It is a nice idea to serve your arriving guests cocktails and perhaps some light finger foods while they are awaiting your arrival at the reception (usually after the ceremony, you'll be whisked away for photographs).

6:00pm - When you and your wedding party arrive, you might want to assemble the receiving line and greet your guests. Photos of the bride and groom can also be taken at this time.


After the receiving line, your guests can find their seats at the wedding reception tables.

7:00pm - When all your guests are seated, your MC can make the introduction of the parents and wedding party as well as the grand entrance and introduction of the Bride and Groom.

At this time, you can choose to have your first dance now or you can choose to go right to dinner and have the dance after eating.

7:30pm - Have someone give the blessing before dinner. You can choose a close family member or your minister, etc. if you invited them to the wedding reception.

Dinner is served...believe me you are going to be hungry!!! As well as your guests! Some couples have speeches prior to eating, but I find that your guests will listen better on a full tummy.

8:30pm - You could have your speeches at this time. It is a good idea that you limit speeches to only the major players of the bridal party (i.e. parents, best man, maid/matron of honour) and not let it drag on too long.

9:00pm - Some couples choose to cut the cake and serve it as desert at this time, but then others start with the dancing instead.

At this time, you can have the couple's first dance if you didn't do it prior when first introduced.

You can then continue on with the special dances such as the father/bride dance and mother/son dance as well as the wedding party (if you wish).

The dance floor can then be opened up to all of your guests.

9:30pm - Have the cutting of the cake, if you didn't do it already.

10:00pm - Have the bouquest toss (if desired)

10:15pm - Have the garter toss (if desired)

10:30pm - The dancing starts again. Mingle with your guests.

11:30pm - The couple's last dance and departure from the wedding reception.

Hope this helps you!

Take care and best wishes always,

Diane