photo by Jami Laree
There are so many things that happen during a wedding reception that it can definitely feel overwhelming to fit everything into a nice, balanced flow. Well, that’s where we come in! We’ve created the ultimate wedding reception timeline to help you visualize the overall flow of the party and plan each section by chunks of time.
This wedding reception timeline is based on a 5-hour cocktail hour + reception, but it can be easily adapted to fit any timeframe. It also includes some of the most popular reception traditions, which you can swap or remove to fit your vibe.
00:00 – 01:00
Cocktail Hour
The cocktail hour is typically the starting event of most wedding receptions and begins either immediately (if the ceremony is at the same venue) or about half an hour after the ceremony if guests need to travel. Not only is the cocktail hour the best transition from “I do” mode to party mode, but it also serves as a time killer for your guests while you’re away taking photos. Despite the name, the cocktail “hour” can actually last as long as you want/need, but we do recommend it’s at least an hour to give all your guests plenty of time to settle in and prepare for your big arrival. Not sure where to start for planning your cocktail hour" Have no fear…we’ve got 8 tips for a killer cocktail hour!
01:00 – 01:15
Couple’s Arrival + First Dance
Once you and your partner’s newly...