Wedding Reception Timeline

A fun and stress-free wedding reception is aCake Cutting
well-planned wedding reception. A step-by-stepMichigan brides & grooms have found that the
timetable of events, and an experienced DJ /best time to cut their cake is immediately upon
Event Director to oversee them, will keep yourwalking into the room. If the cake will be served
party going.as a dessert course, it should always be cut right
Create a Timetableaway. If cake will be made available on buffet
Evening wedding receptions in southeast Michigantables for self-service, although not
typically begin at 6 p.m. and conclude at midnight.recommended, it can be cut after dinner,
Here's an EXAMPLE:Who Will Give Speeches and Toasts?
6 - 7:00 pm Guests arrive. Cocktails and horsOnce the Bridal Party is seated at the head table,
d'oeuvres are served.toasts can begin immediately. Speeches which
7:00 - 7:15 Guests are seated. Bridal Party isaccompany toasts should be kept between 2-5
introduced into the room. Bride andminutes. It is VERY IMPORTANT to do all
Groom enjoy their "Grand Entrance". Cake is cut.speeches, toasts and grace consecutively. It is
Bridal party isseated at head table.very difficult to interrupt your guests' table
7:15 - 7:30 Toasts are made. Grace is said.conversations multiple times.
7:30 - 8:40 Dinner is served.Traditional Order of toasts, speeches & grace:
8:40 - 8:59 Dinner is cleared while Bride & Groom? Father (or mother) of the Bride (IF he/she so
pose for photos and visit with guests. Guests aredesires)
free to stretch, visit restrooms; go outside to? Father (or mother) of the Groom (IF he/she so
smoke, call home, etc. DJ gathers bridal party fordesires),
the special dances.? Best Man
8:59 - 9:00 Special introductions (usually? Maid or Matron of Honor (increasingly popular)
grandparents)? Anyone else who wishes to toast or give a
9:00 - 9:15 Bridal dancesspeech (Remember, less is best!)
9:15 - 9:45 Dance & party music? Bride and Groom (If they want to thank their
9:45 - 10:00 (OPTIONAL) Bouquet & garter toss.guests, etc.)
Anniversary Dance? Grace (Always last. Usually said by clergy,
10:00 - 12:00 Dance & Party Musicparent or grandparent)
Important Considerations…Bridal Dances
Regarding your HallAvoid the temptation of having too many
If you have invited out-of-town guests, and there"formal" dances. If you want to share a special
is more than an hour between the ceremony anddance with your grandmother, for example, it is
the reception, ask your reception hall what time itbest to do it while guests can also dance.
will open its doors and if you'll be charged forRemember, your guests' attention will wander if
asking staff to open early for your visiting guests.asked to watch the newlyweds dance with
Remember to share opening and closing timeseveryone special to them.
with your vendors, too.Order of Dances:
Bridal Dance AlternativeBride & Groom
Occasionally, the bride and groom will choose toBridal Party (Including parents, flower girls, etc.)
do their bridal dance immediately upon beingFather - Daughter Dance
introduced into the hall. This has becomeMother - Son Dance
fashionable in New York City where, due to timeEverybody Dance (All of your guests are invited
constraints, wedding receptions generally last 3-4to join the newlyweds for aslow dance.)
hours. However, in Michigan, where weddingRemember to use the timeline and considerations
receptions are much longer, it is best for the bridelisted here as examples. Tap into the knowledge
and groom to enjoy their first dance after dinner,of wedding professionals to help guide you toward
thus inviting other guests to join the partya timeline that works best for your wedding
immediately following.reception.