How Long Should Your Wedding Reception Last?
The typical reception last 4 hours from the end of the wedding to the grand send off of the newly married couple
Here is the order of events that we use at our wedding receptions at The Orchards Event Venue in Pensacola, (note that this timeline begins after the ceremony has already taken place). It all begins with the cocktail hour, this is a time for your guests to enjoy a beverage or two, some hors d'oeuvres, and conversation, but it also serves as a buffer between your ceremony and reception. Many newlyweds opt to take their portraits during cocktail hour, but you can also take photos before the ceremony if you're okay doing your "first look" then.
Next, is guests enter the reception”, as the cocktail hour ends, the doors to the reception space are opened and guests are encouraged to enter the space and find their tables.
Once all your guest is in your reception area, it time for the wedding party grand entrance, the DJ or band will play some upbeat music and introduce each of your parents and the wedding party members. At this point is up to you and your new spouses whether you choose to have everyone form a line around the dance floor to watch your first dance or take your seats.
Note that a wedding party entrance is not mandatory—if desired, you can skip it and go straight to the next step...
Some couples choose to only have the newlyweds' grand entrance, if you go this route then have the DJ or band ask the guest to stand up and cheer as the newlyweds are introduced and enter the reception to a celebratory tune. The couple may then take their place on the dance floor for the first time as a married couple
Next is the welcome speech, this is a nice opportunity for you and/or your parents (the hosts of the event) to briefly thank all your guests for attending the big day. Any blessings or prayers to be said before the reception meal will also be offered at this time. Thank goodness, it is time to eat! Whether you're serving your reception meal as a plated dinner, family style, or buffet style, it's best to let guests eat shortly after entering the party.
After all your guest are situated, speeches and toasts are typically given as guests are enjoying the reception meal—they're already sitting down and are more likely to be attentive during this time. Usually, the order of wedding reception speeches goes as follows: The best man goes first, followed by the maid of honor, and parents of either spouse (traditionally, this spot is reserved for the father of the bride, but any parent/host can speak). Each speech should be brief, between one and two minutes, with three minutes being the max. The couple may also give a thank-you speech at this time
After the toasts, the couple and their parents hit the dance floor. Parent dances may include the father-daughter dance. According to the WeddingWire study, 59 percent of couples include parent dances as part of their wedding reception. After, this opens the dance floor to all your guests—it’s time to dance the night away! The DJ or band will create a playlist featuring both upbeat songs and romantic ballads to draw all your guests to the dance floor.
After your guests have had a chance to cut loose, the wedding cake will be brought to the dance floor for the cake cutting. The newlyweds will cut the first slice of wedding cake together and feed it to each other. Dancing will then continue as the cake is served to guests.
If you're planning on doing a garter and/or bouquet toss, it will require another break in the dancing. While some couples and their guests enjoy this tradition, others find it a bit gendered and dated. It's up to you whether you'd like to include these as part of your wedding day.
Unfortunately, it’s almost time for the reception to end. Your DJ or bandleader will announce the last dance so you and your guests can gather on the dance floor. Whether you choose a slow song or an upbeat tune, this moment's sure to be a memorable one.
Whether you're opting for a sparkler send off or a more low-key goodbye, it's time for you and your new spouse to depart the reception. This is a great photo op, so make sure your photographer has time to set up the perfect shot!
Don’t forget if you’re doing an “After-Party”, immediately after the reception. Make sure your guests know when and where the party will be.
Till next time, Cynthia
Cynthia Farrar, Owner, and Venue Director of The Orchards Event Venue never knew when she purchased and began hosting weddings on the property how being a part of people’s weddings would change her life, and the lives of couples and families she is blessed to work with. She understands their anticipation: the moment couples are engaged; wheels start spinning with beautiful and memorable ideas. Her job is to assist in bringing those visions to life, along with her team who work side-by-side with each couple, every step of the way.
She finds her position at The Orchards Event Venue to be very gratifying and heartwarming. Every couple is unique, and they bring their own personalities to their wedding, and she leaves every wedding with special memories to cherish a lifetime.