Reception

All weddings are different.  Some weddings are very formal, elegant, and last all day.  Others are casual, simple, and only a few hours.  There are no two weddings that will ever be the same.  So when planning your reception there are some things to take into consideration when planning your timeline. 

What Time is Your Reception?

Timing can play a huge factor.  If you have a 7:30 PM wedding ceremony, your reception won’t begin until 8:00 PM at the absolute earliest and most likely will be closer to 8:30 PM.  Your reception is most likely not going to be more than 4 hours long and many guests who have children or are elderly may even want to leave earlier around 10:00 PM.  Along with time, the day of the week is also important.  If you are having a Sunday wedding, many people will be waking up early for work the next day.  

What Do You Want Included?

Think of how much time you will need.  First, you need to decide if you’re doing a grand entrance, which most brides and grooms do, and if you’re going to have a special dance or go immediately to dinner.  Dinner (or lunch) usually takes about an hour depending on how many guests you have. After dinner, there are several traditions you can have or skip.  There is cake cutting, toasts, bouquet toss, garter toss, dollar dance, father daughter dance, mother son dance, the bride and groom’s first dance, and of course open dancing for your guests to enjoy the party!  Sitting down and deciding which of these you want to have in your reception and then talking with the professionals about how much time each section takes and how much time you have with your vendors. 

How Much Time Do You Have Covered?

Your reception timeline may also be based on your budget.  When you book a professional DJ, photographer, videographer, catering, planner, bartender etc, you will most likely be booking a set number of hours.  If you have your DJ for 5 hours but your photographer for only 3 and video for 2, you need to make sure the majority of your special moments are done within those 2 hours with your video.  This is something to plan and discuss with each of your vendors to make sure adequate time is planned and your special moments are made a priority. 

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