Reception Entrance – Even at small weddings, it’s nice to be introduced as you enter your reception since most of your guests were just at your cocktail hour. Some couples choose to go right into their first dance when they’re introduced, which can be a really sweet moment that brings everybody back to what the day is about.
Dinner – If you’re having a dinner buffet, be sure to allow plenty of time for guests to go through the line. Plated dinners don’t need quite as much time. Your caterer would be the best resource for determining how much time to allow for dinner.
Toasts – Speeches are typically given about 15 minutes before you anticipate guests will finish eating. We recommend limiting the toasts to a few key people and maybe even suggest that they limit their speech to “X” minutes each. Passing the mic around the crowd makes it really difficult for us to track who is speaking (& you never know what people are going to say!)
Cake Cutting – This usually takes about 5 minutes. Be sure to have a knife, fork, and small plate at your cake table be
forehand. It’s also a good idea to discuss whether you’ll smash the cake into each others’ faces!
Same Day Edit Video (if applicable) – Depending on the timing of your event, we typically show your Same Day Edit video after your cake cutting, however we need at least 90 minutes after your ceremony ends to put the video together. If it isn’t ready by the end of your toasts, then we suggest that you show it after your bouquet & garter toss since that’s the next point in time that your guests will all be focused.
First Dance – If you didn’t have your first dance as you entered your reception, this is typically when it is done. If your song is particularly long, you might ask your DJ or band to fade it out after a few minutes.
Father Daughter / Mother Son Dances – By the time your guests have watched 3 special dances in a row, they tend to fizzle out, so we recommend that you have your DJ or band shorten each song or fade out after a couple minutes.
General Dancing – This is usually when your DJ/Band will invite your guests out onto the dance floor.
Bouquet/Garter Toss – It’s a good idea to plan this within 30 minutes of general dancing, because some older guests like to watch it but don’t want to stay up really late.
Sunset Photos / General Dancing – If you would like sunset photos, you’ll want to be ready for them about 15 minutes before sunset is scheduled. The sun sets very late in the summer, so we suggest that you check a sunset calendar.