How long from start to finish?

Receptions typically last around four hours in the US, so 6:30-11 should be fine.

I think that sounds fine overall

The length of the reception is up to personal preference. Countless brides on forums say they wish the event lasted longer than the standard 4 hours. Also, it makes more sense to have an extended party in one location if possible than ending early just to have a 4-5 hour afterparty when a venue offers unlimited time or 2am curfew, etc. Some people are still in party mode at 6am.


What type of dinner are you having? Plated, buffet, stations? Unless you have 1000 or more guests, I have a difficult time visualizing why it takes that long. A reputable caterer can feed a crowd in a half hour or less, not counting the period when they are eating, which does not need to be rushed. You can have other events during the dinner period. Toasts, spotlight dances, cake cutting, etc. You have the dance floor open for a longer period that way.
Since you mentioned your guests are the fun loving type, keep dinner on the shorter side.
If you having food stations (interchangeable with heavy appetizers that make a meal), they will be open for a longer period (closer to your original projected time slot) with the freedom to eat, dance, mingle when guests want without being tied down for a 2 hr block.
Unless your venue has a set start and end time when you must be out to accommodate the next couple, take advantage of all the time they allow you.

I would check your contract with your vendors. My venue only gives us 5 hours of event time. So we will be 4:30-9:30 for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.
I know my DJ and photographer have set number of hours in their contracts with fees for over those time frames.

I think you timeline looks good. Our reception was about 4 hours and, though it was probably enough time, I could have always gone longer.

The timeline looks good. The length for dinner will depend on the number of guests you have and whether plated versus buffet. Our ceremony starts at 5:30 and the reception ends at 11. It’s a little different for us because we’re having a destination wedding in Vegas. Once you walk out of our venue’s doors, you’re in the center of the casino floor. So the night can certainly continue! 🥳

I think that sounds about right!

View Quoted Comment How fun!!! Congrats and have a blast!

That sounds perfect!

That's a similar timeline to mine. 7:30 pm to 1:30 am. I think it's great to have enough time to party. it's your WEDDING lol enjoy

Looks great but check with your venue on the times. Our venue has a 10pm cut off & we are given 8 hrs. We arrive @ 2 & he’s getting there @ 230. That gives us time for pics of “getting ready” before the guests start arriving at 330 & the ceremony starting at 4.

That’s sounds great and definitely manageable!

Ours is 5-11

Ceremony at 5
Cocktail hour 5:30-6:20

Dinner 6:30-7:30 (we will do special dances and cake while people finish dinner)
Open Dance floor-7:30