How long should the reception last?

I agree. While reading all of the posts I sent him an email letting him know that I will be going with someone else.

Our reception starts at 4:30 and goes til midnight or 1 (DJ is done at midnight) so ours is 7.5 hours including dinner. Our DJ is the same one that my sister had and he is only charging $500 for the entire night. My sister and her DH loved him. He had an unbelievable selection of music and was great behind the mic. He also had their drinks waiting for them when they came inside from the gardens once. He was a very nice guy.

Usually 5hrs

I am glad you are going with someone else. Sounds like a total rip off to me.

My wedding begins at 3 and reception isn't over until 9 (all in the same place) and the dj will be there the entire time for $400, so thats 6 hrs. Tell your DJ to go kick rocks and find a more reasonable one!

Typically 4-5 hours. Never heard of such a short reception before...2 hours. I call BS

The receptions in my family are long! Usually 6-8 hours! 2 hours is way too short! Glad you emailed him and told him to bug off!

I got married Memorial day wkn and my reception was 5-6 hrs and the dj only charged $400. Girl as long as the dj knows how to play the music and you have a hostess or host who will make sure he keeps on track you will be alright. Get your play list ready know. Make sure you use the songs on here they helped out a lot for my wedding music.

4-5 hours and my DJ is 500 for the four hours! he sounds like he's trying to screw you a little.

Ours is going to last 4 and a half hours 6:30pm to 11pm.

My dj is charging me $1700 for the ceremony, 6 hour reception, uplighting and the lighted monogram on the floor too. Ends up being a really good deal because uplighting is so expensive!

Most receptions tend to last between 4-5 hours. Here's a typical break-down:

Cocktails - 1 hour

Dinner - 1 hour

Formal dances, cutting cake, garter/bouquet - 30 min.

That's already 2 1/2 hours of your reception. That leaves you with about two or three 45 minute dance sets, to round it off to 4 or 5 hours.

I always recommend going for 4 hours... and if the party is really hopping, go for the fifth hour. Otherwise, stick to 4 and let your guests walk away "wanting more"...

At least 4 - 6 hours including dinner