How many people are having a 4 hr reception...whats your timeline?

Thanks ladies these will help me as this is my goal to figure out this weekend!

I have been told it's a good idea to do the cake cutting right after dinner is served as everyone is still seated and paying attention to the bride and groom.That way you don't have to do it as people are around dancing or not paying attention.

Hope that helps

Cake cutting is different according to location. I agree, some areas do the cake cutting and serving right after dinner. Some locations cut it near the end of the night because that is an indication that the night is almost over. That is one of the reasons why I suggest to talk to your hall on timing ideas.

Same with the first dance. Some do it right after the intro before dinner. Some do their first dance right after dinner.

Check out this site. It gives a great outline for receptions for all different time lengths.

http://www.nuptialnet.com/timeline.htm

4 hr receptions are what I normally recommend:

First hour: Cocktails, Grand Entrance

Second Hour: Meal Service, Toast

Third Hour: Formal Dances, Cut the cake and start dancing

Fourth Hour: Bouquet and Garter, More Dancing!

Here's my timeline:

5:00-5:30ish Ceremony

5:30ish-7:00 Cocktail hour

7:00 Entrance of Bridal Party and First Dance

7:15 Best Man Toast

7:20-8:00 Dinner

8:00 Mother/Son Dance

8:10-9:15 Open Dancing

9:15 Cake cutting

9:30 Bouquet Toss

9:35-10:45 Open Dancing

10:45 Last Dance

Here's my timeline:

6:00-ceremony

6:20-6:45-cocktails/greet guests

6:55-grand entrance

7:00-dinner

7:40-cake cutting

8:00-1st dance

8:05-mother/son & father/daugther dance

8:10-midnight:open dancing and photo booth