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Carole M (a.k.a "old tart")
Master October 2011

Is My Wedding/Reception Time Line Off? When to Toast?

Carole M (a.k.a "old tart"), on January 11, 2011 at 5:40 PM Posted in Planning 0 23

I just received an email from another wedding site and they mention that toasts should begin after the first course. This is how we planned it.

4:30 - 5:00 Ceremony

5:00 - 6:00 Cocktails and Appies

6:00 - Intro, First Dance, Toasts

6:30 - 7:30 Dinner

7:30 - Cut the cake

Immediately after cutting the cake, the DJ will play the first dance song...my fave....ROlling Stones' "Start Me Up".

So, while tradition dictates after the first course, am I totally doing it incorrectly?

Thanks in advance.

23 Comments

Latest activity by Carole M (a.k.a "old tart"), on January 12, 2011 at 4:30 PM
  • Susy
    VIP September 2011
    Susy ·
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    I personally think the only incorrect way to do it is the way that makes you uncomfortable. We are doing intro, first dance, dinner, cake cutting, then toasts and dances while people eat thier cake. I think your guests will just be so happy for you it won't matter.

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  • Joanna
    Super September 2010
    Joanna ·
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    We did

    ceremony

    cocktail/apps (while we were taking photos)

    cut the cake

    dinner

    toasts

    first dance

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  • Jennifer
    Master June 2011
    Jennifer ·
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    Wait.....you put at 6 for the intro, first dance and toasts but then you said after the cake cutting the DJ will play your first dance song? So you want that song played twice? Im confused.

    Im in the same situation with the timeline...how long do you have the reception hall for? can you extend the dinner a little longer? that way, you can mingle from table to table thanking people for attending.

    thats all I have so far Smiley smile

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  • Edwina
    Master August 2011
    Edwina ·
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    No!!! The right way is your way. This is what I'm doing.

    6:30- ceremony

    7:00- cocktail hour

    8:00- salad

    8:15-intro, first dance, father daughter dance,mother son dance,

    8:30-toast,dinner

    8:45-cake cutting/serving

    9:00- bouquet toss,garter toss

    9:15/9:30-12- dance party

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  • Edwina
    Master August 2011
    Edwina ·
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    Jennifer she said the first dance song meaning the first song that people will dance to. It took me awhile to understand too. I was a little confused at first.

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  • Carole M (a.k.a "old tart")
    Master October 2011
    Carole M (a.k.a "old tart") ·
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    Thanks for so much input. We are marrying and partying in the same place, and in the same room. I don't have to worry about going around to people as the room is so small I will be rubbing elbows with them gettind appies. Smiley smile

    @Jennifer....By first dance song, I meant a fast dance. Sorry, I should have been more specific.

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  • Debi , Happily Married
    Expert February 2011
    Debi , Happily Married ·
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    We are doing a brunch, so the time line is a bit different...

    we have elected not to have toasts, but only a single speech from me and my new husband to be.....which will also serve as our introduction ( I am not into all the fanfare....of traditional weddings...)

    so after our guests find their seats we will be introduced...and we will make a speech and then a blessing will be made by our reverend...an we will begin brunch......

    then the cake cutting and first dances......

    I think most do do speechs after the meal is served tho.....

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  • Carole M (a.k.a "old tart")
    Master October 2011
    Carole M (a.k.a "old tart") ·
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    @Debi....Sounds good, but what if we are having a buffet?

    I am so confused. I was even thinking we could do it during cocktail hour, so everyone would already have a drink in hand, if they don't like champagne. ???

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  • FMS, the barefoot wife!
    Master August 2010
    FMS, the barefoot wife! ·
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    We did them first thing after supper. We didn't dilly daddle, there was lots to be done by 8 PM!

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  • Carole M (a.k.a "old tart")
    Master October 2011
    Carole M (a.k.a "old tart") ·
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    @FMS...Thanks!

    I think I may just stick with the order, even if it is not proper. It is a very small venue, with 60 guests max. Our caterer is coming to the venue and bringing the rentals with her. The time line helps her in terms of timing of things they need to do, if that makes sense.

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  • Shana
    Master October 2011
    Shana ·
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  • Jennifer
    Master June 2011
    Jennifer ·
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    OH! Ok, nnow that makes perfect sense on the songs! HA! Your schedule sounds great!

    I dont mean to hijack the thread but I wonder if you ladies can help me with my timeline problem....

    Our reception venue and ceremony site are at the same location (ceremony is outside, reception inside). here is my issue.....the reception venue is three levels. main floor and balcony is for dinner and the basement is for dancing. How the heck will I do the first dance after introductions if the dinner area and dance area are on seperate floors? Ack! Should i just save the dance til after dinner?

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  • Mrs. Roberts
    Super June 2011
    Mrs. Roberts ·
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    We are doing our toasts right before the cake cutting

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  • Carole M (a.k.a "old tart")
    Master October 2011
    Carole M (a.k.a "old tart") ·
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    @Shana.....THank you. The timeline is very helpful. I may have to revisit the issue of plating the salads with the caterer.

    @Jennifer....It's not highjacking...go fot it. I wish I could help you out on this one.

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  • Carole M (a.k.a "old tart")
    Master October 2011
    Carole M (a.k.a "old tart") ·
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    @Katy....Thanks, that is def another option.

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  • Amy "Been here too long" W.
    VIP November 2011
    Amy "Been here too long" W. ·
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    I think your timeline is fine. It's also the way we are doing it. Smiley smile I am not allowing toasts/roasts by guests but I do want to toast my new hubby and thank guests for attending.

    Since you are attending cocktail hour I think your idea of doing it then is fine too.

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  • 2d Bride
    Champion October 2009
    2d Bride ·
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    We had a buffet, and this was our schedule. (It was three days after the ceremony, though.)

    8:00 pm – Reception starts; food available

    8:30 pm – Video of ceremony shown

    9:00 pm – Music starts; first dance

    9:05 pm – General dancing starts; photo area opens

    9:45 pm – Musician break; wedding toast and cake-cutting

    10:00 pm – Music and dancing resume

    10:45 pm – Musician break; cake served

    11:00 pm – Music and dancing resume

    12:00 am – Music and dancing end

    1:00 am – Reception ends

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  • Carlos Molina
    Carlos Molina ·
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    We usually recommend doing the toast AFTER the meal. If I remember correctly, the tradition of using champagne for the toast is to cleanse the palate, and cleanse the soul. Therefore, it was traditionally done after the meal.

    In my experience, many catering companies and/or venues like to cut the cake, do the first dance and the toast early, because that way they don't have to worry about sending their employees on break and having sufficient coverage. We usually work with the venues by letting them know ahead of time when we're doing the toast, that way they can plan/program their break schedule accordingly.

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  • Carole M (a.k.a "old tart")
    Master October 2011
    Carole M (a.k.a "old tart") ·
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    Thanks everyone!

    @Amy.....Thanks! I am glad I am not the only one out of order. Smiley smile

    @2D....I love the way you showed your video for your reception.

    @MCDJ....Thank you for your input. Our caterer is coming to our B&B, and bringing all of the rentals. THey are dining after the guests dine. Re champagne...stricly speaking, yes you are correct. The FH is a former chef for the Trump organization and fancies himself quite the sommelier, so he is cool with cleansing the palate with Moet Chandon between appies and an Italian dinner. : )

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  • jess-counting-down
    Master February 2012
    jess-counting-down ·
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    Mine is

    2:00 Dinner starts

    2:30 Bridal party arrives after pics

    and eats dinner

    2:45 toasts

    3:00 cake

    3:10 is first dances

    3:20 is garter toss and bouquets

    3:45 is everyone dances till 6 and then its done

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