Reception length

My cocktail hour started at 4pm and reception started at 5 pm and ended at 9pm. It was an all inclusive where ceremony, cocktail hour and reception was in one venue. We had did a schedule so that everything can flow through the reception for the cake cutting, garter toss and tossing the flower bouquet and dancing. We did the schedule because the DJ and the venue wanted to have something to go by. I did like that idea because I/we didn't want things to be all sorts/confusion or without any directions. We/guest had a good time at our wedding. it all depends on how you want/or see your wedding to be. there is no right or wrong answer. I hope this helps. Good luck and have a beautiful wedding.

We've made up a timeline, but that is mainly because we're having a Friday wedding so it's starting later. We're having our ceremony and reception together at the same venue, and guests will be seated at their tables throughout to avoid room flips. We're getting our photos done before hand, so no need to a "cocktail hour", and we're not having most of the traditional events that occur during traditional wedding receptions. We also aren't having a set dinner time. We're having a few activities going on during the reception, so we're just going for a pub type of vibe (flow wise) where everyone will be eating, mingling and drinking throughout the night. Of course most people wouldn't be happy with our set up, but since our event is only 5 hours long from start to finish, and we were looking for a more casual party atmosphere, it works for us.


9:00am-12:30pm - Decorate Hall1:00pm-4:00pm - Get Ready 4:30pm-6:00pm - Bridal Party & Family Photos6:00pm - Set Up Drink Station & Dessert Table/Turn On Tea Candles 6:30pm - Low Music/Groom & Best Man Greet Guests Upon Arrival7:00pm - Ceremony7:45pm - Low Music/Bridal Outfit Change/Food Comes Out8:15pm - 1st Dance8:30pm - DJ Music/Karaoke Starts11:20pm - Karaoke Closes/Last Song11:30pm - Low Music/Good Byes12:00pm - Music Off/Clean Up1:30am - Leave