Reception Timeline

I think I'm confused. Are you serving dinner at the reception? You mentioned making sure you eat, so won't that happen at the reception? What are your guests going to do between the ceremony and the reception?

View Quoted Comment Oh gosh I definitely should have worded it differently. The ceremony is in the morning and it’ll be small. The majority of guests will just be at the reception that evening. Dinner will be at the reception, buffet style. We’re just having a hard time laying out the reception timeline. We’re doing all couple and family pictures just before the reception.

View Quoted Comment

Ooooh, OK. I see. I'd start with a cocktail hour with some appetizers so you can greet the guests. Sit down to dinner and have speeches once everyone is seated for dinner, that will probably take an hour or maybe longer because it's buffet. Then cake cutting/dessert for about 1/2 hour with photos etc. First/special dances (don't make these too long) and then dancing after that usually for a couple of hours. Last dance and farewell.

I don't know what time you're planning to start the reception but I would assume around 5?

Bear in mind that gaps are very inconvenient for guests and you will have people who either attend the ceremony or reception but not both. That is why they are considered a faux pas in some social circles because it is uncomfortable and awkward with no alternative offered to eliminate the gap.


Talk to your photographer and coordinator because both make timelines every day as part of their job description. They can suggest ways to make the day run smoothly for you and your guests while staying on track with the clock.