Reception Timeline

I think everything looks good but I would maybe move the cake cutting to 9 because that’s pretty late IMO

No matter how great your wedding is, there are people who just won't want to stay all the way to 11pm. So, you might consider moving your cake cutting to 9pm, in case you have people who want to get home, but don't want to miss all the festivities.

I agree with PPs on moving the cake cutting up. The sooner it’s cut, the more time people have to eat it. If you have older guests who don’t want to stay for the “party” portion, they will typically want to excuse themselves after the cake cutting which would be pretty late with this timeline.

The answer will end up being more based on your vendors.

If the photographer package only lasts a few hours you might miss getting a photo of the cake cutting if you wait until the end. Your DJ may not want there to be a break in dancing to do a bouquet or garter toss. So everything may change no matter what you plan.

But, the cake cutting doesn't have to be at the end anymore. People are more accustomed to not waiting for the cake being cut to leave. People now leave when they want to unfortunately. I would put the cake cutting before the dancing begins but that's just me. I think of the cake cutting as the end of dinner and a signal that dessert is coming.

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Right thats been my dilemma. My photographer is by the hour, I'm actually meeting with him tonight lol, but I agree and I was thinking maybe it'd make more sense to do the cake cutting like towards the end of dinner. Our venue is very inclusive and we even get a late night snack station so it'd be better to have the food more spread out

Okay so heres what I have now:

Timeline

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Yeah that all makes perfect sense, which is why I was having second thoughts

I would move the cake cutting up! Also, if you can, I would try to avoid stopping dancing for the cake cutting because people may leave and not come back to the dance floor.

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Looks good to me!

I'm sure your DJ will have an opinion as well. So be prepared that you may end up changing it anyways.

Definitely move the cake cutting up.

Ive been to a one wedding that did their first dance right after the entrance and I have to say I found it a little strange. Maybe it was underwhelming because we were pretty hungry and everyone got excited by the dance only for the excitement to die down for food.

I felt like it was a little strange and out of place. Why don't you try seeing if you can do your first dance right before your parent dances.

This way when you come in, people will be taking so many pictures and will be wanting to talk to you, so you won't be rushing them away from you so you can dance. I always found that couples got bombarded with photos and conversation right after the entrance. Afterwards would be food and then your first dance kicks of the dancing of the night with everyone being excited and staying excited to watch the parent dances then all can join you when that's done. Thats usually how the weddings ive been to have been formatted and how mine will be.