WEDDING RECEPTION
ORDER OF EVENTS

The order of events for a wedding reception found below is an example of  a reception timeline that can be modified to fit your needs.  Keep in mind that the order and timing of your wedding reception events can vary depending upon your specific wedding style, your wedding reception timeline, and your specific wants or needs.   You should always make a list of your desired order of events and determine the approximate start and end times for each event or activity to create a basic timeline.   Also, include as much detail as possible in your list to minimize questions and confusion during the wedding reception. 

A copy of your wedding reception event list and timeline should be given to those involved in the wedding (key wedding party members and your family, facility and event coordinators, cake decorator, caterer,  D.J. or band, etc.) who will need to know the what's and when's and where's of your wedding reception order of events.

- Wedding Guests Arrive (The Receiving Line may be at the wedding reception location or the wedding ceremony location)
- Cocktail Period Starts
- Photographs of Bride and Groom

- Introduction of the Parents and Wedding Party
- Grand Entrance and Introduction of the Bride and Groom

- First Dance - Bride and Groom (Option 1)
  *The above option eliminates a long break in the reception activities. Also, since guests are not
  supposed to dance until after the Bride and Groom have had their first dance this can prompt earlier
  dancing

- Blessing before Dinner - if desired
- Wedding Toasts
- Dinner is Served

- Wedding Cake Cutting
- First Dance - Bride and Groom (Option 2)
- Special Dances - Bride with Father, Groom with Mother, etc.
- Main Dance

- Bridal Bouquet Toss
- Bride's Garter Toss
- Dollar Dance - if desired
- More Dancing
- Last Dance - Bride and Groom

- Exit - Bride and Groom
- End of Wedding Reception

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