Timing Your Reception to Keep the Party Upbeat & Fun from Start to Finish

My number one wedding reception tip for ensuring everyone is having a good time is to keep the party moving! Guests notice big lulls and it’s best to avoid those and get the dance floor open as early as possible! Here are a few tips to keep things going. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

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1. Cocktail hour should be kept to one hour. This is where doing the majority of portraits before your ceremony is very helpful. That doesn’t mean you HAVE to do a first look to have a successful reception, but there is a reason photographers recommend one. It makes the rest of the day flow much easier. However, if you want to keep it traditional and not see each other before the ceremony, be sure to work with your photographer to plan the shot list accordingly and keep group shots to 10 or less.

2. As soon as you make your entrance, serve dinner. If it’s plated, don’t wait long between courses, just keep em coming! Once the majority of your guests are seated and eating, the head table will most likely be finishing their dinner. Before your VIPs start wandering, be sure to fit the toasts in. Sometimes speeches are even done before the meal is served, which I do highly recommend. It sets the mood and creates a perfect introduction to dinner!

3. Once the head table finishes eating and well-wishes have been spoken, it’s time to cut the cake. No need to wait for every guest to be done with dinner. It’s actually better because it’s not just the 10 people in the front who can see, but everyone sitting down will have a better view and the photographer can get up nice and close to capture the best shots!

4. As guests begin to get their cake, let the DJ know you’re ready for your first dance! Now guests are enjoying their delicious dessert while they ooh and aah over the adorable newlyweds swaying in each others arms on the dance floor. I know…I’m getting sappy, can’t help it! I love the first dance! Move right into any other special dances you have planned. Mother and Son, Father and Daughter, for example. But try not to overdo it by having tons of specific dances right away. If you have additional special dances in mind, you can always mix them in throughout the evening.

5. As guests swallow their last bite of cake, the DJ will announce that the dance floor is open and people can hop up and have the time of their lives!

Bonus tip! Be sure to duck out with the photographer for some nighttime portraits with your new spouse and plan for some late night snacks if you’re having a longer reception!

Another bonus tip. Throw the bouquet early in the night (like right after the special dances) so your photographers and videographers are still there to capture the moment! These are usually entertaining photos for your album!