Meal Prayer

This is often a cue for the caterer to ready themselves for the incoming food service. Based on your religious affiliation, you can either have your religious official conduct the prayer for the food or a loved one.

Catering

After the prayer, the MC will guide the wedding guests toward the catering area. Depending on the guest list and number of courses, this is usually an hour-long process in your wedding reception timeline and is a good place for your guest to interact over food and drinks as the afternoon progresses. This allows the wedding party to make any outfit changes if necessary, some couples may want to switch to more comfortable clothing or even cultural regalia and makeup depending on culture, and this allows them time as the guest enjoy their meal. 

Toasts

After the meal, and the guests and wedding party are done, there are usually toasts by select people to celebrate the couple and wish them well. To stick to your wedding reception timeline ensure that speakers are aware of a time limit to ensure that you are able to maintain the schedule.

Dances

These are usually done in the leadup to the cake cutting although you are free to make changes to suit your preference. Here the couple dances alongside parents, guests, and everyone has a good time. Makeup and hair will be affected by dancing so ensure that the dancing is done after all formal photography is done. Your photographer and videographer will especially love this part, because it will provide them with a lot of candid shots of your ceremony. Remember that family, colleagues, and friends will want to have a dance, so ensure that it doesn’t eat too much into the rest of the program.

Cake Cutting

This is one of the highlights of the entire wedding, alongside the vows. Usually, the cake is cut and the couple feed slices to each other, and parents and select guests. Some couples will have cake pre-packed and shared with the guests, who will be waiting for this occasion, as in most cultures it is acceptable to leave after. If gifting is an important part of your culture then slotting it before the cake is cut ensures that the couple are able to receive them before guests leave.  

Conclusion

When planning a wedding reception timeline, you or your wedding planner need to have a structure that you follow. It is a very fun part of the wedding, but it also requires planning and order so that everything on the list can be accomplished within the set timelines.

We would be glad to help you answer any questions you might have about planning your wedding and having a reception that is in line with your dream ceremony. Talk to us about a quote and we will be happy to help.

Your Memories

At Symboll, our photographers have been trained in all aspects of photography, from lighting and posing to photo editing. They will make sure that your special day is captured beautifully so you can cherish it forever. And our customer service team is always available if you need help or have any questions. Sit back and relax knowing everything will be taken care of by people who love their job as much as they love helping brides-to-be like yourself! Contact us below to start your adventure.