“How long is a wedding reception?” is one of the most common wedding planning questions couples ask. Typically, a wedding reception (with meal included) lasts between 4-6 hours. The length of your wedding reception is an important part of setting a wedding reception timeline and coordinating key wedding vendors.
This guide to planning a wedding reception can help you plan an awesome 4-6 hour reception. (Plus, use our wedding reception planning checklist to organize all those details.)
Wedding Reception Timeline
Cocktail hour
Dinner (Requires serving and background music)
Wedding Cake and Cutting
Reception Dance
- Bridal party announcement
- First dance
- Song for any reception surprises
- Bouquet and garter toss
- Mother-son dance
- Father-daughter dance
Wedding Reception Planning Tips
- Consult the venue before finalizing the wedding reception timeline. Many venues have firm set-up times that vendors have to abide by.
- As soon as possible, communicate your wedding reception timeline with all vendors (i.e. venue, caterer, band, dj, etc.)
- Start planning your entertainment 14-18 months before the wedding date. (This list of pros and cons can help you choose between a DJ and band.)
- Always research and meet vendors before signing a contract (use these tips for hiring the right vendors).
- To avoid surprise overtime charges, always ask vendors about overtime fees. Some vendors charge additional fees for any time over a set time span. If you are concerned about overage costs, choose a vendor that has a set fee for the reception (no matter how long).
- Ask your wedding DJ if they include background music for dinner in their services; a wedding DJ can make the transition from the dinner to the dance seamless and serve as an emcee during the dinner.
- Don’t forget to plan for ways to entertain children at the wedding reception.
- For a fun twist, add one of these wedding surprise ideas to the timeline.