How Long Is a Wedding Reception?

A big part of wedding planning is timing. There are a bunch of traditions and
activities that you'll want to cram into a limited amount of time, so creating a wedding
timeline is essential. But in order to get started, you'll need to know how much time
you actually have. So, how long is a wedding reception? Well, it depends—different
wedding venues have different packages with different reception lengths, so your best
bet is to talk to your wedding planner and reception venue coordinator to determine
your event's exact length. Here, we'll talk about the average reception length, and
break down a full wedding reception timeline so you can start planning your big day,
from start to finish.
So, Exactly How Long Is a Wedding Reception?

All told, your entire wedding event will span about six hours—for example, an
evening wedding that begins at 5 p.m will end at around 11 p.m. This includes the
following major events:

 Your wedding ceremony, which typically lasts about 30 minutes

 Cocktail hour—usually an hour, but can be longer (and remember that your cocktail
hour can take place before the ceremony or in between the ceremony and
reception, depending on your schedule and preference)
 Your wedding reception (dinner and dancing), which is runs about four hours
Not included in this list are the period where you and your spouse are getting ready
(which usually takes place over several hours), pre-wedding photo sessions (like the
first look), set up and clean up, and any after-parties. Be sure to factor these activities
into your wedding-day timeline, if applicable. And if you feel like your venue hasn't
allotted enough time for everything, you may be able to pay for extra hours.
What Events Are Included in a Wedding Reception?

A four- or five-hour wedding reception may seem like a long period of time—and it
is! But remember that you have a lot of special traditions, events, and activities that
you'll want to make sure are included in the schedule, not to mention having plenty of
time to mingle with your wedding guests, hit the dance floor and open bar, actually
eat some of the delicious food, and take a few moments to just enjoy being
newlyweds. That's why creating a timeline that you'll share with your wedding
vendors and other VIPs, is so essential.

In order to create a wedding timeline, we recommend making a list of all of the

activities you'll need to include in the big day and work with your wedding
coordinator to figure out how to work them into the allotted period of time. Here is a
sample wedding reception timeline to help you create your own. For this reception-
focused timeline, the ceremony took place between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., and the
ceremony and reception are at the same location.

6 p.m. Cocktail hour begins

Cocktail hour isn't just a time for guests to enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres. The
couple may use this time to take photos, especially if they opted to skip a first look
and see each other for the first time at the ceremony. Or, if the couple has already
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taken official portraits, the wedding photographer may grab the newlyweds for a few
post-ceremony photos or family portraits.

7 p.m. Guests enter the reception space.

It's time to party! Guests are invited to enter the reception space and find their seats.

7:15 p.m. Grand entrance and first dance

The wedding party, followed by the newlyweds, are introduced and the couple
immediately begins their first dance.

7:20 p.m. Dance Set

After the first dance, guests may be invited to the dance floor for a few songs (or,
at Jewish weddings, the hora) before they are encouraged to take their seats for
dinner.
7:30 p.m. First course is served.

If the reception includes a seated dinner, the appetizer will be served shortly after the
first dance. For a buffet meal, guests will start being called to get their food during
this time.

7:50 p.m. Welcome Toasts

Whoever is hosting the wedding will give the first toast as guests are finishing up the
first course. Traditionally, this is the father of the bride, but it may be other parents,
siblings, or loved ones.
8:00 p.m. Dance Set

After the first toasts, guests are invited to the dance floor.

8:30 p.m. Entrées are served.

Time to eat the main meal.

9:15 p.m. Wedding Party Toasts

Toward the end of the entrée course, wedding party members give their toasts.
Typically, the best man and maid of honor give speeches during this time, but any
loved ones can be invited to toast the newlyweds.

9:20 p.m. More Dancing!

Now that the toasts are over, the band or DJ will typically play its longest set—often
until the party ends.

10:00 p.m. Cake Cutting and Couple's Thank-You Speech

How sweet it is! There will be a brief break in the dancing so the wedding cake can be
brought on the dance floor. The couple will cut the cake, and may give a short speech
thanking their guests for attending. The cake will be served shortly afterwards.

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10:15 p.m. Bouquet Toss and Garter Toss

If the couple choose to partake in these traditions, they'll usually occur after the cake
cutting.

10:45 p.m. Reception Ends

Whether the newlyweds choose to have grand exit complete with sparklers, quietly
slip out, or host an after-party, it's time for the reception to come to an end.

18 Late-Night Wedding Snacks to Keep the

Party Going
Fuel your guests on the dance floor (and surprise them with one final treat) with
these wedding finger food ideas and late-night snacks.

For better or for worse, it's a proven fact that your guests will remember the food you
serve at your wedding, so it's important to spend some time creating a wedding menu
that everyone will love (no pressure!). While the main meal usually gets all of the
attention, there are other ways you can boost the culinary experience of your wedding
day, like serving wedding finger foods, appetizers, desserts, and late-night snacks.
Your wedding caterer will help you with all of the nitty gritty details, but in the
meantime, here's what you need to know about wedding finger food ideas—and some
of our favorite late-night wedding snacks to take your reception to the next level.
What are late-night wedding snacks?

These snacks are similar to the classic wedding appetizers and hors d'oeuvres—the
main difference is that they're served toward the end of your wedding reception,
instead of during cocktail hour or dinner. Your late-night snacks should also be small
and fairly easy to grab and go, allowing guests to continue mingling or head straight
back to the dance floor. Bite-sized foods and party foods, like mini hot dogs, slices of
pizza, french fries, and doughnuts are some of the most popular wedding finger
food ideas, but this is an opportunity to get creative and serve any snack that you
simply can't do without on your big day.

When should you serve late-night wedding snacks?

We recommend serving your late-night snacks after your main meal and any
traditional dessert, such as the wedding cake. It's okay if most of your wedding guests
are already on the dance floor or out of their seats by the time you bring out the goods
—the extra treats will take them by surprise, which is half the fun! If you're
incorporating any dance floor traditions into your wedding reception, such as the
garter or bouquet toss, we'd suggest serving the late-night snacks after those take
place. They're also a great way to transition into a wedding after-party if you're
planning to host one.

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Late-Night Snacks & Wedding Finger Food Ideas

We hope your appetite is ready, because you'll definitely be tempted to add these
yummy treats to your wedding menu. Here are some of the wedding finger food ideas
we know your guests will love.

Grilled cheese & tomato soup shooters

You can't go wrong with this comfort food favorite. Not only do these miniature
grilled cheese sandwiches look cute, but they're perfectly sized for dipping into a shot
glass of tomato soup.

FACES PHOTOGRAPHY

Tortilla chips & salsa

Here's how to do chips and salsa the easy way: Fill scoopable tortilla chips with fresh
pico de gallo for grab-and-go snacking.

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ELOWEN EVENTS

Soft pretzels
You've probably heard of doughnut walls, but how about pretzel walls? Use metal
racks and hooks to hang soft pretzels and create a food station that's
decorative and edible.

PEACHTREE CATERING AND EVENTS

Sliders

Sliders are one of the most classic wedding finger food ideas. They're always a hit,
especially when served with miniature beer flights and french fries.

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THE APOSTOLIC WIFE

Churros

Serve mini churros in shot glasses filled with dipping sauce for a late-night snack that
will appeal to any sweet tooth.

LA BONNE CUISINE

Mac & cheese bites

If you can't serve them on individual plates, be sure to provide toothpicks or mini
forks for guests to grab these cheesy treats.

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HYAT CENTRIC CHICAGO MAGNIFICENT MILE

Cookies & milk

This wedding finger food idea wins the award for being almost too cute to eat. Fill
glass mason jar mugs with chocolate milk and top the jars off with chocolate chip
cookies for a dessert that's sweet and nostalgic.

BLACKSTONE CATERERS

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Miniature ice cream cones

Full-size ice cream cones can get messy as soon as things start to melt, but these bite-
sized versions make it easy to enjoy a scoop or two of your favorite flavor.

BASIC KNEADS PIZZA

Pizza
When in doubt, pizza. If you want options other than the local pizza joint, look for
a mobile brick oven pizza truck in your area or ask your caterer about serving
gourmet flatbreads.

FLOWER CITY LETTERS

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Waffle sticks

This breakfast-inspired wedding finger food idea would be perfect for a daytime
reception or brunch bridal shower.

WICKED WHISK CATERING

Corn dogs

Corn dogs aren't the most glamorous of foods, but they're tasty! Alternatively, you can
serve hot dogs and set up a condiment station for guests to add their own toppings.

MASON DIXON BAKERY

Popcorn
Gourmet popcorn is a tried-and-true wedding favor idea, but it's also great to have as
a late-night snack during your reception. You can set up a DIY popcorn bar with
toppings or create a popcorn wall using pre-portioned servings in paper cones.

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REVERIE EVENTS AND WEDDINGS

Prosecco pops

Having a summer wedding? This refreshing (and completely Instagram Mable)

wedding food idea was made for hot weather. Cool down after a night of drinks and
dancing by serving fruit popsicles in chilled wine.

PEACHTREE CATERING AND EVENTS

Doughnut holes

As if doughnuts weren't already tasty enough, they're even better when you add
dipping sauces, like melted chocolate and caramel.

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SPILLED MILK CATERING

Tacos

We don't know about you, but we're always in the mood for Mexican. Garnish mini
tacos with veggies and serve them on top of lime wedges for an adorable wedding
finger food idea.

MAIN EVENT CATERERS

Fried chicken skewers

Crispy chicken kabobs will definitely hit the spot when it comes to your guests' late-
night cravings.

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FACES PHOTOGRAPHY

Wedding dessert cups

A variety of cobblers, parfaits, and puddings will appease guests who aren't fans of
cake or other pastry-style desserts.

WICKED WHISK CATERING

Sloppy joes

If you're having a rustic outdoor wedding, look no further than this BBQ-inspired
wedding finger food idea.

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WEDDING RECEPTION

10 Things You Should NOT Forget

to Rent for Your Wedding
From tables to barware and everything in between! The best wedding rental checklist
will ensure that your special day has every detail at the ready.

ASTER & OLIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

Figuring out what to rent for a wedding is an oft-forgotten part of planning. Without
sticking to a wedding rental checklist, your guests won’t have chairs to sit on, glasses
to drink from, and forks to eat with. To help keep costs down, these items (and many
more!) are usually rented, rather than purchased, from a trusted full-service wedding
rental company or may be included with your venue or catering packages. Either way,
you should finalize your event rentals about two to three months before your wedding.
This often requires a trip to your rental company's showroom so you can see and feel
all of your supplies. This wedding rental checklist will ensure that you’ll have all of
these must-have items to ensure your big day is a success.
Tents
You might have heard just about everyone ask, “Do you have a Plan B?” If you're
hosting an outdoor wedding, it's a good idea to have a tent rental at the ready in case
of inclement weather—and that doesn't just include rain. Your guests should be kept
comfortable and shielded from blazing sun or billowing winds. But that’s not all—a
marquee entrance tent, gutters, a stage for your musicians, climate control, clear sides,
and pole covers may be needed, too. In some cases, you may need a generator (more
on that below) and a separate catering prep tent. Are you a fan of draping fabric
across the tent's ceiling? Include that as well. A reputable and experienced tent rental
company can help you decide what you need.
Tables and Chairs
Obviously, tables and chairs an important part of your wedding rental checklist for
you and your guests to sit during the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception—but
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don't forget about other spots throughout your wedding where tables and chairs are
necessary. Your musicians need a place to sit and rest their instruments. Add another
table for your gifts and cards, another for your seating assignments, another for your
cake and desserts, and another for your favors. You also may be surprised at how
many different types of chairs and tables are available, whether you're going for long
farm tables with cross-back chairs, classic round tables with Chiavari chairs, or
modern square tables with Ghost chairs. If you're opting for more affordable folding
or banquet chairs, chair covers may also be necessary. Work with your venue
coordinator and party rentals company to figure out where tables and chairs will be
needed based on your guest list and other details of your event.
Dance Floor

Many wedding venues will have a dance floor included, but for those that don't, you’ll
need to include it on your rental checklist. Depending on how many guests are
attending, you'll be able to determine the size of your dance floor—industry standard
dictates around four-and-a-half square feet per guest, figuring that about half of your
guests will be dancing at the same time. Wood is the most common type of dance
floor available, but there are other options.

Electricity

If you're hosting a backyard wedding or a wedding in a rural venue, you may need to
rent a generator. Think about how much electricity it requires to power your wedding.
Your event space needs it to turn on the lights, your caterer needs it cook and bake,
your DJ needs it to play music, and your maid of honor and best man needs it to give
their toasts via a microphone and set of speakers.

KEEPSAKE MEMORIES PHOTOGRAPHY

Linens and Napkins

When it comes to tablecloths, napkins, and other table linens, there are a wide variety
of styles and fabrications out there—pick the ones that suit your overall wedding style
and theme the best. Pricing varies widely, so feel mix and match more expensive table
linens (hello, sequined table cloths!) with more budget-friendly items.

Dinnerware, Flatware, and Glassware

Place settings are totally crucial. How else will your guests be able to eat and drink
during your special event? When it comes to thinking about wedding rentals, don’t
forget chargers and serving plates, forks, knives, spoons, red and white wine glasses,
water glasses, champagne flutes, highball glasses, rock glasses, and coffee mugs. And
maybe something extra special for those signature drinks like mason jars.

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Floral Accoutrements
Fresh, lush flowers will go a long way to make your wedding day look amazing,
but what do you put them in? That’s where your florist comes in. Many florists
provide rental items to support their arrangements. Opt to rent arches, canopies, aisle
marker stands, vases, vessels, votive candles, lanterns, candelabras, etc. to bring your
wedding's floral design to life.
Lounge Furniture

Give your guests a quiet area to rest their feet and chat. Arrange a family room layout
with vintage couches, armchairs, coffee tables, maybe a rug, and more.

Restrooms

Note: This should only be included on your wedding rental checklist if you’re hosting
a backyard or tented event where restrooms aren’t easily accessible (or if you’d prefer
your guests not use the restrooms in your home, in the case of a backyard wedding).
Restrooms are obviously a requirement, and rented restroom trailers are usually quite
spacious and well-appointed.

Miscellaneous Items
Talk to your vendors (particularly your caterer) about other types of items you might
need to add to your wedding rental checklist. For example, bartenders need coolers
for cocktails to reach the perfect temperature, your waitstaff may need pitchers to
serve drinks, and if you’re hosting a buffet or family-style meal, you’ll need serving
dishes and more.

How to Seat-Plan for Every Wedding

Seating Style
Whether you’re opting for classic round tables or a more modern lounge
arrangement, we’ve got ideas and options for every wedding seating style.

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HYATT REGENCY WAIKIKI BEACH RESORT AND SPA

If you’re in the midst of planning your wedding, you’ve probably already made a
handful of decisions—and have a checklist of more decisions to make before you say
“I do.” It’s all very normal and part of the process, but it can be overwhelming, to say
the least.
As you get closer to your actual wedding date, one of the major topics of discussion
revolves around seating arrangements, or where guests will sit during the reception.
It’s never too early to start thinking about it, according to Katelynn Zaccaria, co-
owner and planner at Olive Street Events in Philadelphia, as you will need to account
for an additional expense if your venue does not have the specific tables you want to
use in-house. “Find out what your venue has to offer, and then you can start to source
pricing from rental companies, that way, it's accounted for in your budget,” she says.
“Also, remember to ask about what linens sizes are included because if you go off the
beaten path for tables, you will also need to factor in the accompanying linens.”
While some couples opt for open seating, where guests select their own tables and
seats, Claudia G. de Velasco, a wedding planner with A Day To Remember in
Houston, Texas, is a much bigger fan of assigned seating and tables because they’re
more organized and help prevent guests from experiencing the awkward “where
should I sit” conundrum. However, as with any decision you make in regards to your
wedding day, there are lots of options when it comes to assigned seating styles.

Here’s a look at some of the most popular seating styles and tips on some of the best
ways to seat-plan for each.

Round Table Arrangements

Round tables are the most timeless and classic arrangement for tables at a wedding,
and remain the most popular choice today. “They are the perfect choice for a large
ballroom and can typically seat eight guests per 60-inch table or 10 guests per 72-inch
table,” says Marci Guttenberg, C.P.C.E, C.W.P., owner, president and invitation
consultant at An Affair To Remember By Marci, LLC in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
“This style lends itself to more conversation with those seated around the table,
especially a smaller group of guests.”

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When deciding between round table sizes, Gutenberg suggests factoring in the table
setting. “The more space you need for a table setting or a bulky chair (with or without
arms), the more elbow room you should provide for the guests,” she adds.

Rectangular Dining Tables

Rectangular dining tables are a great choice for weddings of all different styles, since
they are as easy to find as round tables, yet offer a few contrasts, notes Kathryn
Cooper, photographer and owner of Kathryn Cooper Weddings in New York City.
“While there is generally less room for all the food in the middle, rectangular dining
tables lend themselves well to more elegant celebrations featuring tall statement
florals, candle displays, and more,” she says. “Just make sure your guests can see
through the displays and speak with the person on the opposite side!”
Mix & Match
Can’t decide between round of rectangular dining tables for your wedding? Why not
mix and match using both! “The mix and match table seating style is elegant, unique,
and fun and works with most venue layouts and sizes and is a great option to choose
for an eye-catching yet easy way to design a unique layout,” says Sandy Hammer, co-
founder and CMO of Allseated. The only obstacle that arises when selecting this
seating method, according to Cooper, is that your florist and/or designer will have to
come up with different decorations for each style table. This creates interest and
variety from table to table, she adds.
Lounge Seating
Lounge seating requires couches and comfortable chairs, so it is often on the pricier
side of things when it comes to wedding seating arrangements. However, if your
budget (and space!) allows for lounge seating, Zaccaria highly recommends adding
this in. “Creating little conversation areas for your guests not only looks great in the
space, but your guests will thank you for that extra consideration!” she says. “Check
with your local furniture rental companies to see what styles of lounge furniture they
offer and what will look great in your space.”

Cooper suggests making sure you have enough table space for food and beverages.
“While lounge seating is undoubtedly comfortable, there is often less table space and
the tables are so low that leaning over is uncomfortable, not to mention makes guests
difficult to photograph.” she says. “There is also no place to store items such as
purses, coats, or baby diaper bags.”

Serpentine

Although not a commonly used wedding seating style, serpentine seating can provide
a beautiful visual to a wedding floor plan, notes Hammer. “Created typically with
curved tables, this layout is usually seen for outdoor weddings and requires a good
amount of empty space,” she says. “If you don’t have access to curved tables,
however, it’s possible to create this layout using rectangular tables, although doing so
means accepting that there will be some gaps because of the tables.”

Another thing to consider when it comes to serpentine tables is that your guests are
often quite spread out and likely not near you, as the couple, nor where the speeches
and dancing are taking place. Still, Cooper notes, it’s hard to deny how classy and
beautiful it looks with the right floral touches, place settings, and chairs.

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Square Seating

Square seating can be a nice wedding seating style, especially if most of your guests
are couples. “It provides an intimacy of a cabaret or restaurant and can fill up smaller
areas of your reception room,” says de Velasco.

In addition, Cooper points out that square seating is also a good practice for COVID-
approved socially distanced wedding receptions, since guests tend to be seated farther
apart as compared to other seating arrangements. The only drawback of the square
seating style is that it ups the number of centerpieces, salt and pepper shakers, bread
baskets and design arrangements. “Instead of requiring one of each of these table
additions for every 6-12 guests, you’ll need them for every four guests with square
seating,” she says. “Also, keep in mind that there will be a lot of turning around by
one side or the other for any toasts or announcements.”
U-Shaped

Cooper likes to see U-Shaped seating used for smaller, more intimate weddings as
well as backyard weddings and any receptions happening under a tent. “Keep in mind
that the couple will be the center of attention, and not everyone wants eyes on them
every time they take a bite of food or grab a drink,” she says. “If it’s raining, dark out
or you have under 50 guests, however, a U-shaped arrangement can really make it feel
like an evening spent partying with close friends.”

Family Style

This seating with long rectangular tables has become more and more popular over the
last few years, especially with the rise of micro-weddings. “It's a neat look, and some
long, thin spaces tend to lend themselves to that style over round tables,” says
Zaccaria. “Our recommendation would be to break up the tables with additional table
numbers to assist guests in finding their seats more easily.”

The only downside of family-style seating, she notes, is that it can make it difficult
for your guests to talk to anyone that isn't directly next to them or in front of them.
Rotating Couple

This seating style is also becoming increasingly popular for weddings and works well
for any event, large or small. “It’s an interactive alternative to a traditional sweetheart
table (where you and your partner sit apart from everyone), you can rotate your
courses by joining the various guest tables throughout the evening,” explains
Hammer. “This seating arrangement gives the couple more quality time to spend with
loved ones and creates a more intimate environment for the celebration.”

The best way to pull this off is to take the place of two people already seated at a table
while they move temporarily to another, according to Hammer. “Although the couple
may not get to sit at every table, they will be better able to interact with some of the
guests rather than being locked into one table for the entire event.”

All in all, whatever seating arrangement you choose will likely work out beautifully
for your special day. It’s also important to note that certain cultures have preferred

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seating preferences. If that’s the case for you, be sure to communicate this with your
vendors so that they’re on the same page with what you’re trying to accomplish.

Your Wedding Reception Order of

Events: A Simple Step-by-Step
Timeline
What comes first, the speeches or the cake cutting? Plan a memorable celebration
with this wedding reception order of events.

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VICEROY WASHINGTON DC

Yes, your wedding reception is supposed to be a time to let loose and celebrate with
your family and friends. And while yes, you should absolutely relax and enjoy
yourself, there's also a wedding reception order of events that you'll want to follow.
Keeping to a wedding reception timeline will ensure that your guests have time to eat,
drink, dance, and mingle, as well as enjoy special dances and traditions that people
expect at a celebration. Your wedding planner or venue coordinator will likely help
you draft a reception timeline—make sure you share it with all of your vendors
(particularly your caterer and DJ or bandleader), and your VIPs (wedding party and
close family members). Here's a suggested wedding reception order of events to help
you get started:
How long is a wedding reception?
One quick thing before we move into the timeline—how long should a wedding
reception last? Including cocktail hour, a wedding reception typically lasts between
four and seven hours. Again, this all depends on your venue contract, as different
venues offer different wedding packages that include a certain number of hours, and
there may be noise restrictions at your chosen location. Be sure to discuss the timing
of your reception with your venue before creating your wedding reception order of
events.
Wedding Reception Order of Events

Note that this timeline begins after the ceremony has already taken place.

1. Receiving Line

This tradition may seem a bit outdated to some (particularly during COVID times),
but if you're planning on having a receiving line (when guests form a line to greet the
newly-married couple one by one), it would take place before the reception, either at
the ceremony venue or as guests are entering the reception site.

2. Cocktail Hour

The cocktail hour is a time for guests to enjoy a beverage or two, some hors
d'oeuvres, and conversation, but it also serves as a buffer between the wedding
ceremony and reception. This is particularly important if your ceremony and reception
are taking place at different locations, as it allows some time for your guests to travel
between venues (you may want to bump your cocktail hour time up to 90 minutes if
the two venues are some distance apart). And, if the ceremony and reception are
taking place in the same room, the cocktail hour allows the venue staff time to restage
the space. Many newlyweds opt to take their portraits during cocktail hour, but you
can also take photos before the ceremony if you're okay doing your "first look" then.

3. Guests Enter the Reception

As cocktail hour comes to a close, the doors to the reception space are opened and
guests are encouraged to enter the space and find their tables. Hopefully, your guests
will have retrieved their escort cards or looked at a seating chart sign during cocktail
hour to make the process quick and seamless.

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4. Wedding Party Entrance

While guests are filing into the reception room, the wedding party (bridesmaids,
groomsmen, bridesmen, groomsladies, flower girls, and ring bearers) and immediate
family members are lining up to make their grand entrance. The DJ or band will play
some upbeat music and introduce the couple's parents and wedding party members as
the VIPs dance into the reception. They may either form a line around the dance floor
to watch the first dance, or take their seats. Note that a wedding party entrance is not
mandatory—if desired, you can skip it and go straight to the next step...

5. Newlyweds' Grand Entrance

Guests are asked to stand up and cheer as the newlyweds are introduced and enter the
reception to a celebratory tune. The couple may then take their place on the dance
floor for the first time as a married couple.
6. First Dance
According to a recent WeddingWire study, 90 percent of couples performed a first
dance during their wedding reception, making it the most popular wedding tradition.
At some weddings, couples perform their first dance immediately after entering the
reception—at others, they'll wait until after dinner. At Jewish weddings, the hora (a
lively circle dance) usually takes place after the first dance and before dinner.
7. Welcome Speech
This is a nice opportunity for the newlyweds and/or their parents (the hosts of the
event) to briefly thank all of their guests for attending the big day. Any blessings or
prayers to be said before the reception meal will also be offered at this time.
8. Reception Meal/Dinner
Time to eat! Whether you're serving your reception meal as a plated dinner, family
style, or buffet style, it's best to let guests eat shortly after entering the party. This
way, they'll be able to fuel up for dancing—no one wants a group of hangry revelers!
9. Toasts and Speeches
Speeches and toasts are typically given as guests are enjoying the reception meal—
they're already sitting down and are more likely to be attentive during this time.
Usually, the order of wedding reception speeches goes as follows: The best man goes
first, followed by the maid of honor, and parents of either spouse (traditionally, this
spot is reserved for the father of the bride, but any parent/host can speak). Each
speech should be brief, between one and two minutes, with three minutes being the
max. The couple may also give a thank-you speech at this time, or if desired, the shoe
game or other fun activity can take place at this point in the wedding reception
timeline.
10. Special Dances
After the toasts, the couple and their parents hit the dance floor. Parent dances may
include the father-daughter dance and/or the mother-son dance. According to the
WeddingWire study, 59 percent of couples include parent dances as part of their
wedding reception.
11. Party Time!

The moment all of your guests have been waiting for—time to dance the night away!
The DJ or band will create a playlist featuring both upbeat songs and romantic ballads
to draw all of your guests to the dance floor.

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12. Cake Cutting

After your guests have had a chance to cut loose, the wedding cake will be brought to
the dance floor for the cake cutting. The newlyweds will cut the first slice of wedding
cake together and feed it to each other. Dancing will then continue as the cake is
served to guests.

13. Bouquet and Garter Toss

If you're planning on doing a garter and/or bouquet toss, it will require another break
in the dancing. While some couples and their guests enjoy this tradition, others find it
a bit gendered and dated. It's up to you whether or not you'd like to include these as
part of your wedding day.

14. Last Dance

It's almost time for the reception to come to a close. Your DJ or bandleader will
announce the last dance so you and your guests can gather on the dance floor.
Whether you choose a slow song or an upbeat tune, this moment's sure to be a
memorable one.
15. Grand Exit

Whether you're opting for a sparkler send off or a more low-key goodbye, it's time for
you and your new spouse to depart the reception. This is a great photo op, so make
sure your photographer has time to set up the perfect shot!

16. After-Party
If you're hosting an after-party, it will take place immediately after the reception
(obvs). Make sure your guests know when and where the party will be by listing the
details on your wedding website and via signage at your reception.

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The 11 Types of Photo Booths:
Which Style Is Right for You?
From selfie mirrors to campers, there are so many wedding photo booths to choose
from.

BEAUTY VIBES ARTISTRYLEAH GOETZEL PHOTOGRAPHY

If there’s one modern wedding tradition we love, it’s the photo booth. Who among us
hasn’t woken up the morning after a wedding reception or party, rolled over, and
smiled at the photo strips filled with the smiling faces of friends and relatives from the
night before?

The great news is there are tons of new and innovative types of wedding photo
booth rentals out there, some that print photo strips or singles, others that email or text
digital pics to your guests on the spot, and others still that create GIFs and slow-
motion videos! We also love how wedding photo booths do double-duty providing
a unique activity for guests as well as a take-home keepsake. Keep reading to find out
which of the many types of wedding photo booths is right for your big day.
Who can provide a wedding photo booth?

There are dedicated photo booth rental companies that offer different types of photo
booths for your wedding day at a variety of price points. Some DJs and/or
entertainment companies also provide this service, as do some wedding photographers
and videographers. You may also want to work with your planner or florist to create a
special backdrop or greenery/flower wall for a unique photo booth experience that
complements your wedding decor.

How much does a wedding photo booth cost?

Pricing for a wedding photo booth rental varies based on the number of hours, the
type of photo booth you're renting, and your wedding's location. According to

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the WeddingWire Cost Guide, the average photo booth rental costs $650, but it
generally ranges from $425 to $1,000.
What are some questions to ask a wedding photo booth company?
When searching for a photo booth company in your wedding location, we
recommend checking out a site like WeddingWire to read reviews from past clients.
Once you've narrowed down the options to one or two, give them a call to gather
more information. Here are some questions you might want to ask a wedding photo
booth rental company before hiring:
 Are you available on my wedding date?
 What's included in your packages and what are the different costs?
 How many hours is a typical rental?
 Will there be an attendant present for my event?
 What are the different photo booth styles available? What does each photo
booth/backdrop look like?
 What is the best photo booth for my event?
 How many people can fit in one of your photo booths?
 Do you provide props or should we buy our own?
 How does set up and break down work?
 Can I see some examples of how the photos will look? Are they high quality?
 Have you worked at my wedding venue before?
 What will you need from my reception venue (dedicated space, electrical outlet,
etc.)?
 Is there an online gallery or slideshow of the photos to view and share after the
event?
 Do you have insurance?

THE MELISSA BARN AT HD RANCH

What are the different types of wedding photo booths available for rental?

Ready to pick a photo booth for your special day? There are lots to choose from! Read
on for more information on the different types of photo booths available.

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Open-Air Photo Booth
Among the most popular types of photo booths, this booth-less photo station will
involve a camera on a tripod or table. It might come with a background and wedding
photo booth props, or just the camera itself — then you can create your own custom
backdrop. To use, your guest presses “start,” the countdown begins, and a few photos
are taken. Some photo booth companies offer on the spot printouts, while others invite
wedding guests to input their phone numbers or email addresses to receive photos
digitally.
Old-School Photo Booth
The classic mall photo booth, this one requires guests to get cozy in a booth and make
a series of funny faces, then end up with a printout of their hilarious shenanigans. It
always cracks us up to see way too many guests pile into a wedding photo booth—the
shots are sure to be memorable! We also love when couples have the photo booth
print multiple copies of the images, for the guests to keep and also to place in a guest
book.
Slow-Motion Video Photo Booth

Want to ensure your guests have sore cheeks from smiling at your wedding? Opt for a
slow-motion video booth that allows your guests to create short clips in hyper-slow
motion. The results are always funny, no matter what happens in the booth.

GIF-Maker Photo Booth

Go one step beyond flat photography and hire a photo booth company that allows
your guests to create animated GIFs that they can easily share on social media. Who
needs GIF reaction shots from movies and TV shows when you can create them with
your friends IRL? Definitely one of the coolest types of photo booths out there!
Flip Book Photo Booth

If GIFs and slo-mo videos are a bit too high-tech for your taste, why not hire a photo
booth company that makes flip books instead? It’s definitely one of the more
nostalgic photo booth ideas, and there’s nothing quite as delightfully old school as a
tiny book that shows a mini movie when pinched and flipped at high speed.

360-Degree Photo Booth

One of the most unique photo booth ideas, let your guests see themselves from all
sides with a 360-degree photo booth — it’s an incredible way to freeze a moment in
time, and then check it out from every angle. There are some photo booth
companies that offer a multi-camera photo booth that will let you see your wedding
from every angle.
Green Screen Photo Booth

Your guests can travel to far-off lands — without ever leaving your wedding venue —
with a green screen photo booth for your wedding. The green photo booth backdrop
will allow your friends to choose what’s behind them in their photos, which is sure to
be hilarious.

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Selfie Mirror

This modern type of wedding photo booth looks like a full-length mirror, but with a
swipe of the touch screen it turns into your very own selfie station! It's super
straightforward to use and allows for easy sharing on social media.

Roaming Photo Booth

If you don't think your guests will want to leave the dance floor, a roaming photo
booth may be the answer. With this photo booth style, a photographer strolls around
your reception and gives guests an easy-to-use handheld device that takes still photos,
as well as GIFs and boomerangs.

Camper Photo Booth

If your wedding theme leans more boho, then a camper-style photo booth might be
the perfect finishing touch to your big day. A vintage camper is refurbished into a
photo booth, creating a unique experience for your guests. This type of photo booth
works particularly well at outdoor events—and makes for some fun wedding photos
in and around the booth!

Print From a Hashtag—Without a Photo Booth

This kind of “photo booth” doesn’t require a booth at all—you rent a printer instead!
Choose a creative and unique hashtag from your wedding, and then ask your guests to
tag and share their photos throughout your event. Then, using printer services, you
can print out any photos tagged with your wedding hashtag.

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