A sample five-hour reception
Times are from the moment guests arrive at the hall. If your ceremony is at a church, add the drive and plan for guests arriving over 20 to 30 minutes.
0:00
Cocktail hour
- Guests arrive, find their seats, get a drink and appetizers. The couple and family take portraits.
- Have the seating chart at the door and the guest book near it.
1:00
Grand entrance and first dance
- The DJ or MC introduces the parents, the wedding party and the couple.
- Go straight into the first dance while everyone is standing and watching.
1:10
Welcome and blessing
- A parent welcomes everyone. A family member or the officiant blesses the meal.
1:15
Dinner
- Buffet or plated. Plan about an hour. Let the head table go first at a buffet.
- The photographer and DJ eat now, so they are ready for what comes next.
2:00
Toasts
- The best man, the maid of honor and a parent. Keep each to about three minutes, and tell them that in advance.
2:20
Parent dances
- The father and daughter dance and the mother and son dance, then invite everyone to the floor.
2:30
Open dancing
- The longest stretch of the night. The DJ reads the room.
3:15
Cake cutting
- A short break in the dancing. Dessert goes out while the music picks back up.
3:30
Traditions
- The money dance, the bouquet and garter toss, or the family's own traditions, while the room is still full.
4:45
Last dance and send-off
- A last song, then a send-off line or a final photo with everyone on the floor.
Why this order works
- Entrance and first dance back to back. Everyone is already standing and looking. Splitting them loses the room twice.
- Toasts after the main course, not before. Guests listen better fed, and the kitchen is not holding plates.
- Cake before traditions. Older guests often leave after the cake. Do the money dance and toss while they are still there.
- Big moments before the last hour. Energy and the guest count both drop late in the night.
One legal detail
In California, a marriage license expires 90 days after it is issued (Family Code 356), so pick it up within that window before the date. After the ceremony, the officiant has 10 days to return it to the county recorder (Family Code 359). Make sure someone has the license in hand on the day.
Sources
- California Family Code, Section 356 (a marriage license expires 90 days after it is issued)
- California Family Code, Section 359 (the officiant returns the license within 10 days)
Treasure Banquets is an event venue, not a law firm, and this guide is not legal advice. We date every guide and update it when the rules change.
