5:30 p.m.

Guests arrive at the reception for cocktail hour & hors-d'oeuvres.
Newlyweds are taking pictures with the wedding party.  

Music: Cocktail-type music approx. 10-15 songs 

6:00 p.m.

DJ asks guests to circle the dance floor for the grand entrance.

The bridal party has arrived. DJ greets them at the door, reviews the evening's itinerary with them, and verifies name pronunciations. 

6:10 p.m.

DJ introduces the newlyweds for the grand entrance, and they seamlessly walk to the center of the dance floor.

The bridal party can be introduced as one large group, or individually by name. Bridal party walks in first and takes places to the side of the dance floor.

Newlyweds have their first dance, then proceed to the head table for grace. Idea: Halfway through the first dance, invite all the guests to join in. This is a great chance for a group pic! This will only work if everyone is circled around the dance floor (DJ will coordinate).

If time allows, you could also add an additional song. (Maybe a fun sing-along.)

Music: Couple's Choice. Pick up to 2 songs. 1 for the grand entrance and another for the bridal party entrance IF your bridal party is large enough. Also, choose a song for your first dance.

6:30 p.m.

Dinner begins. After about 10-15 minutes pass, or after salads are served, 1 or more toasts are given. (Toasts may include best man/maid of honor/parents & newlyweds thanking guests.) Toward the end of dinner, cut the cake. 

Music: Dinner music approx. 15 songs.

Last 5 songs are a great opportunity to play your favorite songs that aren't quite danceable, but still upbeat.

Choose 1 song for your cake-cutting. Feel free to be creative with this selection.

7:20 p.m.

DJ introduces the bridal party dance, father-daughter dance, and mother-son dances. Note: This is often delayed because the dinner service takes more time and/or the newlyweds are still greeting tables.

Music: Couple's Choice. 1 song for each dance, or get creative and do some combining. You may also want to have your DJ fade songs out early in order to speed things up.  

7:30 p.m.

Open dancing begins.

Music: If dancing is important to you, it is best to request no more than 5 must-plays in a 4-hour reception.

7:45 p.m.

Money/Dollar Dance (est. 15 min- 20 min), Anniversary Dance (est.10 min) and Garter Bouquet (est.10 min) (ALL ARE OPTIONAL), then back to open dancing.

Note: We strongly recommend avoiding the money/dollar dance for a 4-hour wedding, ESPECIALLY if you have a large guest count. 

9:25 p.m.  

Last song of the night.

Music: Have fun with it! Long, sentimental songs or sing-a-longs work great!