4:30 p.m.

Guests begin to arrive for ceremony. Music: Ceremony prelude may include soft piano music, favorite love songs, string music, etc. Approx. 5 - 7 songs.

 

5:00 p.m.

Ceremony begins. Music: Bridal party processional song, Bride processional song, Interlude music (candle-lighting /other), Recessional song.

 

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. 5-7 songs.

 

6:00 p.m.

DJ asks guests to circle the dance floor for the grand entrance. Bridal party has arrived.  The DJ greets them at the door, reviews the itinerary of the evening with them, and verifies name pronunciations. 

 

6:10 p.m.

DJ introduces the newlyweds for their grand entrance and they seamlessly walk to the center of the dance floor. The bridal party can either be introduced as one large group or individually by name. The bridal party walks in first and goes 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 guests to join the dance. 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, add an additional song. (Maybe a fun sing-along.)

Music: Couple's Choice. Pick up to 2 songs for your grand entrance. (1 for the newlywed's entrance and another for the bridal party entrance IF your bridal party is large enough.) Choose a song for your first dance as husband and wife.

 

6:30 p.m.

Dinner begins. After about 10-15 minutes pass, or after salads are served, 1 or more people say a toast. (Toasts may include best man/maid/parents & newlywed thanks to guests.) Toward the end of dinner, the wedding cake is cut. 

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 get creative with this selection.

 

7:20 p.m.

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

Music: Couple's Choice. 1 song for each, or you can be 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 5-10 must-plays in a 5-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), and then back to open dancing. 

Note: We strongly recommend avoiding the money/dollar dance for a 5-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!