6 Hr (Or Longer) RECEPTION – NO ON SITE CEREMONY (Option A)
There are 2 sample timelines on this page. Feel free to mix or match timelines!
5:30 p.m.
Guests arrive at the reception for cocktail hour & hors-d'oeuvres. Newlyweds are taking pictures with the bridal party. Music approx. 10 songs.
6:30 p.m.
DJ asks the guests to be seated for dinner. The bridal party has arrived. DJ greets them at the door, reviews the itinerary for the evening, and verifies name pronunciations.
6:40 p.m.
DJ introduces the newlyweds for the grand entrance and they seamlessly walk to the cake for the cake-cutting, then proceed to the head table for toasts and/or grace. The bridal party can either be introduced as one large group or individually by name.
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. Choose 1 song for your cake-cutting. Feel free to get creative with this choice.
7:00 p.m.
Dinner begins. Music: Dinner music approx. 15 songs. Last 5 songs are great opportunity to play your favorite songs that aren't quite danceable, but still upbeat.
8:00 p.m.
DJ introduces the first dance, bridal party, father-daughter 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, 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.
8:15 p.m.
Open dancing begins. Music: If dancing is important to you, it is wise to request no more than 10 must-plays in a 6-hour reception.
8:45 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.
11:25 p.m.
Last song of the night. Music: Have fun with it! Long, sentimental songs or sing-a-longs work great.
6 Hr (Or Longer) RECEPTION – NO ON SITE CEREMONY (Option B)
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 songs.
6:30 p.m.
DJ asks guests to be seated for dinner. The bridal party has arrived. DJ greets them at the door, reviews the itinerary of the evening, and verifies name pronunciations.
6:40 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 either be introduced as one large group or individually by name.
Music: Couple's Choice. Pick up to 2 songs, 1 for the newlywed's entrance and another for the bridal party entrance IF your bridal party is large enough. Newlyweds have their first dance, then proceed to the head table for grace.
7:00 p.m.
Dinner begins. 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. After about 10-15 minutes pass, or after salads are served, toasts may be given. Towards the end of dinner, the newlyweds cut the cake. Choose 1 song for your cake-cutting. Feel free to get creative with this selection.
8:00 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 newlyweds are 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.
8:15 p.m.
Open dancing begins. Music: If dancing is important to you, it is wise to request no more than 10 must-plays in a 6-hour reception.
8:45 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.
11:25 p.m.
Last song of the night. Add an extra hour of dancing if you have a 7-hour event.
Music: Have fun with it! Long, sentimental songs or sing-a-longs work great!