Deciding on your timeline for your reception is one of the most challenging parts of wedding planning. We know you want a seamless night and enough time for each event. Should we eat or dance first? Did I hire the photographer long enough to capture my cake cutting? How long should I plan for my dance party? These questions go on and on.
I know what you’re
thinking: “Does a DJ really know anything about my timeline?”
Short answer:
absolutely!
Here are a couple of
reasons why:
- The DJ is there the whole day. We’re often there before the bride and groom arrive, and frequently we’re the last ones to leave! That means we see everything.
- We know what works. With our 20+ years of
experience, we’ve witnessed orders of events that work and those that
don’t. We’ve seen guests get restless because too much was planned before
dinner. We’ve seen photographers leave before major events and sadly, many
other catastrophes.
- We make sure your plan is
followed. We’re integral to making sure your order of events happens the way
you want it to. We make sure everything is prepared and ready for the next
event, even if that means doing it ourselves! From first dance to last
call, we announce every major event and make sure each one happens when
and how you want it.
Okay, now that
you’re convinced, here’s the golden order we’ve seen work time and time again.
This timeline works for just about any couple and helps your wedding go off
without a hitch!
- Cocktail Hour. Guests arrive at the reception
location, and the DJ plays background music while they settle in. This is
when guests will grab light refreshments, sign the guest book, find their
seats, and so on. (Also at this time, the wedding party and family are
taking pictures or just catching a breather!) Typical length: 45–90
minutes, depending on how many pictures you plan to take.
- Grand Introductions. This is where the wedding party,
or just the bride and groom, is introduced to the guests already in the
reception space. Grand introductions are when the DJ really starts to set
the tone for your reception. Typical length: 2–5 minutes.
- First Dance. If you’re a little anxious about
your first dance, this is a great spot for it. After you’re introduced,
the energy is high and you’ll be dancing before you even realize it!
Another good option is after dinner, or after toasts and cake cutting
(with your other special dances), but definitely before the dance party! Typical
length: 2–5 minutes.
- Dinner. Whether it’s buffet style or
plated, your DJ will make sure it goes the way you want. Typical
length: 60–90 minutes.
- Toasts and Cake Cutting. We love to see the bride and
groom cut their cake after everyone has been called up for dinner. Toasts
are great to give while your guests enjoy dinner and dessert. Typical
length: 5–10 minutes.
- Special Dances. Traditionally these are
father/daughter and mother/son dances, but there are so many options and
ways to honor the special people in your life! Typical length: 5–10
minutes.
- Open the Dance Floor! Many couples like to choose a
song to start off the dance party, but you don’t have to. DJs normally
have a tried-and-true opening to the party that will get everyone on the
dance floor. Typical length: 2–5 minutes.
- Bouquet Toss and Garter Toss. Another option is to do this
after special dances to get the energy up for the dance party, but during
the open dance floor works perfectly too. Typical length: 5–10 minutes.
- Continue the Party! You can choose your type of
music here. Whether you want a boot scootin’ boogie or a 2000s club vibe,
your DJ will make your dance party uniquely yours! Typical length: 90
minutes–3 hours.
- Last Song or Private Last Dance. We love a special last song to
perfectly conclude your beautiful day! Typical length: 2–5 minutes.
If you want to add
something unique to your timeline but aren’t sure where it fits, just ask us!
Whether it’s a photo dash, a surprise dance, a bouquet dedication, or a
newlywed game, our BRAVO Live team will know just where to put it to make it
work with your order of events.