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These are examples of various possible timelines. It is important to note that the Wedding Party is usually very busy socializing immediately after the ceremony, and pictures are harder to organize, taking more time.
The Cocktail Hour is also longer if the Ceremony and Reception are not at the same facility. Also, if the photographer is not paid to stay the whole time, we generally push up the other reception ceremonies (Cake Cutting, Father/Daughter, etc.)
Raleigh Wedding Reception Time Lines
Four Hour Reception
(Assuming the Photographer is available the whole time)
1) Guests Arrive/Cocktail Hour
(Pictures with Bridal Party)2) Bride and Groom Arrive
3) Introductions
4) Social Period
5) Toast
6) Start Meal
6) Continue Meal
7) 1st Dance
8) Open Dance
9) Father /Daughter - Mother /Son
10) Dollar Dance
11) Open Dance
11) Continue Open Dance
12) Cake Cutting
13) Bouquet/Garter
14) Open Dance
15) Last Dance
1st Hour2nd Hour
3rd Hour 4th Hour
Four Hour Reception with Ceremony
(Assuming the Photographer is available the whole time and Ceremony and Reception are at same facility)
1) Guests Arrive/Seating
2) Ceremony
3) Social Period/ Pictures
4) Introductions
5) Toast
6) Start Meal
6) Continue Meal
7) 1st Dance
8) Open Dance
9) Father /Daughter - Mother /Son
10) Dollar Dance
11) Open Dance
11) Continue Open Dance
12) Cake Cutting
13) Bouquet/Garter
14) Open Dance
15) Last Dance
1st Hour2nd Hour
3rd Hour 4th Hour
Five Hour Reception
(Assuming the Photographer is available the whole time and Ceremony and Reception are at same facility)
1) Guests Arrive/Cocktail Hour
(Pictures with Bridal Party)2) Bride and Groom Arrive
3) Introductions
4) Social Period
4) Continue Social Period
5) Toast
6) Start Meal
6) Continue Meal
7) 1st Dance
8) Open Dance
9) Father /Daughter - Mother /Son
10) Dollar Dance
11) Open Dance
12) Cake Cutting
13) Bouquet/Garter
14) Open Dance
15) Last Dance
1st Hour2nd Hour
3rd Hour 4th Hour 5th Hour
I NEVER fail to pack the dance floor.