A great reception feels effortless to your guests. Behind the scenes, it runs on a clear running order and an MC who keeps everyone, from the kitchen to the speakers, in step. Here's a sample timeline to help you plan, and the reasons behind it.
A sample running order
- 6:00 pm: guests seated, MC welcome and housekeeping.
- 6:10 pm: grand entrance of the bridal party and the newlyweds.
- 6:20 pm: entrée served.
- 6:50 pm: first round of speeches, often parents.
- 7:15 pm: main course served.
- 8:00 pm: bridal party speeches and the couple's thank-you.
- 8:30 pm: cake cutting, then your first dance.
- 8:40 pm: dance floor opens, dessert and coffee served.
- 10:45 pm: last dance and farewell.
Before the reception starts
The running order begins before your guests sit down. Your MC confirms the timeline with the venue, checks the microphone and music cues, finds each speaker and lets them know when they're on, and makes sure your bridal party is lined up and ready for the grand entrance. Ten calm minutes of preparation here set the tone for the whole night.
Why the order matters
Splitting speeches between courses keeps guests engaged and stops the kitchen waiting. Holding your first dance straight after the cake cutting creates a natural lead-in to the dance floor. Planning the farewell before the venue's finish time means you leave on a high, not in a rush.
What your MC does to keep it on track
- Briefs every speaker on order and timing before the night.
- Works with the venue so meals are served hot and never during a toast.
- Adjusts the timeline quietly if something runs late.
- Builds anticipation for each key moment so your guests are ready.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Too many speeches in a row. More than three in one block and guests start checking the time.
- Leaving the cake cutting too late. Older guests and families with young children may leave early.
- No buffer time. Build in five to ten minutes between key moments for the unexpected.
- Forgetting your photographer's finish time. Make sure the moments you want captured happen while they're still there.
Sharing your running order
Once your running order is final, share it with your venue coordinator, photographer, videographer and anyone giving a speech. Everyone working from the same plan is the secret to a calm, joyful night.
Making it personal
Your running order can reflect your story. You might add a surprise performance from your bridal party, a toast to loved ones who couldn't be there, or a cultural tradition that matters to your family. A good MC helps you place each moment where it will mean the most.
Every wedding is different, so your running order should be built around you. As your wedding MC, I'll create it with you, share it with your venue and photographer, and make sure the night unfolds exactly as you imagined. If you'd like the same voice from your ceremony to your last dance, I can also be your wedding celebrant.