PLANNING YOUR WEDDING RECEPTION TIMELINE
Want to ensure your wedding reception flows seamlessly? Timing is everything! Organising when each segment of the evening should occur might seem overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’re here to guide you. We’ve crafted a detailed wedding reception timeline to help you allocate just the right amount of time for each key part of your celebration.
The estimates provided here are based on the collective wisdom of seasoned wedding professionals, including our very own in-house team. Keep in mind that every wedding reception is distinct, with different activities and guest experiences. To tailor the timeline to your specific needs, we recommend consulting with your venue coordinator and various wedding vendors.
A reception timeline for a seated wedding:
5:00pm Venue Sneak Peeks
Before the guests enter the reception, the venue will be perfectly arranged with everything in its right place. If you’re wanting a venue sneak peek, this is the time! Ask your photographer to capture your reception in all its styled glory, with shots of the whole room, welcome signs, bridal and guest tables, and any special touches you’ve added. It’s also a great opportunity for mock cake cutting or first dance photos without the crowd, allowing you and your newlywed partner a few quiet moments together.
Meanwhile… Cocktail Hour
Guests will be guided down a private laneway to enjoy pre-dinner drinks, along with canapes or platters of your choosing. At Factory51, the cocktail hour takes place in our alfresco terrace adjoining The Workshop reception room. For larger numbers, you may also need to utilise some of the space in front of your private bar. But, don’t worry, we have a large velvet curtain that can be drawn across the room to keep your reception private.
5:45pm Guest Entry and Seating
As guests are invited into the reception, they will have the opportunity to find their seats and refill their glass. Some light music helps set the ambiance, allowing guests to mingle with those at their table and settle in comfortably.
6:00pm MC Welcome and Bridal Party Entrance
After everyone is seated, the Master of Ceremonies (MC) will officially kick off the evening with a warm welcome and any important announcements (e.g. location of bathrooms, emergency exits, etc.). Following this, guests are asked to stand for the entrance of the bridal party, which leads to your grand entry as newlyweds. Congrats lovers!
6:30pm Entrees or Shared Starters
Once everyone is seated again, the entree course or shared starters will be served. This is the perfect time for guests to enjoy their first mouthfuls of the exquisite catering at Factory51. If you want to experience it yourself before the big day, simply make a reservation at our restaurant. We promise you won’t be disappointed!
7:00-7:15pm Speeches (Round 1)
The first round of speeches usually begins after the starters, as a way to space them out throughout the night. Depending on the number of guests you have, and how many speeches you need to get through, this is often 30-45 minutes after entrees/starters are served. Traditionally, these speeches start with the parents of the bride/groom, however you can choose to order the speakers as you see fit!
We wrote a whole post about Mastering Wedding Speeches and Toasts that you can read here.
Nikolas David Photography
7:30pm Mains or Shared Feast Mains
As speeches wrap up, the main course or shared feast dishes will be served. This is one of the highlights of the evening, featuring our chef’s finest creations that are sure to delight your guests. If there’s one thing a Factory51 wedding is known for, it’s the food!
8:15pm More Speeches (Round 2)
Post-mains, the second round of speeches will commence. This often includes the best man and maid of honour, and it provides a perfect segue into the more relaxed, celebratory part of the evening.
8:45pm Cake Cutting
The cutting of the wedding cake is a cherished tradition, symbolising your first act as a married couple. Whether you cut it, or ditch the cutting altogether, is up to you!
9:00pm Dessert
Dessert will be served after the cake cutting. If your dessert is in addition to your cake, then it will come out soon after. If your cake is the dessert, then be patient as your cake is cut and plattered for your reception.
9:30pm Dancing
Post-dessert, the dance floor opens and you decide how you want to kick things off! Some love the traditional father-daughter and mother-son dances, whilst others have been practising a show-stopping choreographed dance as a married couple. Either way, this moment marks the commencement of dancing for the night.
10:00pm Late Night Snacks
If you’re keen to bring out some late night snacks – woodfired pizza, anyone?! – then this is the time. Allow guests a decent dance before offering them a refuel. For those not on the d-floor, a late night snack may be just what they need to power through to the end.
10:30pm Bouquet Toss and/or Garter Throw
These fun traditions are a playful part of the evening and usually bring lots of laughs and cheers (and, sure, the occasional covering of eyes) from everyone in attendance. Love it or loathe it, adding a bouquet toss and/or garter throw to your reception timeline is up to you!
11:00pm Farewells
As the evening winds down, you may want to start saying farewell. This is also the time for a grand exit or send-off, which provides a perfect photo opportunity and a memorable end to your special day.
Additional Tips:
While this reception timeline serves as a guide, it’s important to remain flexible and adjust as necessary based on the day’s flow and any unforeseen circumstances. Our team will liaise with your MC on the night to keep abreast of any any changes so we can all smoothly transition from one part of the celebration to the next. With our stunning venue and attention to detail, our team will ensure that your big day runs smoothly. Make an appointment to view Factory51 today!