Wedding Timeline Critique

As a newly married bride, this would be my reco - I think you need to get even more detailed so that things run smoothly and just make sure to add some buffer time in Have as many speeches as you want! We had lots and they were so special.

· 4:30PM: Ceremony begins

· 5:00PM: Ceremony ends. Some more photos with guests and other family members, bar opens.

(You will need way more time in this space, trust me!)

· 6:00PM: Reception begins

6:15PM: Guests are seated

· 6:20PM: Buffet Dinner is served - table 1-4

6:30PM: Table 5-8

6:40PM: Remaining tables

· 6:50PM: First dances with Bride & Groom and Father-Daughter. (You’ll want to do this before you start eating and feel full)

· 7:05PM: Speech 1

7:12PM: 2

7:19PM: 3

7:26PM: 4

7:33PM: 5

7:40PM: 6

(Buffer time incase speeches go over)

· 8:00PM Dance floor opens.

-10:30PM: Late night Taco Bar Station

· 12:30AM: Last call for alcohol service.

· 1:00AM: End! DJ service ends. Clean up time for an hour.

· 2:00AM: Need to be out of venue.

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Yeah, if you don't mind that the attention won't be on you, it's not a big deal having the dance during that time.

As for the speeches, you can tell people about the speech time limit, but most often than not they will go over. And even the most entertaining of speeches will overstay their welcome if they total 30 minutes. At the end of the day, the inside jokes and the sentimental memories won't affect much of the crowd as it will you. Just my 2 cents.

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I definitely hear what you are saying! I was just thinking I really don't like to have attention on me, and by the time we get to the first dance folks should be finished or nearly finished their meal. I prefer to kind of open the dance floor up to everyone!

We are going to ask to keep the speeches/toast to 2-3 minutes max for each, so it should only be 20 minutes, buffer of maybe 25.

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I am hearing from others that 6 speeches is too much even if I try to ask to keep them 2-3 minutes minimum. Who all typically gives a speech at a wedding? I am so confused and don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, either. The timeline is the most stressful thing I am dealing with now haha!

6 speeches in 30 minutes seems a little tight? I get the math of 5 minutes per speech but people cheers and need to get back to their seats and whatnot. You may want to add maybe 10 minutes just as a buffer.

Your timeline seems solid. The only thing I would flag is the placement of the dance. If you hold the dance while people have food in front of them, they won't pay any attention to you. I just personally feel very awkward about the idea of being in the middle of a large dance floor, which feels like a spectacle, and no one is paying attention. If you are fully okay with people potentially not paying attention to it, then it's fine where it's at. If you are, having your couples dance right after your entrance into the hall that would be a good alternative since they're attention is dedicated towards you.

And because you have six speeches lasting half an hour, I would personally break them up. It could feel quite long for other guests to sit through in one go.