The Wedding Speeches

10 Responses to “What times does everything happen at a wedding? Ex: first dance, speeches, cake cutting?”

1. freecandy2005 Says:
   December 29th, 2008 at 6:40 am

   when the reception first start that's when you have the first dance the in the middle you eat and give the speech then at the end you cut the cake
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2. Deanri Says:
   December 29th, 2008 at 7:01 am

   You need to work this out with your photographer/videograper and dj to do things in a way that makes sense for you and your HTB.
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3. Peace Says:
   December 29th, 2008 at 7:07 am

   It all depends on works best for you. Talk to your caterer and dj/band about coming up with a timeline. We didn't want a grand entrance because we wanted to mingle with our guests during the cocktail hour. We also wanted our first dance to start the dancing portion of our reception, so we cut the cake after dinner, then first dance. We didn't do any of the other tradition things, like bouquet toss. We worked out a timeline with the caterer so they were able to make sure things ran smoothly.
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4. MDC Says:
   December 29th, 2008 at 7:26 am

   I agree that you should speak to your photographer and videoagrapher, however don't let them stipulate exactly when to do what. The couple's first dance is the first thing after your grand entrance. You can have your toast right after dinner and the cake to follow. However you should personalize your reception as well as the ceremony to fit your style. Remember its your day and you can do whatever pleases you.
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5. kateqd30 Says:
   December 29th, 2008 at 8:13 am

   This is the usual time line that I see at most weddings I attend

   Introductions or parents
   Introductions of bridal party
   Your grand entrance striaght to the dance floor
   Your first dance
   Everyone is seated for the speeches
   MOH's speech
   Best Man's toast
   Groom's toast
   Prayer
   Dinner hour
   Mother/Son dance
   Father/Daughter dance
   Open dancing
   About an hour after dinner cake cutting
   Bouquet toss and Garter toss OR some people eliminate both of these and do the anniversary dance and dedicate the bouquet to the winning couple
   Cake and desserts are served
   open dancing
   Last Dance
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6. tetlitea Says:
   December 29th, 2008 at 9:01 am

   Usually the first dance is right after the Grand Entrance which is not too long after everyone has gotten settled after the cocktail hour. The speeches come usually during dinner and the cake cutting right after dinner. How these things will flow at your wedding depends on the reception place, if you have a planner (who will coordinate these things) and your photographer and videographer. You usually only have a specific time at your reception hall.
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7. Whit Says:
   December 29th, 2008 at 9:23 am

   This is how my friend did it a few weeks ago.

   They came in
   straight to cutting the cake
   they did the toasting,
   the bride/groom dance
   father/dauchter dance
   bridal party dance
   money dance
   everyone danced
   After a little while they did the bouquet toss and the garter toss. Than it was PARTY TIME!

   You can do it however you want. Its your wedding day. If you have a wedding planner get with them and see what works best for you.
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8. Rebecca R Says:
   December 29th, 2008 at 9:37 am

   It depends what is most important to you. Remember that the farther into the reception you get the more tired everyone will be and the more likely they will leave. If you want to make sure everyone dances you should have that near the begining but if you want to make sure that everyone hears the speeched have that first.
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9. Brent Y Says:
   December 29th, 2008 at 9:46 am

   The timeline varies according to area; I've worked weddings in different areas, some do things in a different order.

   However, the thing to remember is: It's YOUR wedding! So long as the working pros are informed well in advance of your timeline, there shouldn't be any problem doing it your way; however, the pros in your area can also advise you on what might not be a good idea. For example, NY mother arranged DJ in Florida, insisted they play fast dance music during dinner. Bad idea; in the South dancing doesn't begin until dinner is over, and Mom was the only one on the floor - for half a song. Also, many people think bouquet/garter signals it's over & will leave immediately afterward.

   Talk to a PPA or WPPI (photographer), WEVA or 4Ever Group (Videographer), NAME or ADJA (DJ) member in your area. These are pros who will know.
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10. Lydia Says:
    December 29th, 2008 at 10:36 am

    Sample timeline -
    Cocktails 5:00
    Dinner 6:00, program follows with toasts/speeches.
    Cake cutting could be around 8, followed by the first dance around 8:30, and the rest of the dance.
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