If you are in the trenches of planning your big day and are wondering how to schedule wedding reception events, don’t panic. Take a deep breath, and use a few helpful tips from the experts at Havelock Social Hall to formulate your reception timeline.

A Simple Guide to the Wedding Reception Timeline

1. Receiving Line

The first part of a wedding reception is receiving your guests and thanking them for being a part of your special day. Do not worry if you do not see every person during this time, as you will have many other opportunities to speak with them. You can also schedule the receiving line immediately after your ceremony if you think it is best.

2. Cocktail Hour

The cocktail hour is usually the second phase of a wedding reception and a perfect opportunity to speak with guests you did not get to see on the receiving line. Consider holding your cocktail hour in a room separate from the main banquet hall if it is not available until a certain time.

3. First Dance

This dance commences after you and your partner are announced as a married couple for the first time. Some people opt for the traditional slow dance, while others go the comedic route with a faster pop song. Still others blend slow and fast tunes to create something unique.

4. Toast & Speeches

The champagne toast and speeches generally occur after everyone is seated and ready for dinner. Your best man starts the toast and gives his speech, which is followed by the maid of honor’s speech. You and your partner may wish to say a few words in response or simply hand the microphone over to your parents so they can offer their good wishes.

5. Dinner & Cake Cutting

Dinner is the second-to-last phase in a wedding reception timeline, and it is generally either served by a catering staff or provided as a buffet. Once everyone has eaten their fill, it is time for the official cutting and serving of the wedding cake. Then, simply eat, drink, dance, and be merry!

Work with the experts at Havelock Social Hall to create your dream wedding reception. The banquet hall and event catering service offers rooms that accommodate up to 400 guests, and they even provide a “Create Your Own Buffet” option. Call (402) 467­-3002 to continue the planning process, or visit their website for service information. Like the banquet hall on Facebook for more great tips.