Eat first, or dance?

People do both but I prefer the dance first, right after introductions... though around here a cocktail hour is standard beforehand. I'd think you need some sort of food before the dance - at least a salad or something if you're not having a cocktail hour.

Oh... I think I might be reading this wrong. Do you mean "first dance" or just dancing? The above is about the first dance. When it comes to dancing... usually the meal is served first. Though I had a friend who had dancing throughout the meal and it was fantastic! The DJ was great and so you just wanted to get up and move! There were multiple courses, but the server just left your food for you if it looked like you hadn't touched it, so we didn't miss out. The food was also spread out a lot... it wasn't one thing after the next - I'd say there was probably a good 30 minutes between courses. That's the best wedding I've ever been to, but we'll probably have most of our food before dancing. You can also do special (cont)

Dances between courses. I'd talk with your venue and DJ to see if they have any sample schedules they can give you. I'm speaking with my venue this weekend about things like that, so I'll put up our sample schedule in a discussion if we get one.

Where we live, it's common for the couple to show up right before the meal is served, guests attend cocktail hour without the B&G (usually getting photos done)

It really depends on what time you have everything planned, ceremony, cocktails, etc. If your not going to arrive at the recption until close to meal time, start with food, then move onto dancing.

@Fatima- we will be having the "cocktail hour" while we are taking pictures and then will come in for introductions and first dance followed by the buffet. I think you could do it either way, i just felt like if we did it first then we could concentrate on going around to greet our guests.

Okay i think this is how our time-line will go:

3PM-4PM

Bridal party and vendors arrive

Groomsmen setup ceremony area

Bridesmaids and mothers setup reception- mothers coordinate timing (make sure setup is done by X time, so they can start getting ready for their roles)

4PM-445PM

Photographer shoots while wedding party spruces up,

Seating by 5 PM

-30 minute ceremony

Cocktail-time (530PM-6PM)

-Bridal party gets their pics taken during this time, then do touchups on reception setup

-1 Bridesmaid directs crowd to cocktail area

-1 Bridesmaid directs crowd where to sign guestbook/drop off envelopes/presents/seating charts etc.

-1 Bridesmaid (MOH, more than likely) controls music during cocktail time

6PM-6:15PM

-Get guests situated in seats, start First Dance

-Feed their bellies!

Then so on (dance, fun). Is it enough time, or do i need to allow more time for some things, less time for others?

Guests usually start arriving approx 30 min before the wedding, so I would make sure it is set up by then for sure. also, When I asked my photographer about how much time would be needed for pictures, he told me 45min-an hr just so you aren't rushed and you don't miss anyone. If you have someone other than your bridesmaids you could get to direct people and play music during the cocktail hour, it might be helpful. You will want your bridesmaids in pictures I am assuming. Other than that, I think it looks good.

It is good you are getting your schedule done early. I just finished mine and i'm 5 days away. Keep it up

Wow five days away and youre keeping your cool! Im excited for you!!

We are doing hte first dance after the introductions then dinner then dancing and then doing cake cutting, flower throwing and such an hour and half later- this way guests are bored waiting to dance and arent too stuffed to have cake! it worked really well at my sisters wedding