Reception timeline

Our dinner was from 6-7:30 followed by a toast, cake cutting and our first dance. The first dance was shortly before 8 p.m. Our guests were invited to join us 30 seconds into our first dance so they basically sat at the table from 6-8 p.m. at which time the dance floor was open. Even though it was a plated dinner, they were still free to socialize and get up if needed which is one reason we had a long dinner service to allow for socializing to happen. The guests enjoyed themselves and didn't seem bored at all.

That does seem like a super long time to wait to open the dance floor.

We did our grand entrance and went right into our first dance. After that he DJ invited everyone up to dance to kick off the night. After a couple dances we did the MOH and BM speeches then a little more dancing. We had multiple courses and people were dancing in between and the DJ just announced when new food was being served.

Personally, I'm a big fan of doing the first dance right after introductions. Father/bride and mother/groom after that. Then sit, toasts, dinner...and since the 'seal' on the dance floor has already been broken when the first dance happened, people can feel free to jump to the dance floor in between courses.

Our dance floor is in the middle of the tables. Our first dance will be right after introductions then the parent dances. This will allow the guests to munch on bread and such at their seats if they want while the dances happen. Then the first course. A few minutes after that is served will be speeches and then the main course then open dance floor. Dessert will be served during the night but it won't be a sit down thing. People can just eat their cake whenever

Have you asked your caterer how long they suggest for 3 courses? We have been told at least 1.5 hours (for a buffet).