What to do during a wedding reception?

That’s plenty to fill 5 hours!

View Quoted Comment But I don’t know what to fill it up with lol

Typically the dinner takes about 1.5-2 hours (for all courses to be served and eaten), and then the rest is dancing. If you are doing toasts, they are typically done while guests are eating. Three hours for photobooth and dancing is great.

I think you have plenty already but I know we added some games to ours, like Bride and Groom Trivia. We handed out like wedding-based prizes like treats and stuff to the winners.

Eating and mingling, dancing optional. That covers your time frame easily. Some people choose to have games when there is no dancing but the majority stick to mingling in that case.

What do you mean by a program? A set presentation like at a conference or paper telling who is filling which role? Neither are required or expected.

View Quoted Comment I like that idea. Thank you so much

That works. The mingling is the best part... seeing everyone who’s special to you, all in one place (whether that’s near the bar or on the dance floor). Ultimately, some people will stay the full 5 hours and some people won’t. But, just allow your guests to enjoy themselves. They’re adults, so there’s no need to fill every single minute with some sort of activity (and definitely not games). Save that for birthday parties or casual gatherings.

View Quoted Comment

I should have clarified this a bit more. We actually did this as apart of our after-party. If you are really desperate to fill time then you can include it but usually you can fill the entire time with mingling, eating, and dancing.

Thats plenty to fill for 5 hours it will go by fast so enjoy it

I’m just doing a sign based on something I saw on Pinterest that will be out front letting everyone know what time things start (ceremony, “social hour”, dinner, first dance, party, and send off). We’re going to have yard games for those that don’t want to dance or need a break from dancing. Signs placed as needed.
The dj, or someone else you designate, should be announcing when it’s time for everything to start also. If you don’t feel programs are necessary for what you have planned just go with that.

I personally am not going to do a program and will just have the DJ or someone else announce the beginning of dinner, cake cutting, etc.


If you want you can provide some outdoor games as well (croquet, cornhole, etc.)