Wedding Party Size: How To Decide On Your Bridal Brigade

Wedding party sizes vary depending on the couple's preferences, but the bridal party typically includes the bride and groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honour, and best man. The size of the wedding party can range from a small group of close friends to a larger group of extended family and friends.

Now, when it comes to the duration of wedding parties, the average wedding ceremony lasts around 22 minutes to an hour, while most wedding receptions typically last four to five hours. However, the length can vary depending on the region and culture, with some weddings lasting up to 12 hours. The wedding reception timeline usually includes a cocktail hour, seating and bridal party announcement, toasts, first dance and other special dances, dinner, cake cutting, and dancing.

Wedding ceremony length

The length of a wedding ceremony depends on several factors, including the type of ceremony, the number of guests, and the couple's preferences. Here are some estimates and factors to consider when planning the length of your wedding ceremony:

Type of Ceremony

The type of ceremony you choose will significantly impact its length. Civil ceremonies are typically shorter than religious ones. A typical civil ceremony usually lasts around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of readings and other elements included. On the other hand, religious ceremonies tend to be longer and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour, especially if it includes a full Catholic mass.

Couple's Preferences

The length of the ceremony ultimately comes down to the couple's preferences. Some couples prefer a "short and sweet" ceremony, lasting around 15 to 20 minutes, which is considered the average length for a wedding ceremony today. Others may opt for a more extended ceremony, incorporating additional elements such as musical performances, multiple readings, or unity ceremonies. It's important to note that attention spans can be a factor, and officiants are mindful of this when conducting longer ceremonies.

Number of Guests and Seating

The number of guests and seating arrangements can also influence the ceremony's length. If you have a large number of guests, it may take longer for everyone to find their seats and get settled. Additionally, consider that guests may become uncomfortable if they have to stand for an extended period. While a shorter ceremony may not require seating for all guests, it is generally recommended to provide enough chairs, especially for elderly or disabled individuals who may have difficulty standing for long periods.

Additional Factors

Other factors that can affect the ceremony's length include the processional and recessional, the length of the aisle, and any travel time between venues. These elements should be considered when creating a timeline for the wedding day.

In summary, the length of a wedding ceremony can vary from a few minutes for a simple legal ceremony to over an hour for a religious ceremony with all the traditional elements. The average ceremony, however, tends to fall within the 15- to 30-minute range, depending on the couple's preferences and the type of ceremony.

Cocktail hour

The cocktail hour is an important part of the wedding reception, marking the transition from the ceremony to the reception and dinner. Typically lasting an hour, it can be extended to an hour and a half if the couple needs more time for photographs.

Drinks and Food

The cocktail hour is a time for guests to enjoy drinks and light bites. It's an opportunity to be creative with the menu and offer food that reflects the couple's tastes, cultural background, or travel experiences. Passed hors d'oeuvres are a popular choice, with at least five different kinds offered, and two bites of each budgeted per guest. Food stations are also a fun option, with options such as raw bars, charcuterie boards, crostini, dumplings, sushi, tacos, pizza, and pasta.

For drinks, it's a good idea to have multiple options for guests. In addition to bartenders, waiters can pass pre-poured glasses of wine, direct guests to a beer cooler, or offer juice and water. A signature cocktail is a nice touch, adding a personal element to the celebration.

Entertainment and Activities

The cocktail hour is primarily a time for guests to mingle and chat. To enhance the experience, some entertainment or activities can be offered. Lawn games, a photo booth, or a guest book are all simple yet engaging options. Live music can also add to the ambiance, with options such as a string quartet, acoustic guitarist, or jazz trio creating a mellow vibe for guests to converse over.

Seating and Decor

Seating during the cocktail hour is typically limited, with a focus on providing options for older guests or those who may need a break from standing. A combination of low chairs, coffee tables, and high tables with bar stools can be offered, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. The decor can be tailored to the setting, with elegant linens, captivating centerpieces, candles, and other decorative elements adding a sophisticated touch.

Timing and Logistics

The cocktail hour usually takes place after the ceremony, providing a breather before the reception. However, some couples choose to have it before the ceremony, serving as a warm-up for guests to catch up and enjoy drinks and food. If the ceremony and reception are in the same building, the cocktail hour can still be a valuable part of the celebration, offering guests a chance to mingle and providing time for the couple to take photographs.

Reception length

The length of a wedding reception can vary, but they typically last between four and seven hours. A wedding reception should be at least four hours long, unless there is a secondary location that guests are aware of.

The length of your reception will depend on the package offered by your venue and how much time you need to fit in all the activities you want to include. A wedding reception is a chance for you to celebrate with your guests, so it's important to plan a timeline that allows for all the traditions, events and activities you want to include, as well as time to socialise and enjoy the food and entertainment.

A four-hour reception is considered by some to be the perfect amount of time if you are not serving a plated multi-course meal. This length allows enough time for guests to enjoy dinner and have fun on the dance floor. However, if you are serving a plated three-course meal, the dinner section of your reception will take up around one and a half to two hours.

A cocktail hour is often included in a wedding reception timeline, and this can take place before the ceremony or between the ceremony and reception. This is a good opportunity for guests to relax and enjoy some light refreshments, and for the bridal couple to take formal photos.

6:00 pm: Cocktail hour begins

6:45 pm: Guests enter the reception space

7:00 pm: Grand entrance and first dance

7:30 pm: First course is served

7:50 pm: Welcome toasts

8:00 pm: Dance set

8:30 pm: Entrées are served

9:15 pm: Wedding party toasts

9:20 pm: More dancing

10:00 pm: Cake cutting and couple's thank-you speech

10:15 pm: Bouquet and garter toss

10:45 pm: Reception ends

This timeline includes all the key moments of a wedding reception, from the grand entrance and first dance to the cake cutting and final goodbyes. It allows for plenty of time to socialise, enjoy food and drinks, and dance the night away.

Remember, your wedding day schedule is just a suggestion, and it's okay if things don't go exactly according to plan. The most important thing is that you and your guests have a memorable and enjoyable celebration.

Dinner and dancing

The length of a wedding reception can vary, but they typically last between four and six hours. This includes time for cocktails, dinner, toasts, and dancing.

If you're planning a wedding with a separate dinner and dancing space, there are a few things to consider. Some guests may feel uncomfortable moving between different areas, especially if the spaces are far apart or difficult to navigate. It's important to ensure a smooth flow when moving guests between locations, and to avoid backtracking if possible. Having a clear timeline and plan for the evening will help to ensure that guests are not moved around too frequently.

One option is to have dinner and dancing in the same room. This can be a more inclusive option, as guests who do not want to dance can still feel part of the atmosphere and socialise with others. However, some guests, particularly older ones, may prefer a separate space to escape the loud music. In this case, it's important to ensure that there is enough seating in the dancing area, and that the music doesn't drown out conversation in the dinner area.

If you do decide to have separate spaces, a fun way to transition guests between the two areas is to organise a conga line or another group activity. This will help to get everyone excited about the next stage of the wedding.

For dinner, you may choose to have a seated dinner, a buffet, or food stations. A seated dinner is more formal, while a buffet or food stations can encourage guests to mingle and move around. If you're having a seated dinner, it's a good idea to serve appetizers or cocktails beforehand to keep guests occupied while they wait for the meal to be served.

After dinner, the traditional first dance usually takes place, followed by the father-daughter and mother-son dances. Then, the dance floor is open to all guests! It's a good idea to integrate other activities, such as the bouquet toss and garter toss, throughout the evening to keep guests entertained.

The cake-cutting ceremony usually takes place towards the end of the reception, as some guests may leave after this. However, it's important to leave enough time for more dancing and festivities after the cake is cut. The last dance should be planned for about 15 minutes before the end of the reception, and the couple can choose whether to end with a slow song or an upbeat tune.

Whether you choose to have dinner and dancing in the same or separate spaces, careful planning and consideration of your guests' comfort and enjoyment will ensure that your wedding reception is a success!

Toasts

Wedding toasts are a traditional and meaningful way to celebrate the newlyweds. They are usually given by the newlyweds' parents, honour attendants, and the couple, but other loved ones may also give a speech. Here is a general timeline for wedding toasts:

Welcoming Guests

The father of the bride traditionally welcomes the guests and thanks them for coming. This is also a good time for the bride and groom to set up a greeting line to welcome guests as they arrive at the reception.

First Dance

The wedding party and newlyweds are introduced, and the couple may choose to have their first dance. Alternatively, the first dance can take place after the toasts and dinner.

Once everyone has food, the bride and groom may address the group and thank their parents and guests for attending. Traditionally, the father of the bride, best man, and maid of honour give toasts during dinner. Other loved ones may also give toasts, such as siblings or other family members.

Dancing

After the first dance, guests are invited to the dance floor. The DJ or band should keep the music going once the formal dances are complete.

Cake Cutting

There will be a brief break in the dancing for the cake cutting. Keep in mind that some guests may leave after the cake is cut, so you may not want to cut the cake too early.

More Dancing

After the cake is cut, the DJ or band will play upbeat, festive music to draw guests back to the dance floor.

Last Dance

Plan the last dance about 15 minutes before you'd like to wrap up your reception.

Grand Exit

If you plan to make a grand exit, arrange for your wedding coordinator to usher guests to the area where the sendoff will happen.

• Keep it short and sweet.
• Include a mix of humour and emotion.
• Practice your speech ahead of time and bring a written copy with you.
• Make sure everyone can hear you clearly.
• Avoid inside jokes that will go over the guests' heads.
• Focus on the couple and your relationship with them.
• Include a few short anecdotes or a relevant quote.
• Thank your hosts or guests.
• "May your love always be added. May it never be subtracted. May your household multiply and may your hearts never be divided!"
• "May your love be strong, may your arguments be few and far between, and may your love story be as epic as a [insert epic thing the couple does together]."
• "May your love be as strong as your coffee in the morning, as warm as your bed on a cold winter’s night, and as eternal as your Netflix subscription."
• "May your love continue to grow and bring you happiness for the rest of your lives. And may you always find humour in the little things and never forget the reason you fell in love in the first place."

Frequently asked questions