I can't figure out how long my lunch reception is supposed to be! Dinner receptions are normally 5-7 hoursbut

Question

this is going to start around noon or 1.
I was thinking this:

12:00 - Set-up
12:30 - Guests arrive
1:20 - lunch is served
2:00 - toasts
2:15 - dessert
2:30 - Any extra thank yous chatting etc
3:00 Done.

Does that seem about right? I mean if it is done before 3pm that is fine, I just want to make sure I rent enough time at the facility.

Answer 1

Are you doing traditional items? First dance, cake cutting, bouquet toss? You don't have those items scheduled in.

Most of the lunch receptions I've been to food was just light appetizer type. Is that what you are doing or are you having a full sit down affair?

Lunch receptions are a lot shorter than dinner--so yes I think 2 hours is about average. But if you are renting the place you also have to include breakdown and cleanup. 2 hours is probably how long most of the guests will stay--but not how long until everyone will be out of there.

I'd rent the place until 5 and leave your timeline set at ending at 3. That gives the caterer plenty of time to wash up (if they do that there), clean the kitchen, and for people to get their tableclothes and centerpieces off the table after everyone leaves.

Answer 2

It depends on your guest list. If you are inviting 200 people you can't have a two hour reception because you won't have time to greet them all and people will feel shortchanged.

Estimate about 3 minutes per person at the reception. You should spend like 5 but there will be couples there so it averages out.

Answer 3

we had our wedding at noon and th reception at 2. honestly, i think you may not be giving yourself enough time. reason being, that you are only leaving an hour for lunch and toasts. even if you have a buffet or sit down meal, it will take some time (depending on the number of guests you have) to even have everyone served. some people may just be getting their food by the time you start toasts and dessert. also, you have to allow time for plates to be cleared before you start serving dessert, especially if you are going to do a cake cutting ceremony. additionally, if you are going to do a "meet and greet" with your guests, it usually takes much longer than half an hour as many people want to chat, take pictures, etc.
plus, with weddings, you always need to give yourself some "breathing room" so your not stressed out about not having enough time. better to pay more and have a little extra time than to be stressed and worried about how fast things are going.
what time does your wedding end? you will need to allow yourself at least an hour after the wedding if you are going to take pictures after.
also, are you planning on having dancing, garter toss, cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc? you need to budget out time for that if so. usually, people don't get on the dance floor or participate until well after they have eaten.
i rented a few hours longer than i though we needed so that we could serve food, do all of our "wedding stuff" and still have time for dancing. eventually, people just left one by one on their own time as they all had stuff to do later on in the day. hope this helps. good luck!

Answer 4

That seems like enough time, but has everyone attending seen each other recently? Are there going to be people catching up or anything? You could always play it safe and go till 330 or 400.

Answer 5

Please allow 4 hours for your reception. And the extra time for set-up and tear down. Typically a total of 7 hours....