From Yahoo Answers
The best advice comes from answering questions asked by real people who are planning their wedding. Each wedding is obviously different and people simply can’t read a 300 page wedding planning book in order to get things right – we just don’t have this kind of time! I certainly don’t anyway.
Yahoo answers is awesome in that it has millions of people participating and people can answer your question from either their own experiences or from a resource online without you ever having to do the research. When I do have the time I will answer questions and so I’ve answered the question below:
Q: What should an hors d’oeuvres wedding reception timeline look like?
My quick answer:
Usually a cocktail/hors d’oeuvres reception last for 2-3 hours. Here is a simplified timeline:
First half hour
1. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres passed around on trays
(This may be the time that you are still taking photos)
2. Light cocktail music
Second half hour
(Bride and Groom enter)
1. Introductions and toasts.
2. First Dance
3. Have person with mic mention that there are hors d’oeuvres stationed on a table and welcome everyone to dance.
4. More drinking, eating and dancing.
Second hour
1. Cake cutting
2. More dancing, eating and drinking
3. Thank everyone for coming and mention you will have more drinks, hors d’oeuvres and dancing for the next X minutes.
Tweet This 
Stumble This
