How long is dinner at a wedding?

You should plan for about two and a half hours from when guests sit down to when the last plate is cleared. A three course meal with coffee can take closer to three hours. The time depends on how many guests you have, how the food is served, and whether speeches happen during the meal. If you have a plated service, each course might take 30 to 40 minutes. Buffet or sharing platters can be quicker or slower depending on the queue. Speeches usually add 20 to 40 minutes, often between the main course and dessert. Some couples prefer to have all speeches before the food so guests can eat without interruption. If you have many guests, service will naturally take longer. You can speed things up by serving a two course meal or a set menu rather than choices. Remember that guests are happy to sit and chat, so do not rush them. But do keep an eye on the clock, especially if you have an evening reception with dancing planned. A longer dinner means a later evening, so adjust your timeline accordingly.