What is the order of service for a wedding reception?

Short answer

A wedding reception order of service is the running order of your meal and speeches. It usually covers drinks, the wedding breakfast, toasts, and sometimes the first dance. You can print it as a card or display it on a board.

The order of service for a wedding reception is simply the timetable for the part of your day after the ceremony. It helps guests know what happens next and when. A typical running order starts with drinks and canapés while you have photos taken, then moves to the wedding breakfast, which is the main meal. After that come the speeches, usually from the couple, parents, and best person. Then you might have the cake cutting, the first dance, and evening food or a buffet. You do not need to follow a strict template. Your venue coordinator or caterer can suggest timings, and you can adjust for your own style. Some couples include a short list of who is speaking, so guests know what to expect. You can print the order as a card on each table, put it on a welcome board, or include it in your wedding website. Keep it simple and clear. If you have children or older guests, you might add a note about when food is served. The key is to give people enough information to relax and enjoy the day without checking their phones.