This Isn't Just a Suggested Timeline—It's a Proven Approach.

Chris Cali’s Recommended Order of Events has been used in countless successful wedding receptions. It has also been featured in presentations at bridal fairs, wedding industry trade shows, and educational seminars. The result is a reception that flows naturally, keeps the energy high, and creates an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Wedding and venue coordinators are experts at orchestrating your wedding day. Chris’s specialty is the reception. As he often says, the key to an unforgettable celebration is one simple word: flow.

This timeline has been refined over 30+ years to create a reception that feels effortless, keeps guests engaged, and maintains the energy from beginning to end. We encourage you to share it with your planning team before your big day.

Chris Cali’s Recommended Order of Events

1) Guests Invited to Be Seated

2) Seated Introduction of Parents or Honored Family Members

3) Bridal Party Grand Entrance

4) Newlywed's Grand Entrance

5) Toasts

6) Meal Service

7) Newlywed's Visits with Guests

8) First Dance

9) Parent Dance(s)

(Traditionally featuring the Bride & Father Dance and Groom & Mother Dance, this moment can easily be customized to reflect your unique family dynamic, including stepparents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, mentors, or any other special loved ones you'd like to honor).

10) Married Couples Dance (Optional)

11) Family & Guest Dedication Dance (🔑)

12) Open Dancing (About 30 minutes)

13) Cake Cutting

14) Bouquet Toss (Optional)

15) Garter Retrieval (Optional)

16) Garter Toss (Optional)

17) Money Dance (Optional, Cultural)

18) Open Dancing Continues

19) Final Dance (Send off)