The general rule when timetabling for the receiving line is to allow around 30 seconds per guest. This may not sound like much, but for a 60 person reception this equates to around 30 minutes, so it's easy to see how things quickly add up.
If you want to go without a receiving line you simply need to get venue staff to direct your guests to their tables at the appropriate time which will take about five minutes or so. When you are having a receiving line, this should happen automatically and does not need to be accounted for.
The Speeches & the Toasts
Starting the speeches as soon as every guest is gathered for the meal is becoming an increasingly popular option, and one which we would also recommend. The speeches are a typically nerve-wracking time anyway, so it is often best to get them out of the way before the mea,l so that the speakers can all relax and really enjoy thier food.
Speeches don't normally last more than 30 minutes in total (assuming that there will be only 3 speeches made) but for a more accurate guide, ask each speaker to run through their speech before the day and provide you with an estimated duration time. Once everyone provides you with a figure, simply add them up then factor in an additional 20% for applause, laughter (the Best Man can live in hope!) and the toasts.
The Wedding Breakfast
The Wedding Breakfast can be as simple as a picnic on a lawn, or as formal as a 7 course silver service banquet.
With so much variation it's impossible to provide accurate times, so you should speak to the venue for clues. As a guide, a typical 3 course meal for around 50 guests will normally take between an hour and a half and two hours from beginning to end.
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