Reception Timeline

#1 ButaS

Member

Group: Registered users
Posts: 11
Joined: 14-December 05

I know this question has been asked many time before, but I just need the specifics.

When exactly should the toasts be given? During dinner or immediately after? Also, we're not serving dessert since there's the wedding cake. So when should we cut the cake? Or we should serve dessert on top of the wedding cake? Since the toasting flutes and the cake will be on the same table, is it awakward for us to go to that table while we're being toasted? Or we should have the servers bring us the toasting glasses?

Thanks!!

#2 Guest_expertplanner_*

Group: Guest users

I am going to answer your questions in the same order they were posed.

1. Toasts generally may be made 30 - 40 minutes after dinner has commenced.

2. The wedding cake is usually cut when there is about an hour or so left of the reception as doing so signifies to guests that the reception is about to end soon.

3. You wouldn't want to serve dessert on top of offering the wedding cake. If you do, some guests will be so full that they won't eat the cake you've spent so much time having created.

4. As for the flutes, I recommend having them at your table instead of the cake table. Or, if it is a personal choice to have flutes at the cake table, get two sets. Don't depend on the servers to bring them to you. They may be so busy waiting on guests that this task gets overlooked.

#3 ButaS

Member

Group: Registered users
Posts: 11
Joined: 14-December 05

So even if we're not done eating, we should still begin the toast in the middle of the meal? Should I coordinate with the restaurant to have them fill the glasses prior to the toasting time? Thanks!!

#4 Guest_expertplanner_*

Group: Guest users

The timeline I gave you is general. Normally, a toast comes pretty close to the end of the meal. 30 - 40 minutes into dinner should find guests more than just in the 'middle of the meal'. However, this timeline is not exact and may be tweaked to suit your dinner timeline and meal course offerings.

Regarding the toast. You are right in that you should work with the restaurant to arrange filling the guests' glasses prior to the toast, if wine or champagne is to be consumed during the toast.

Cheers!