Less stress. Better timing. More time on the dance floor.
A great wedding reception doesn’t happen by accident.
Behind the speeches, first dances, delicious food and questionable dance moves, there’s usually a pretty good run sheet keeping everything together.
But don’t worry. A run sheet isn’t about turning your wedding into a military operation.
It’s about making sure everyone knows what’s happening so you can relax and enjoy the party.
What’s a Wedding Run Sheet?
A run sheet is simply a timeline of your reception.
It outlines what happens, when it happens and who’s responsible.
Your MC, DJ, caterer, photographer and venue staff can all use it to stay on the same page.
What Should You Include?
Every wedding is different, but common reception moments include:
- Guest arrival and drinks
- Wedding party and couple’s entrance
- Dinner service
- Speeches and toasts
- Cake cutting
- First dance and special family dances
- Opening the dance floor
- Last song and reception finish
You don’t need every tradition. Choose the moments that matter to you.
Why Your MC Matters
Your MC does more than hold a microphone.
They’re responsible for keeping everyone informed, coordinating important moments and working with suppliers to keep things running smoothly.
A good MC also knows when to adjust the timing, keep announcements brief and let the party happen naturally.
Allow Some Breathing Room
Photographs can run late. Speeches can go longer than expected. Dinner service might take more time than planned.
Build flexibility into your schedule rather than packing every minute with activities.
Cassie’s Wild Tip:
If you’ve got ten speeches planned, try half them or consider spreading them throughout dinner. Your guests will appreciate not sitting through an hour of back-to-back talking when the dance floor is calling!