Timings for the reception

I would maybe have the band as two shorter sets and have your first dance in the break.

Sounds great!

We are having a band start at 7.30 with 2 x 45 minute slots, the food is being served in between. First dance (if we have one) would be before the band start. We've told people to come about 7 for the reception.

Hi,

Ask your band about timings so you can work together on it.

First dance is generally between 8 - 8.30pm but can be wherever you want it!

It all depends how you want your evening to run and if you want the dancefloor full of dancing & singing.

Starting a band at 7.30pm is fine if it's a little more laid back music and you want you & your guests to mingle around. Remember your evening guests have not long arrived and will want to chat, have a drink and take in the surroundings before throwing some shapes.

If you are having your band play your first dance then aim for 8ish and ask your band to play a few numbers (I call this a mini-set). Don't forget this is also an ideal time to cut your cake just before your first dance then you don't have to round everyone up twice!

If you are having evening food then you need to work band sets around this time. It's pointless paying for a band to have them playing to guests who are still munching on the buffet. Then aim to start lively music around 30/45minutes after the food.

A midnight finish will mean that it's best for your band to start the first full set around 9.30/9.45pm with the second set taking you up to just before midnight. You then get your best out of everyone and your reception will be awesome!!!

There are of course lots of variations but most of the time the same principles apply.

Hope that helps.

James

If you have told your guests to arrive for 7.30 then I would suggest that the first dance is either 1 or 1/2 hour later, in your case 8.30 some choose to cut the cake at this time (8.20 ) so that the eve guests get to see quite often I see that the first dance is not preformed by the band but straight after the band will start and then do 2 or sometimes 3 shorter sets with the first break around 9 -9.30 where he food will be served until 9.30-10 ish

Thanks all for your advice, very helpful