Sample Wedding Reception Running Sheets
It's important, at every wedding reception, to have a written schedule with a timeline of key events and activities. Commonly referred to as a running sheet, the schedule should detail start and finish times, when the bridal party enter and exit, when meals are served, when the speeches are conducted and the times of the cake cutting, first dance and bridal games (garter/bouquet) etc.
It can be a daunting task to prepare a running sheet, especially if you have never done one before. Based on discussions and meetings with the bride and groom, most venues will provide a basic running sheet with the main timings including start and finish times and when meals are served and cleared. Some will go further than that and work with the couple to come up with timings for the key activities listed above. In most instances however, it is left to the couple to flesh out the running sheet.
Most DJs worth their salt will also work with couples to fine tune the running sheet. I personally always offer assistance and more often than not prepare detailed running sheets that incorporate all the key music selections and the timings of the live music and DJ sets.
In a previous article I discussed the importance of running sheets and what specifically they need to incorporate (click HERE). Following are links to sample running sheets I have prepared for some of my clients.
The first one is based on a wedding reception with a three course sit down meal with the cake cutting and first dance after desert is served.
Sample running sheet 1 - click HERE. Right mouse click to save.
The second one is is based on a two course meal with hors d'oeuvres served with pre-dinner drinks. The cake cutting was done before the speeches. The cake cutting can be held at any time in the night. Apart from immediately before the first dance and before or after the speeches, couples can also choose to cut the cake after the bridal party entrance.
Sample running sheet 2 - click HERE.
The third and last sample running sheet is based on a buffet meal. The great advantage of buffet meals is there is much more room to move when it comes to scheduling the key activities and formalities. Whatsmore there is much less chance of the timings going pear shaped on the day. Ultimately everything hinges on when the meals are served and cleared and a lot less can go wrong with a buffet meal. The other variation on this running sheet is the splitting of speeches into two distinct sections - the first after entree and the second after the main course buffet. It can be a good idea to split up the speeches if there are going to be a lot of them.
Sample running sheet 3 - click HERE.
I hope these sample running sheets are of some help!
Earl Cole
Singer, entertainer, DJ & MC
www.perthweddingsinger.com.au
www.earlcolemusic.com
It can be a daunting task to prepare a running sheet, especially if you have never done one before. Based on discussions and meetings with the bride and groom, most venues will provide a basic running sheet with the main timings including start and finish times and when meals are served and cleared. Some will go further than that and work with the couple to come up with timings for the key activities listed above. In most instances however, it is left to the couple to flesh out the running sheet.
Most DJs worth their salt will also work with couples to fine tune the running sheet. I personally always offer assistance and more often than not prepare detailed running sheets that incorporate all the key music selections and the timings of the live music and DJ sets.
In a previous article I discussed the importance of running sheets and what specifically they need to incorporate (click HERE). Following are links to sample running sheets I have prepared for some of my clients.
The first one is based on a wedding reception with a three course sit down meal with the cake cutting and first dance after desert is served.
Sample running sheet 1 - click HERE. Right mouse click to save.
The second one is is based on a two course meal with hors d'oeuvres served with pre-dinner drinks. The cake cutting was done before the speeches. The cake cutting can be held at any time in the night. Apart from immediately before the first dance and before or after the speeches, couples can also choose to cut the cake after the bridal party entrance.
Sample running sheet 2 - click HERE.
The third and last sample running sheet is based on a buffet meal. The great advantage of buffet meals is there is much more room to move when it comes to scheduling the key activities and formalities. Whatsmore there is much less chance of the timings going pear shaped on the day. Ultimately everything hinges on when the meals are served and cleared and a lot less can go wrong with a buffet meal. The other variation on this running sheet is the splitting of speeches into two distinct sections - the first after entree and the second after the main course buffet. It can be a good idea to split up the speeches if there are going to be a lot of them.
Sample running sheet 3 - click HERE.
I hope these sample running sheets are of some help!
Earl Cole
Singer, entertainer, DJ & MC
www.perthweddingsinger.com.au
www.earlcolemusic.com
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