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How to Plan the Perfect Wedding Reception Timeline — Free Music and Entertainment Planner Inside

  • Writer: summerstreetbandau
    summerstreetbandau
  • Jul 13
  • 2 min read

Planning a wedding reception can be one of the most exciting — and overwhelming — parts of the big day. Between speeches, dances, dinner and the all-important final song, it can be hard to know where music fits in and how to keep the night flowing smoothly.


To help make it easier, we’ve created a free Wedding Entertainment Planner and Checklist. It’s designed to help you confidently map out your evening and ensure all the key moments are covered — without the stress.


What Goes Into a Wedding Reception Timeline?

Every couple’s evening will look a little different, but most receptions follow a similar structure. These are the key moments that benefit from careful planning and the right music:

  • Guest arrival

  • Couple grand entrance

  • Dinner service

  • Speeches and toasts

  • First dance

  • Parent dances (optional)

  • Dance floor (band set 1)

  • Band break / DJ set

  • Dance floor (band set 2)

  • Final farewell


That may seem like a lot, but with a good wedding reception run sheet and a professional entertainment team, everything flows beautifully.


Our Free Wedding Entertainment Planner and Checklist Covers It All


We’ve used our experience performing at weddings across Sydney to design a straightforward guide that helps you:


  • Plan your wedding reception timeline

  • Select your grand entrance, first dance, and final song

  • Decide where live music, playlists or DJ sets work best

  • Understand sound equipment and lighting requirements

  • Coordinate with your venue or planner with confidence


Best of all — the guide is completely free. Click here to download your copy.


Guests dancing at a wedding reception with live music and red stage lighting, creating a vibrant atmosphere
The Summer Street Band in full swing, bringing the energy to a packed wedding dance floor. This is the kind of atmosphere we specialise in — unforgettable moments, seamless flow, and live music that keeps everyone dancing all night.

Why Live Wedding Music Makes a Difference


Live music can transform a wedding reception — creating atmosphere, energy and moments guests remember for years. A professional band does more than play songs; they guide the flow of the evening, read the room and bring a sense of occasion that a playlist simply can’t match.


Whether you're thinking about a laid-back acoustic duo or a full band to fill the dance floor, our free planner helps you work out exactly what’s needed and when.


Tips for Planning Wedding Music with Confidence


  • Start with the atmosphere you want to create. What kind of feeling do you want guests to experience at each stage of the night?

  • Think about transitions. Music is the thread that connects one moment to the next — from speeches to dancing.

  • Communicate with your band. A good wedding band (like ours) will also assist with timing, announcements and logistics.


Get Your Free Guide


If you're planning your reception and want to feel more organised, our Wedding Entertainment Planner and Checklist is an excellent starting point. It’s simple, practical and written by professional musicians who’ve helped plan and perform at dozens of weddings.


Plan the music. Set the mood. Make the night unforgettable.




 
 
 

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