How long does it take to eat dinner??

[Larissa]

We are planning a buffet for 50 people to start at 6:00pm. Our dancing is in a seperate room than dinner is in because of the way the site is laid out. I'm trying to figure out what time I would need the DJ to be there. I'm also trying to figure out if we should push the start time up by 30 minutes so we get longer (we have to be out by 10pm).

How long did it take your guests to eat dinner from the time they sat down?
How may guests did you have?
Was it buffet or served?

[MeTheGirlie]

Are you guys making an entrance "into" the dancing room? Otherwise, I would have them come a bit early to set up (I had a band, so I'm not sure how long it takes a DJ) - and have them ready to go by 7 the LATEST. This way, people can migrate if they wish (some may be finished sooner than others and I'm not sure if you have any kids going to the wedding but they tend to be a little "antsy").

Just my advice!

[Larissa]

It's actually an old house with limits on what we can do with the inside. Cocktail "hour" will be on the massive porch. Dinner inside and then while dinning the DJ would set up outside, in the yard/garden under a tent we will have there. The DJ would set up while we were all inside eating so no one would be in his way and he wouldn't have to sit there with nothing to do forever!!

We were thinking:
5:30pm - start time on invites - cocktail "hour" (with bar ready to go at 5:15pm)
5:45pm - we arrive
6:00pm - dinner is served (if it's late no biggie, we will still be cocktailing)
7:00-10:00pm - DJ there

Does that sound good? I can't see being out of dinner before 7:30pm, but even if it takes us more than a hour to eat we'll be all set up. Would it take less than an hour to eat?!

[Twylla]

Your timeline looks pretty good Larissa!

Does it cost more to have the dj there earlier than 7:00? I'd maybe suggest having him come and set up at about 5:00 if possible, just so there's no loud banging during supper as he sets up. Otherwise, I'd have him come and set up right at about 6:00. Then he should be done by the time you're ready to dance.

Are you having speeches and all that jazz? If so, I'd suggest that you'll need the whole hour for supper/speeches. I have a buffet for about 90, and we had the toasts and stuff start while people were eating dessert. It saved a bit of time that way. I think it took us about an hour.

Good luck!!!