each one is a little different...for the most part, you have the cocktail hour in a separate room. the couple sometimes chooses to come mingle, other times they are still taking pictures. after the cocktail hour, guests are escorted into the main room, where there's bread on the table/plates. music is already playing...a few minutes later, they introduce the bridal party, etc. and then have the first dance(s). then everyone goes to their seats for salad, or appetizers. sometimes, the toasts are inserted in here...music still playing, gets louder and faster when people finish eating, people get up to dance...told to go back to seat by band/dj for next course...this "dance and then sit" routine repeats until after the main course, where the bride and groom cut the cake in the middle of the dance floor...more dancing...coffee/dessert are served, little more dancing, the end.
i can't imagine sitting to eat all of the courses and THEN (fatter and more bloated) getting up to dance!