For many people, building a wedding day timeline can be daunting. There’s so many little details that can be over looked; so today I’ll walk you through a simple example of a day of timeline for an evening wedding and reception that will take place at a single venue. So, take note that if the ceremony is at a different venue from the dinner and dancing, you’ll have to add travel time.
2:00 pm. Photographers will arrive. The photographer should arrive at least 30 minutes before the bride is ready. This gives the photographers the opportunity to take detail photos of the dresses, rings, invitations and anything else that the bride requests.
2:15 pm. Bridesmaids are dressed and ready to go.
2:30 pm. Bride’s makeup and hair are done and is ready to get dressed. This is a great time to capture pictures of the bride and her maid of honor zipping up her dress, her veil and other jewelry.
2:45- 3:30 pm. Bridal Portraits and Bridesmaids Portraits. Everyone is dressed, makeup is done, everyone looks great! Now it’s time to get some pre ceremony photos of the bride and the rest of her bridal possy. Hopefully your photographer will have a few locations around the venue in mind for great photos!
3:30-4:00 pm. Take it all in and get ready to get married. Have a glass of champagne and have fun with your bridesmaids.
4:15 pm. “Wedding Starts” (According to Invitation)
A wedding NEVER starts on time. The actual starting time should be 15 minutes past what the invitation says. This gives those friends and family that are always late a chance to be there for the whole ceremony.
4:30 Actual Start Time. Strike up the quartet and head down the aisle! It’s YOUR time.
5:30- 6:30 pm. Post Ceremony Photos for Wedding Party and Cocktail Hour for Guests. Give yourself a solid hour for pictures, and let your guests let lose.
6:30 pm. Guests are invited into the dining room for dinner.
6:45 pm. Bridal Party Entrance to Reception.
7:00 pm. Welcome and Toasts from Matron of Honor and Best Man.
7:30 pm. Dinner is served.
8:15 pm. Cake is cut and served.
8:30 pm. Parents Dances
8:50 Everyone get up and dance! The technical bits of the evening are done. Enjoy the rest of your night!
And as always - having a wedding planner/coordinator at your side will make sure all of these deadlines are met without you or your future spouse having to worry about anything.
