Wedding Day Timeline

This week we've been sharing our wedding day timeline tips and are wrapping things up with a breakdown of what a typical wedding day looks like! See our previous Wedding Day Hair+Makeup Timing post and 10 Things To Factor Into Your Wedding Day Timeline!

---

1. Getting Ready: 
The timeline for getting ready should be very strategic! By including enough time for beauty prep on wedding day, you will ensure that everyone arrives at the ceremony venue relaxed and with time to spare...

{See our previous post Wedding Day Hair+Makeup Timing}
Bride's makeup: allow 60 minutes
Bride's hair: allow 60 minutes
Bridesmaids' makeup: allow 45 minutes per person
Bridesmaids' hair: allow 45 minutes per person  

Getting Ready Order: 
When your hairstylist arrives, they should start on bridesmaids first. The bride should go last in order to capture "get ready" footage with the photographer/videographer and so the bride looks the freshest; it's HER day, right?! The photographer should arrive one hour or so before the bride is ready to go, making for more flattering photos of the bride and plenty of time to capture details - wedding gown hanging, veil, shoes, etc.  They are then there to capture the bride getting into her gown, putting on her veil, jewelry, shoes and garter.  

The groom and groomsmen should be dressed and ready for pre-ceremony photos 2.5 hours before ceremony start time. This allows the coordinators time to pin on flowers before photos begin and get everyone on the right place and ready for photos.  

2. Pre-Ceremony Photos: 
We usually have pre-ceremony photos begin two hours before ceremony start time. This way there is plenty of time to get the photos of the bridal party and get everyone tucked away before guests begin to arrive. We recommend that only  a "first look" {lasting 15-30 minutes} and photos of the bridal party take place before the ceremony. Trying to get family members gathered together before the ceremony begins tends to cause undue stress and can be completely chaotic.  It's far easier to pull everyone together following the ceremony when they're already all together at the ceremony site!  All photos pre-ceremony photos should be done 30 minutes before ceremony start time to avoid guests seeing the bridal party - especially the bride! 

3. The Ceremony: 
Guests will begin to arrive 30 minutes before the ceremony begins {sometimes they arrive as early as one hour if it is a location "off the beaten path" or somewhere they're not familiar with}. During that time, music is playing, they sign the guest book and find their seats. Most all ceremonies last less than 30 minutes from beginning to end {average is about 20 minutes but a Full Catholic Mass can last up to an hour}. This gives enough time for the prelude as guests are being seated, the processional where grandparents, parents, bridal party make their entrance, the bride's entrance, any readings/songs and, of course the vows, ring exchange, KISS, presentation of the newlyweds and the recessional back down the aisle.   

4. Receiving Line: 
The receiving line is something we are seeing less of these days but if it is done, it takes place right outside the ceremony venue doors, with the parents of the couple, sometimes the bridal party and, of course, the bride + groom.  The receiving line is a chance for the couple to greet all of their guests, thank them for coming and for guests to congratulate the new couple. For a ceremony with 100 guests or less, this will take about 15-20 minutes. With 150 guests, allow 30 minutes. If you're expecting more than 150 guests, consider skipping the receiving line and visiting guests at their tables during dinner instead {this is our general recommendation as we see most weddings with larger guest counts these days}.

5. Post-Ceremony Photos: 
If there isn't a receiving line, family photos should begin immediately following the ceremony. Two to three minutes per grouping of family members is about the average time {given a well organized group}. If there wasn't a first look prior to the ceremony, allow for 30 minutes of post-ceremony photos of the bride and groom as well as time for bridal party photos with the couple together. If there was a first look, allow for 15-20 minutes of just bride and groom photos. Save photos of very large groups {like classmates, coworkers, and very large extended family groups} for the reception, when your DJ or band leader can make an announcement to gather everyone. You'll be able to take the photos much faster than trying to track down 50 people following the ceremony... 

Photography Tip: 
The best way to save time taking photos is by being prepared. Compile a list of all the necessary shots and who is in each one. This ensures the couple and their families have all their needs met and saves a lot of time and confusion while shooting.

6. The Cocktail Hour:
Those not staying behind for photos will typically head straight to the reception location {or a location in between ceremony site + reception} for the cocktail hour.  This is the time when photos are wrapping up before the couple makes their grand entrance into the reception.  Typically, drinks are served and an appitizer of some sort. Music is playing to set the mood and get guests comfortable and settled in for the reception that is to come. The maximum gap between ceremony and reception should be one hour.  Any more than that, guests should be given suggestions for places for guests to visit between the ceremony and reception.  This can be communicated in the wedding invitation.  

7. The Reception: 
Most receptions last three to four hours. This allows for the wrap up of cocktail hour, an hour for dinner {depending on what is being served} and two to three hours for dancing time. 

Order of Reception Events:
Grand Entrance: This can be an announcement of the bridal party followed by the bride and groom or just of the couple.  This is their moment to shine and kick off the fun of the reception! 
First Dance: The first dance is often immediately following the bride and groom's entrance into the reception, but can also be done following the conclusion of dinner to open the dance floor for the night.
Father/Daughter Dance: Immediately following the first dance.
Mother/Son Dance: Immediately following the father/daughter dance. 
Welcome: Given by the father of the bride or by the bride and groom.
Blessing: Given by the Officiant {if in attendance at the reception} or father of the groom.
Dinner Service: Depending on plated or buffet, one course vs. several courses, dinner service typically lasts one hour.
Toasts: Ladies first! Start with the Matron/Maid of Honor, followed by the Best Man. The bride and groom can give a "thank you" toast as well, if desired.
Cake Cutting: This can be done immediately after toasts or after the dance floor has been opened for a while. It should be done pretty early in the evening as older guests will expect cake {and coffee!} not long after dinner.
Open Dance Floor: Crank up a good song and get the party started!
Bouquet and Garter Tosses: This typically takes place in the last hour of the reception.
Late-Night Snacks: A popular trend, many couples start passing around bite size snacks at this point to refuel guests!
Grand Exit: This is the point where all guests are gathered {usually close to the getaway vehicle} for a farewell and to see the new couple off! Sparklers, bubbles, well-wish wands, rose petals are all popular items used for a grand exit! 

---

Do you have questions or need help constructing your wedding day timeline? Contact us for more information about how we can help you pull together all your wedding day details!