As a wedding planner, a really critical part of our job role is writing and confirming the timeline of our clients big day! The timeline is completely flexible to what our clients want for their wedding day, however even our initial proposals for timelines massively vary for a destination weddings or a UK wedding, so just remember - one size does not fit all, however there are some moments that need to be accounted for!
Getting Ready
This is a time when emotions are free and candid, and also make for great photos. So make sure to allocate at least 30 extra minutes in your getting ready time for these photos, these are before you get into your dress (you'll also need another 30 once in the dress).
Ceremony
If you are getting married by a registrar you will need to arrive 15 minutes early for your interview (this is a really key time for your wedding coordinator/ wedding planner to ensure you do not bump into the groom or guests). If your ceremony is not led by a registrar, you should plan to be at your ceremony five minutes early, take a moment to breath. Your wedding planner will have organised the groomsmen to begin inviting guests to sit 10 minutes before the ceremony to ensure you have a private moment before.
Drinks Reception
Drinks reception usually lasts for about an hour and falls right after your ceremony but before the start of your wedding breakfast - and is a good opportunity for your guests to mingle before sitting down. You will need to do some formal photos/couple portraits in this time but get your photographer to be quick, your coordinator can help with formal photos to ensure they do not drag on.
Calling Guests to Dinner
You should be calling your guests through to dinner around 30 minutes before you want the first speech or dinner to take place. It takes longer than you think for your wedding guests to look at the table plan work out where they're sitting, find their seat, take a selfie with their neighbour and the caterers to pour wine/water. Then your coordinator will organise your MC to announce you into dinner for your first time as a married couple!!
First Dance
If you're choosing to have a first dance, you can schedule this for when you get to the reception area and start your evening off with a bang! Ideally your wedding planner / wedding coordinator will begin moving your guests through to this area about 10 minutes earlier to ensure everyone is ready for your entrance. This is a lovely time to also cut the cake, put the cake in the middle of the dancefloor, so all your loved ones are gathered around. Then as soon as its cut your wedding planner will whip it out of the way and you can flow straight into your first dance.
If you're struggling to nail down your timeline for the day reach out, but my top tip is not to leave your guests waiting around unnecessarily, ensure the day is filled and the momentum keeps building. It is also a good idea to bare in mind that your wedding guests will need to arrive at your venue an hour before the ceremony, therefore 2pm onwards is your ideal start time for a ceremony, otherwise guests are just exhausted.
Comments