Time. It's the one thing we all wish that we had more of. Especially when we are having fun. You would have heard it all before, but on your wedding day time will feel like it's flying. It's going to go so so fast. The last thing that you want though it is to be focusing on the time. You want to be singing and laughing and dancing and kissing and doing all of the fun things that you do at weddings. Working out your timeline in advance and getting a couple of trusted people to keep it all running smoothly will help with wedding day stress, so you can focus fully on taking it all in.


If you haven't been involved with many weddings (or even if you have) it can be hard to figure out start times, how long to allow for everything and what you need to be scheduling in. To help you out, I've created a base timeline here to give you an idea of what your day might look like.


A few notes before you read on:


I've prepped two timelines - one for a traditional set up and one for first looks.


Every wedding is different, and it's important to note that the available daylight will vary throughout the year, so you will have to adjust your timeline to suit.


Travel to an from various venues will need to be taken into account. When working out the time needed, check the drive time and then add on an extra 10 minutes to allow for the time it takes to get everyone actually in the car.


Working in a couple of buffers throughout the day is a good idea so you aren't rushed from one thing to the next.


Talk to your caterers as they will have a good idea on how long it will take to serve the amount of guests that you have in the style of dining that you have chosen.


Remember it's your day, so if you want to add things or cut things out, just do it! Plan the day that you want, not the day that you think you should have.


PHOTOS AFTER THE WEDDING. SUMMER TIMING

  • 9.30am: MUA + Hair arrive (talk to these vendors and they will give you a more accurate timeline based on their timing and how many people you have)
  • 11.30am: Eat some food - don't forget to get someone to organise this.
  • 12.30pm: Photographer arrives to photograph one group. Finishing touches, like ties, cuff links etc. 
  • 1.30pm: Photographer arrives to photograph second group. Finishing touches like make-up etc.
  • 1.45pm: Dress on (if applicable). Couple of portraits if time, otherwise use this as a buffer. Top up the wine.
  • 2.25pm: Photographer heads to venue.  Photos of guests mingling, the set up etc.
  • 3pm: Ceremony (most ceremonies will last around 20 minutes, so there is buffer time in here)
  • 3.30pm:  Ceremony finishes. Hugs and kisses, mingling.
  • 4pm: Family photos start. Allow 2 - 3 minutes per group
  • Here you can either hang with the guests and enjoy canapes, or head off with a picnic basket and drinks with the bridal party 
  • 4.30pm/5pm start Bridal party photos (depending on the above choice)
  • 45 - 60 minutes bridal party photos (depending on the above choice and if there is driving involved)
  • 5.45pm Guests seated for reception 
  • 6pm  Reception begins.  Here things vary, depending on if it's a buffet or a plated meal, but it will go something like the following.
  • Cake cutting (doing this here allows time for the caterers to cut it up for dessert)  
  • Speeches
  • Meal (time allowed varies on amount of guests and the type of meal)
  • More speeches
  • Dessert
  • 8.15pm  Sunset photos
  • 8.30pm First dance. Let loose.
  • 9.30pm Supper
  • 12-1pm Finish up

PHOTOS BEFORE THE WEDDING. SUMMER TIMING

  • 9.30am: MUA + Hair arrive (talk to these vendors and they will give you a more accurate timeline based on their timing and how many people you have
  • 11.30am: Eat some food - don't forget to get someone to organise this.
  • 12.30pm: Photographer arrives to photograph one group. Finishing touches, ties, cuff links etc. 
  • 1.20pm: Photographer arrives to photograph second group. Finishing touches, make up, jewellery etc.
  • 1.40pm: Dress on (If applicable) Couple of portraits if time, otherwise use this as a buffer.
  • 2.15pm: First looks + Bridal party photos
  • 3.15pm: Lads + Photographer head to venue.  Photos of guests mingling, the set up etc
  • 4pm: Ceremony (most ceremonies will last around 20 minutes, so there is buffer time in here)
  • 4.30pm:  Ceremony finishes. Hugs and kisses
  • 5pm: Family photos start. Allow 2 - 3 minutes per group
  • 5.30pm  Mingling with guests
  • 6pm  Reception begins.  Here things vary, depending on if it's a buffet or a plated meal, but it will go something like the following.
  • Cake cutting (doing this here allows time for the caterers to cut it up for dessert)  
  • Speeches
  • Meal (time allowed varies on amount of guests and the type of meal)
  • More speeches
  • Dessert
  • 8.30pm First dance. Let loose.
  • 9.30pm Supper
  • 12-1pm Finish up

That's it! Remember, use this as a guide only, and plan the day that suits you.


Have fun!