Wedding Day Schedule

[FutureKelley]

I was wondering if our married ladies or those who have already made them could share their wedding day schedules with me? I'm not really she exactly what order I want to do things in (and I'm sure I'm even forgetting some things!). The only thing I know for certain is that we are going to eat right after the bridal party introduction.

I'd love to see your schedules to help give me some direction!

[Jenna5366]

I have a quick one that I just typed up today, if you want to have a look at it? I can email it to you, or copy/paste it here if you want. :)

[WebLady]

I used have a general day of timeline I could share. The example would be a 6 hour day from 12-6pm with a 2pm ceremony and the reception in the same location ...

Grooms photos (45 mins) : 12:00-12:45pm
*grooms attendants, parents and any other males involved would be needed at this time as well*

Brides photos (45 mins) : 12:45-1:30pm
*brides attendants, parents and any other females involved would be needed at this time as well*

Photos pause/Guests ushered in & seated for ceremony (30 mins): 1:30-2:00pm

Actual Ceremony *Candid Photos* (30 mins): 2:00-2:30pm

Group/Family pictures (15 mins): 2:30-2:45pm

Bride & Groom Together/Romantic pictures (15 mins): 3:45-3:00pm


* Move to reception: 3:00-3:05pm


Introduction/Opening formalities (10 mins): 3:05-3:15pm

Dine/mingle (45 mins): 3:15-4:00pm

Bride & groom cut/share cake/toast (15 mins): 4:00-4:15pm

Bride & Groom 1st dance/spot light dances (15 mins): 4:15-4:30pm

More mingling/fun dancing (60 mins): 4:30-5:30pm

Bouquet & Garter Toss in front of Church (15 mins): 5:30-5:45pm

Farewell & “get away” shots (15 mins): 5:45-6:00pm

[gwenshack]

Our schedule is as follows (mind you we're really informal)

2 pm - hair starts
3 pm - makeup
5 pm - head to chapel (which will be downstairs...)
5:30 - ceremony
5:45 - 6:30 - photos
6-7 - cocktail hour
7 - dinner begins
8 - dancing begins
9 - cake cutting
10 - reception ends

We're not doing any garter/bouquet toss or anything like that. No toasts. We are doing first dance but I think that's right before dinner - but I'm not sure actually.

[WebLady]

I guess my timeline didn't really have getting ready times ... I would start all that about 3 hours or so before you have to be at the location for pictures (if doing any before), or 30 mins before the ceremony.

I will tell you that just about all of the late brides at weddings I've been involved in blamed being late on the hair dresser or the makeup person. So you may want to give yourself a little more time for all that.

[Gertie]

Here is some scheduling info I've shared with friends before:

Updos are partially favored for weddings because with the judicious application of gel, mouse, and spray, it's possible to do hair well ahead and get that out of the way. If everyone is having updo's you can probably schedule hair appointments for morning but talk with your stylist when you go in for your hairdo test. Whatever amount of time she estimates it will take, add at least one hour. Someone is always late, or has a bad hair day, or something. Make sure to remind everyone to wear shirts that tie or snap or button so no one has to pull of a tshirt over their head to get dressed after the hair dresser finishes.

If anyone is having manicures or pedicures, try to do it the day before. Everyone hates running around with newly finished nails trying not to mess them up.

If at all possible, the bride and groom should each snag their attendants as early in the day as possible and keep them nearby. After the visit to the beauty shop for hair is a great time to have that girlie brunch you always talk about having together, and the guys will probably enjoy a leisurely lunch somewhere as well.

Bridesmaids and bride probably need at least one hour to go from the point of hair ready needing makeup and dressed to fully ready. Be sure to leave that in your schedule.

Ask your photographer for a photo time line, established photographers usually have at least a rule of thumb. It is not unheard of to meet for pictures at least of the bride + attendants and the groom + attendants well in advance of the actual ceremony, and more and more couples are getting together for pictures before the actual ceremony. It's usually best to let attendants, photographer, and the groom know if you plan on the whole not seeing each other before the wedding so they can all help keep and eye out and coordinate.

[Scott C]

We have a time line that we give to our brides. It has alot of suggestions for timing so your photographer can get great shots. I can send it to you if you like. Just let us know.

One thing I like as a photographer is when the couple schedules their first dance when the are introduced for their grand entrance. I think at that time the guests are still very involved in your entrance and they are already standing and ready to see you come in. Also, the reception area still looks crisp and sharp for the backdrop to the photos. (Looks better to have the tables still set and looking nice instead of the messy look you get after everyone has eaten.)