How do I construct a wedding day timeline?
I see this question proposed a ton on social media, so I figured we would help give you a guideline. This is in respect to traditional American weddings.
Wedding day morning: The bride and bridesmaids will need to average a minimum of one hour each for hair and make up. There are a ton of variables, but generally speaking. So if you have more than 4 bridesmaids, I would recommend hiring someone that can have multiple people on staff. You can already plan on being in the chair by 8am.
Schedule time for you to eat brunch/lunch, and stay hydrated.
Have your photographer/videographer arrive 3 hours prior to your ceremony start time. One hour for venue shots, one hour with the bride (minimum), and one hour with the groom. Definitely discuss with them all the specifics. Hopefully your ceremony location and reception location are completely decorated by this time. If you are going to several locations, this would change as well.
Most ceremonies are 30 minutes. Unless you are getting married in a church, then you are looking at 1 hour. You would then need approximately 1 hour after that for family photos and bridal party photos. Each church has their own set of rules, so verify with them.
Your reception is generally 3-4 hours. We recommend that you do your bride and groom introductions, immediately following that have your parent dances, go straight into speeches and toasts. Do the blessing of the food. Dinner (approx. 1 hour: 50-75 people). Open up the dance floor. Hour or so into open dance floor, do your cake cut and bouquet and garter toss.
All formalities are out of the way! Dance the night away!
If you are doing a sparkler exit or any grand exit of any kind, start making that happen 15 minutes prior to your DJ ending time. So he can announce it!
