When things Happen and why It Matters

10:00–11:00am

Venue Access / Setup Begins

Make sure vendors can get in. Ask your venue. Don’t assume.

11:00–1:00pm

Hair & Makeup

1hr per person. Add buffer. If you’re last, you’ll look freshest in photos.

1:00–1:30pm

Final Touches + Get Dressed

Tidy one corner for photos, or fully embrace the chaos. Your call.

1:30–2:00pm

First Look / Solo Portraits (optional)

Want a moment alone or to avoid rushing later? This is the slot.

2:00–2:30pm

Guests Arrive

Write letters, give gifts, or take 10 to breathe. It’s your buffer zone.

2:30–3:30pm

Ceremony

Aim for 2–2.5 hrs before sunset. Light > logistics.

3:00–3:30pm

Ceremony Ends + Group Photo

Keep guests close. One big group photo before they run to the wine and cheese.

3:30–4:30pm

Canapés + Mingling

Guests relax. You sneak off for portraits or join them. Build in breathing room.

4:30–5:15pm

Golden Hour Portraits

Best light of the day. ‘nuff said.

5:15–5:30pm

Guests Move Inside

Use this window to freshen up, hydrate, or just pause before the next wave.

5:30pm

Reception Kick-Off/ Entrance

Acknowledgement of Country etc. MC welcome. Vibes downshift.

6:00–7:30pm

Entrées, Mains & Speeches

Spread speeches across courses to keep it light and moving.

7:30–8:00pm

Couple Speech + Cake Cutting

Combine them. Thank Nan. Keep it tight.

8:00pm

First Dance + Party Starts

Choreo or chaos. Both work. Just make it feel like you.

10:45pm

Last Drinks Called

Most venues stop bar service by 11pm. Wrap it with something meaningful.

11:30pm

Guests Depart

MC herds the cats. If the room’s loose by now, the timeline worked.

Extra stuff…

1. Some couples like to do family photos before the ceremony, if this is you, make sure your family knows this, so they don’t run late and stress you out.

2. I would almost never recommend doing your only Bridal Party and Couple photos BEFORE the ceremony.
Why? Yes, you look great. But you’re probably going to be nervous as heck. You’ll feel rushed.

You WILL see this in the photos.

Also, the light is usually shit. You’ll be squinting, and the sun will cause big shadows on your cheeks from your eyelashes.

The best time for Bridal Party and Couple photos is just after you’ve freshened up after the ceremony. Why? Because you will still look great, but now you’re relaxed, you’re ready to have fun, and you won’t feel rushed. You WILL ALSO see this in the photos.

All we need is 15-25 minutes and some good light.

3. The best time to feed your vendors is before you and your family eat.

This will let us have time to get ready for your speeches and other plans.