Timing Is Everything: When Your Wedding Should Begin

There is no real rule of thumb about when you should get married after you get engaged. Brides.com suggests that most weddings are a year or eighteen months after the engagement. Sunset Oaks Venue suggests that the latest start time is 1.5 hours before sunset. A Sweet Start suggests that a good start time is 3:30 p.m.

Vendor service times

• Review your contracts and invoices to understand the scope of services you've paid for. This will help you create a detailed timeline for your wedding day.
• Consider the length of your reception, including cocktail hour. The average reception lasts around 4 hours before the majority of guests have left. Plan your vendor service times accordingly to ensure that they can provide their services without overlapping with other events.
• Factor in buffer time for unexpected delays or changes in schedule. This is especially important for outdoor ceremonies, which typically last 15-30 minutes and may be affected by weather conditions.
• Consider the timing of sunset if you're planning an outdoor ceremony. Sunset can be a beautiful backdrop for your wedding photos, but it's important to plan your ceremony start time to allow for 45-60 minutes of photography time.
• Don't forget about the bride and groom portraits, which typically take 30-45 minutes, as well as family portraits and wedding party photos, which each take 30-45 minutes of your vendors' time.

By carefully planning your vendor service times, you can ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly and that your vendors are able to provide their services to the best of their ability.

Reception length

The average reception lasts around 4 hours before the majority of guests have left. However, it is important to plan your wedding day timeline carefully to ensure that you have enough time for all the activities and photography you want to include.

The reception typically includes a cocktail hour, and you may also want to include a first look and ceremony before the reception starts. It is also important to consider the sunset time at your venue, as you may want to include some sunset portraits after the ceremony.

A good rule of thumb is to plan your ceremony to start about 45-60 minutes before sunset, depending on the length of your ceremony. This will give you some buffer time and ensure that you have enough time for all the activities and photography you want to include.

It is also important to consider the daylight hours at your venue. If you start your ceremony too late, you may run out of daylight before the ceremony is over. Therefore, it is recommended to start your ceremony earlier rather than later to ensure that you have enough time to complete the ceremony and any additional activities or photography.

In terms of the reception length, it is recommended to plan your reception to last around 4 hours, including the cocktail hour. This will give you enough time to serve food and drinks, entertain your guests, and take some photos before the majority of guests start to leave.

Sunset time

Sunset is a popular time for wedding ceremonies. Sunset Oaks Venue suggests that the latest start time for a wedding ceremony is 1.5 hours before sunset. This is because most sunset wedding photos are taken an hour or two after the ceremony.

Torikelner.com recommends planning your ceremony to be about 45-60 minutes before the sun sets. This is because outdoor ceremonies are usually around 15-30 minutes long, so it's important to add some buffer time. This way, you can still get a few extra minutes right after the ceremony for some "just married" sunset portraits.

It's important to consider the length of the reception as well. A Sweet Start suggests that the reception should not be too short, as it will fly by in the blink of an eye. They recommend a well-paced wedding ceremony to avoid feeling rushed.

The best start time for a wedding ceremony is 3:30 p.m., according to A Sweet Start. This allows for plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the reception without feeling rushed.

In summary, when planning your wedding ceremony start time, consider the sunset time, the length of the reception, and the buffer time needed for photos. Aim for a start time that allows you to enjoy the day without feeling rushed.

Buffer time

Adding buffer time to your wedding schedule is a smart move. It's a way to ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly and allows for unexpected delays or delays in other parts of the schedule.

The amount of buffer time you need will depend on several factors, including the length of your ceremony, the time of day your wedding is taking place, and the availability of your vendors.

If you are having an outdoor ceremony, it's a good idea to plan your ceremony to start about 45-60 minutes before sunset. This will give you extra time for photos right after the ceremony and ensure that you don't run out of daylight. If you are having a first look before the ceremony, you may want to add even more buffer time to allow for any delays.

In terms of the length of your ceremony, it's a good idea to add at least 30 minutes of buffer time to allow for any unexpected delays. This may include time for family portraits or wedding party photos, which can often take longer than expected.

Finally, don't forget about the time it takes for your vendors to set up and break down. If you are paying for a certain amount of service time, make sure to factor that into your schedule and add buffer time to allow for any delays.

Daylight availability

If you start your wedding ceremony too late, you'll run out of daylight. A good start time is 3:30 p.m.

If you are doing a first look beforehand, it is recommended that you plan your ceremony to be about 45-60 minutes before the sun sets. This way, you can still get a few extra minutes right after the ceremony for some JUST MARRIED sunset portraits.

If you are having an outdoor ceremony, it is usually around 15-30 minutes long. Therefore, it is recommended that you add in some buffer time and go 45 minutes before sunset to be safe.

The average reception lasts around 4 hours before the majority of guests have left. If you are having a reception, it is recommended that you start your ceremony at least 1.5 hours before the latest time.

The beautiful sunset wedding photos you see are usually taken an hour or two after the ceremony.

Frequently asked questions