Lyla Dejesus
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but a well-structured timeline can help keep things running smoothly. The time of the wedding will depend on various factors, such as the number of guests, whether there will be a first look, and the time of year. For instance, a Friday wedding may benefit from a later start time, while a Sunday wedding is better suited for an earlier start. The time of day can also impact the flow of the event, with each time slot offering unique advantages and considerations. It's important to account for potential delays and build in extra time for getting ready, transportation, and dinner toasts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average start time for wedding preparations | 10am |
| Average start time for wedding ceremonies | 2pm-6:30pm |
| Average duration of wedding ceremonies | 20-60 minutes |
| Average start time for wedding receptions | 3pm-8pm |
| Average duration of wedding receptions | 4-8 hours |
| Royal wedding start time | 12pm BST |
| Royal wedding date | Saturday, May 19 |
| Royal wedding location | St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle |
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What You'll Learn
Royal weddings
For those who couldn't make it to Windsor, the wedding was broadcast live on television and online. In the United States, several major networks and cable news channels aired the ceremony, including BBC America, which simulcast BBC One's coverage from Britain, starting at 4 a.m. Eastern Time. Other American outlets that covered the event included E!, the Today show, and PBS.
The wedding was also live-streamed on various online platforms. Vanity Fair had a livestream of the entire event on their website, while the Royal Family had their own livestream on their YouTube channel. Reuters TV started their online coverage at 4:30 a.m. Eastern Time, and the wedding was also streamed via OS and Android apps, as well as on streaming devices like Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV.
The day began with media coverage of Meghan and her mother, Doria Ragland, as they left the bride's overnight location. The wedding ceremony took place at St. George's Chapel, with the Dean of Windsor and the Archbishop of Canterbury officiating in front of 600 guests. The newlyweds then embarked on a carriage procession through Windsor town before returning to the castle for a lunchtime reception hosted by the Queen at St. George's Hall.
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Planning a timeline
Morning Preparations
It is essential to start the day early, especially if you have a large bridal party requiring hair and makeup services. 10 am is a good time to start with hair and makeup for the bridal party. This process can take a few hours, so starting early will ensure you are ready in time for your first look and photos.
First Look & Photos
If you are doing a first look, this should be scheduled for around 11:30 am. This will give you time to take photos with your partner and the wedding party before the ceremony. The first look also helps to calm pre-wedding jitters and gives you a moment alone together before the festivities begin.
Guest Arrival
Guests can start arriving at the ceremony venue around 1:30 pm. This gives them time to settle in, enjoy some welcome music, and anticipate the upcoming celebration.
Ceremony
The ceremony is the most important part of the day, when you will exchange your vows and make your union official. Most ceremonies last around 20-30 minutes for non-religious services and up to an hour for religious ones. A typical start time for the ceremony is 2 pm, but this can be adjusted to suit your preferences and the time of year. For example, a summer wedding might start at 5:30 pm to take advantage of the long daylight hours.
Drinks Reception & Photos
After the ceremony, it's time to celebrate! Invite your guests to enjoy drinks and canapes while you and your partner escape for some private photos. This is also a great time for family portraits and bridal party shots. Depending on the number of photos you want, you can join the reception halfway through or take a little extra time for yourselves.
Reception
The wedding reception typically starts one hour after the ceremony. It includes dinner, toasts, and dancing. Most receptions last around four to five hours. During the reception, there are a few key moments to consider timing for:
- First dance: Schedule this for around 45 minutes to an hour after dinner.
- Cutting the cake: This can be done at a similar time to the first dance or shortly after.
- Evening food: Around 9 pm-10 pm, bring out a buffet or snacks to keep the party going.
- Final song and goodbye: Plan your last song with the DJ or band, and arrange for a grand finale, such as fireworks or a sparkler exit, if desired.
Travel Time
If your ceremony and reception are at different venues, be sure to add travel time to your timeline. This includes travel for both the wedding party and the guests.
Remember, this timeline can be adjusted to fit your specific plans and preferences. The key is to plan ahead, allowing for plenty of time to enjoy every moment of your special day.
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Photos and hair/makeup
Photos, hair, and makeup are three of the most important elements of a wedding. The photos will be looked back on for decades to come, and the hair and makeup will play a large part in how the bride feels about their appearance in those photos.
Photos
It's important to consider the lighting and setting of the photos when planning the hair and makeup. For example, a beach elopement ceremony calls for a simple, natural palette, while a regal wedding calls for a more refined look.
Hair
It's recommended to book a hair appointment as soon as the wedding date and venue are known, as stylists tend to get booked up quickly. If the bride has a particular hairstyle in mind, they may need to start preparing their hair months in advance, to ensure it is in the best condition. For example, one bride wanted ultralong Hollywood waves, so they spent months nurturing their hair with Olaplex No. 7, Oribe’s Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo and Conditioner, and regular trims.
Makeup
Makeup artists should also be booked as soon as possible, and they can advise on pre-wedding skincare. It's a good idea to do a trial with the makeup artist and provide them with pictures that communicate the desired look. The artist can also advise on what products to use, and whether to go for a natural or glam look.
Timing
On the day of the wedding, it's recommended that 60 to 90 minutes is allocated for makeup application and the same again for hair services.
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Daytime vs. evening
The time of your wedding will set the tone for the entire event. Daytime weddings are typically held between 12 pm and 5 pm, with the average ceremony lasting 30 minutes to an hour and receptions lasting four to eight hours. A daytime wedding is perfect for couples who want a more relaxed and casual celebration. It also allows for more time to celebrate with your guests, as they won't be expecting a party atmosphere and may be more inclined to mingle and chat.
Evening weddings, on the other hand, usually start around 6 pm and can go well into the night. This timing creates a more intimate and romantic atmosphere, with the sunset providing a beautiful backdrop for photos. Evening weddings are ideal for couples who want a more formal and elegant celebration. They also tend to be more condensed, which can be more convenient for guests and prevent lulls in the schedule.
If you're having a religious ceremony, keep in mind that these typically last longer, up to an hour. In this case, a start time of 3 pm is considered "prime time." This allows for a more relaxed morning and accounts for any hair and makeup services needed beforehand. If you're having a non-religious ceremony, 20-30 minutes is more than enough, and you can opt for a later start time.
Additionally, consider the time of year and sunset when planning your wedding time. For outdoor ceremonies, you'll want to avoid the bright sun of midday, which can be uncomfortable for guests. A later start time can ensure you still have natural light and a beautiful sunset for those golden hour photos.
Ultimately, the choice between a daytime and evening wedding depends on your personal preferences and the overall vibe you want for your big day. Both options have their advantages, and with careful planning, you can ensure your wedding runs smoothly and creates lasting memories.
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Travel time
When planning a wedding, it's important to consider travel time to ensure the day runs smoothly. This is especially important if the ceremony and reception are held at different venues, as guests will need to travel to the post-ceremony festivities.
To account for travel time, it's recommended to add buffer time to the wedding timeline. This will ensure that guests have enough time to get from the ceremony to the reception, and it will also allow for any unexpected delays. For example, if the ceremony is scheduled to end at 3 pm, you might want to schedule the reception to start at 4 pm, giving guests an hour to travel to the new location.
The amount of travel time needed will depend on various factors, such as the mode of transportation and the distance between the ceremony and reception venues. If the venues are far apart, it's important to consider the potential challenges and provide clear directions or even transportation options for your guests.
Additionally, travel time is not just a consideration for guests but also for the wedding party. If the wedding party is travelling together, ensure that there is enough time allocated for everyone to get from one location to the next. This is particularly important if there are multiple stops, such as photo locations, along the way.
Furthermore, travel time can impact the overall flow of the wedding day. If there is a significant gap between the ceremony and reception, consider providing light refreshments or entertainment for the guests to enjoy during the transition. This can enhance the guest experience and ensure that the day progresses naturally.
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Frequently asked questions
It's important to start getting ready early, especially if you're planning on having formal hair and makeup services. For an average group of bridesmaids, 11 am is a good start time. If you have a larger group of people requiring hair and makeup services, you may need to start earlier.
Most couples get married between 12 pm and 5 pm, with 3 pm being "prime time" for a wedding ceremony. However, the time of year and day of the week may impact the start time. For example, a Friday wedding may benefit from a later start time of 6:30 pm, whereas a Sunday wedding might start earlier, at 5 pm.
Wedding receptions typically last four to eight hours. The reception should start no later than one hour after the wedding ceremony unless you plan activities to entertain your guests during this time.
