A Wedding Day Timeline

Here is a guideline to how to think about the day. We can’t tell you exactly when you’ll want everything, but hopefully this helps you understand the big picture.

Getting Ready (Hair and Makeup) 30 min – 1hour per service per girl, depending on the speed of the artist.

Bride done half way through the morning so she gets cute getting ready photos and has time to be present for everything else. (And, if makeup runs late, the bride is already ready).

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Travel to the venue if getting ready elsewhere.

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Book 45 minutes per person per service to be safe, divided by the number of artists. (10 hair and makeup services, 2 artists = 3 hours, 45 minutes).

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45 minutes to get Getting Ready Photos and get into the dress.

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Ceremony (non-religious) = 30 Minutes

Ceremony (religious) = Check with the officiant for your ceremony type.

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If the couple leaves right away, it takes 30 minutes for the guests to exit the ceremony location.

If there’s a Receiving line, it takes about 1 hour.

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Turnover from ceremony to reception in the ballroom – 2 to 3 hours, depending on the scope of décor and number of guests.

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Cocktail hour – 1 hour

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Reception length is based on a number of factors:

1.    Serving style: Plated is fastest, then Family style, and buffet is slowest.

2.     Speeches: These can have significant impact on your timeline.

3.     Number of guests: the more guests, the longer everything takes.

Receptions are often 3-5 hours including dinner, speeches, dessert, first dance, and cutting of the cake.

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Dance: This is up to you and your crew! We recommend partying as long as you can. It’s your only wedding day.