So many couples ask me about their wedding day timeline, and when the big moments should be. My answer is always: when is sunset (I'm going somewhere with this, don't worry!) and what kind of things do you have to entertain guests.
The biggest worry for a lot of couples getting married is "will my guests get bored?" and also "is there enough time for everything?!"
I'll help you out here: have a couple of hours after the ceremony. When is sunset? This is a good focal point for a summer wedding day timeline! Winter weddings I'd have the ceremony closer to midday and start the party early. 2pm is a great time for a ceremony in summer because you won't have starving guests, as they'll have been able to eat something beforehand.
Then do cake cutting in the afternoon reception, to serve with canapes (or later, and have it instead of dessert).
Save 30 mins for group photos and portraits, and for summer weddings I'll grab you later for sunset photos too. These are actually just a good excuse for you to have time out, cos TRUST ME, you're gonna be so tired and over it by dinner. Over small talk, being pulled in different directions, being asked stupid questions like "where is the card box?"
In summer, getting people indoors for dancing when the sun is still out is gonna be a tough ask. Push dancing back to later and have sunset drinks and games (beer pong is always a winner, as are cornhole, giant Jenga, a photo booth, and getting guests to film your wedding and shenanigans on a retro camcorder), then kick off the dancing as it gets darker and colder.
Sample timeline for a summer wedding:
- Ceremony: 2pm
- Photos: 3pm
- Games, drinks, canapes: 4pm
- Dinner: 5pm
- Speeches: 7pm (after dinner, so caterers aren't stressed about speeches running long)
- Sunset drinks: 7:30pm
- First dance: 8pm
Get in touch to chat about your wedding photography!
