The big day has finally arrived and you want to enjoy every single moment to the max.  To do that you need some idea of a schedule – but how much time should you allocate to each stage?  The team at Combe Lodge has hosted more than a few wonderful weddings and here we share schedule tips sure to make your knot tying run smoothly!

Start of the formal proceedings

In the UK the most common start time for a wedding ceremony is between 1pm and 3pm.  Registry office and civil ceremonies generally take place in the afternoon but those in a church are equally likely to be held in the morning or afternoon.  The day, however, starts long before that!

Hair and makeup

If you’re having your hair and makeup done professionally ask the artist how long they think it will take. You should probably allow two hours for bridal hair and makeup plus 45-60 minutes for each member of your wedding party.  Practice getting into your dress to get an idea of how much time you’ll need – and give yourself some minutes to spare in case there are any unexpected snags.

If you are having First-Look photos (popular in the US and catching on here too) add an extra 15-20 minutes before the ceremony.  Are you travelling to a different location for these shots?   Add more time.

Getting there on time

Groom and Groomsmen should arrive 1 hour before the ceremony so that they are ready to greet guests as they arrive.  Guests should roll up 45 minutes before the ceremony.  The bride and bridesmaids should appear 5 minutes before the ceremony (looking heavenly, excited but calm!)

The ceremony

A simple registry office wedding or civil ceremony can take just 10 minutes.  However, if you add readings, poems and music this could stretch things to around 20-30 minutes.

With a religious ceremony the length of time depends on your denomination and faith. A Church of England service will normally take around 45 minutes and will include an address from the vicar, prayers and sung hymns as well as one or two readings - allow around 45 minutes.  A Catholic service may include a mass and if so allow as much as an hour and a half.

The photos after you say “I do”

Discuss this with your photographer but 15 to 30 minutes should be adequate. Make sure you have a list of formal shots you need and have the bridesmaids and ushers find those required for each group.  If the reception is in a different location add in the travelling time.

Reception Drinks

About an hour and a half gives time for guests to freshen up and have a good mingle (with bubbly, of course!)  before the wedding breakfast.  This also gives your photographer plenty of time for more casual shots.  Allow up to 15 minutes for your guests to move from the drinks reception to the wedding breakfast and for them to find their seats.  If you are having a receiving line, add another 15 minutes (or more if your guest list is really long).

Wedding Breakfast

Assuming it includes speeches you should think in terms of up to two and a half hours – but talk to the team at your venue and your caterers to see what they feel will work best.

Even the most entertaining speech shouldn’t last any more than 10 minutes.  The father of the bride generally goes first, followed directly by the groom and finishing with the best man.  Usually the speeches come between the main course and dessert but some prefer to keep them until after the meal has finished.

Cutting the cake

This usually takes place before the evening guests arrive and will only take about five minutes.

Evening Reception

This probably starts about 7.30pm or 8pm is the usual time and goes on late into the night.  Discuss with the venue when they expect you to wind things up.

Want some more advice?

Hopefully this will help you schedule a sequence of events where you never feel hurried and things progress at a comfortable pace.  Every wedding is different, however, and the team at Clevedon Hall will be happy to discuss how best to make your day absolutely perfect.