The Ultimate Wedding Day Timeline: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Perfect Celebration

If you are planning on marrying for cross-culture, none of this will be news to you! Remember that the last thing you want is to get caught unprepared on your big day.,It’s essential to have a detailed timeline. This is especially true of Indian weddings, which are intricately planned affairs that last up to a week full of ceremonies and rituals—all with their own schedule. Your wedding timeline should cover the full day, right up until the last song of the night Front to back: The little more detailed it is, whether it’s minute-by-minute or half-hour chunks These are going to inform all of your wedding decisions: As a general rule, weddings last 30 minutes to an hour. (This is not a hard and fast rule; trust yourself to judge how long it takes.)And most Receptions are 4-5 hours.,We also asked expert wedding planner Alex Carter, founder of Carter Events, to help us with a modern timeline. Here is a sample wedding reception for women from the 1950s: If your wedding starts at 5:30 pm, just shift everything: If you have two Different times of the day are relevant to each one and must be tailored accordingly.,The timing assumes that the ceremony and reception will occur under one roof, so no traveling time is needed before cocktails ats. If your reception is in a different location, however, you may want to allow thirteen minutes for travel in time for guests arriving from one venue to find another.,Here's an outline that will help you build your wedding timeline:Before the Ceremony

The ceremony start time printed on the wedding invitations is for guests, but for the couple, wedding party, and vendors, the day starts much earlier.

11 a.m. Hair Styling & Makeup Begins

The exact time this begins depends on how many people need to be done and what sort of look they are after, but 11 a.m. is a good starting point for an average-sized party. If neither bride nor groom needs formal make-up (and there could be both men and women, don't forget), then this step may be omitted altogether. If you have a larger than average group who all need their hair and makeup professionally done - indeed even if only one person among you is present in need of such a treatment- you'll want to start very early. Your stylists will be able to advise you on the right time.

2pm: Photographer arrives

The photographer should arrive about 30 minutes before for the bride and groom to dress. Then we will take photos of bridesmaids in matching attire, rings and invitations, as well as anything else that has been prepared, such is photo albums or signature books. On occasion they are also required to arrange transport to the church or get things ready in the park for the marriage shot etc. They may also scout the venue for ideal photo backdrops.

2:15 p.m. Wedding Party is Ready; Partner’s Hair and Makeup is Complete

The wedding party and all family members that took part in getting ready should be dressed and ready once the hair and makeup are finished. This way, everyone can be included in background shots taken at getting-ready time.

2:30 p.m. Couple gets dressed

Once dressed, this is an excellent time for photographers to capture some close shots of the couple alone. Props and scenes can include loved ones assisting with final touches--adjusting dress, fastening jewerly, putting on boutonnires etc-which will make a nice moment on film if done well. Thus you have set up two group shots. The second will need special attention to details.

2:45 p.m. Individual Portraits

Once dressed her own way, the photographer will be taking individual portraits at designated locations around the venue.

3:10 - 3:30 p.m. Wedding Party Group Photos

This is the time to take fun and casual shots that capture celebratory moments with the couple and their closest friends. If you want special photos--like a Champagne toast--have props ready.

3:30 p.m. First Look (Optional)

A private moment when the couple sees each other before the ceremony.

3:30 - 4:10 p.m. Portraits Together

If you have chosen to do the first look, then this time allows for some intimate portraits at scenic locations around the venue.

4:10 - 5:00 p.m. Wedding Party and Family Photos

Family members should meet at a designated spot by 4:00 pm. Make sure your photographer has a shot list as well as someone who knows your family's relatives to help round everyone up for photos. After the Ceremony Now the celebrations start! The guests are here, and before long, you will be married officially.

Time of Starting the Ceremony 5:30 p.m. (You'll Find This on the Invitation. [Note] Most ceremonies start about fifteen minutes after the cited time to allow for late arrivals. (Church ceremonies often use this "schedule" option.

5:45 - 6:15 p.m. Ceremony

The Ceremony Schedule Varies – non-religious ceremonies Generally take around 20 minutes; for religious ones it can be up to an hour.

6:15 - 7:15 p. m. Cocktail hour

As the couple takes post-ceremony photos or enjoys a rest in their private suite, guests can enjoy drinks and appetizers.

7:00 p.m.(ish) sunset shots

During the 30 minutes before sunset, set aside time for even more portraits so you can get wonderful natural lighting.

At and After the oCleremony

Now it's time to celebrate, for you are legally married!

7:15 p.m. Guests Invited to Dinner

The guests move into the dining area for dinner.

7:30 p.m. grand entry and first dance

Many times, couples move directly from Customized Initials to First Dance so that they can keep their momentum and excitement going.

7:35 - 7:45 p.m. Welcome Toasts

Conventionally done by either of the parents or close family.

7:45 - 8:30 p.m. Dinner

Now you must eat and take a breather.

8:30 - 8:40 p.m. Wedding Party Toasts

The best man and maid of honor (or the man and woman selected for a joint speech) give their toasts. Anyone who has been told to cut a five-minute limit for his speech is advised that he should do so because it becomes much harder under the circumstances of time crunch.

8:40 - 8:50 p.m. Parent Dances

Following the toasts, the parent dances segue into Open dancing

9:30 - 9:45 p.m. Cutting of the Cake And Special Traditions

This could include cake cutting, A poignant "homeTurning," First Glass or other traditions you desire to incorporate.

9:45 p.m. Open Dance floor

Now you won't leave the dance floor all night!

11:30 p.m. grand exit

Prepare with your DJ or band a final song. If you're having your getaway lined with sparklers or using some other kind of stunt, assign someone beforehand to direct the guests. Then as the last song plays, link arms, and take the first step of this path for married life.