The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Day Timelines: From Hair & Makeup to the Last Dance
Perfecting Your Wedding Day Timeline: A Guide to Everything From Hair & Makeup to the Last Dance
We’ve all heard the saying, “time flies when you’re having fun,” but when it comes to your wedding day, you don’t want to leave anything to chance. A well-structured wedding timeline ensures that everything runs smoothly, and it allows you to relax and enjoy every moment of your big day.
At Northwoods Event Services, we help couples create timelines that are stress-free and enjoyable. Here’s a rough overview that we use to create the perfect wedding day timeline:
1. Hair & Makeup (4-6 Hours Before Ceremony)
Getting ready on your wedding day is part of the fun, but it’s also a big chunk of time! Plan to start hair and makeup at least 4-6 hours before the ceremony to allow enough time for you and your bridal party to get ready. Don’t forget to account for any unexpected delays, so leaving a little extra time is always a good idea.
Pro tip: Break up the timing for hair and makeup for each member of your bridal party so no one feels rushed!
2. Pre-Ceremony Photos (2 Hours Before Ceremony)
We recommend scheduling time for pre-ceremony photos before the ceremony begins. This is a great opportunity for you to capture intimate moments with your bridal party and family, while still allowing you to have a little breathing room before the ceremony starts. These photos set the tone for the rest of the day and ensure that you have plenty of time for those perfect shots.
Northwoods Event Services Tip: We’ll help you plan and organize your photo schedule to ensure no one feels rushed and that you have all the time you need for beautiful photos.
3. The Ceremony (30 Minutes to 1 Hour)
The ceremony is the heart of your wedding day. While the length of the ceremony depends on whether you’re having a religious or non-religious ceremony, it generally lasts between 20-45 minutes. Be sure to factor in time for entrances, readings, and the exchanging of vows.
4. Cocktail Hour & Reception (4-5 Hours)
After the ceremony, you’ll want to allow your guests time to mingle and enjoy a cocktail hour while you and your bridal party take more photos. This is also when your reception begins. You’ll need to factor in time for speeches, toasts, dinner, dancing, and special moments like the cake cutting and first dance.
Pro Tip: Make sure to leave time for breaks to grab a bite and enjoy the festivities yourself!
5. The Last Dance
Don’t forget to plan for the last dance. This moment is often emotional and unforgettable, and it’s a wonderful way to wrap up your wedding day. Plan for this towards the end of your reception, and make sure you’ve set aside enough time for the grand exit afterward.
At Northwoods Event Services, we help you create a custom timeline that’s reflective of your needs and preferences, allowing you to enjoy every second of your big day without stress or chaos.